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AFC Champions League - let us in!

7 replies · 156 views

almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I know I know... it won't happen any time soon and there are lots of obstacles to overcome, and even if we became eligible then we still need to finish top 2 (probably top 3 in future) of the A-League to qualify.

But, going to the Tianjin game on Saturday made me really wish we could get in there...

Pros:

It would be great for the players - get to play in a different part of the world, get to play varied quality opposition. Would make the club more attractive for player recruitment.

Great for the team - bonding, technical development, good experience for coaching staff, scouting in Asia.

Club profile - would increase awareness of the brand and open more doors for potential commercial deals, and club tie ups/relationships for loaning of players etc. Also more interest games for fans to follow, as it is of course televised, and would be indirectly very good for NZ football in general.

Cons:

Cost - it isn't cheap and Adelaide only just broke even last year despite reaching the final? However the current trip to China is being paid for and the Tianjin game at least was sponsored by a Chinese sports apparel manufacturer to some extent - so there is money out there.

Did I mention I really wish it could happen?

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

We are bored around here, arent we?

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

One massive issue would be player eligibility.

From memory Australia are only allowed three foreigners playing for their teams when they compete in the ACL, so because the nix are a Kiwi-based Aussie team we could only field three kiwis/other non-Australians. To be properly competitive we'd need a dispensation from AFC which isn't going to happen.

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Not another one of these threads

You know we belong together...

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Oska wrote:

Not another one of these threads

HA!...Oska don't be surprised at SC03 for putting it out there...(again!)
He's been stuck in China, had a taste of our beloved Phoenix live on Saturday ... and wants some more of what we've got.. (or are about to get in a couple of weeks.)
I don't blame him really.

Improving,,on the up, a work in progress from Italiano and the Nix. Bring on the bathroom bling in '24! COYN!

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Yeah, after thoroughly enjoying Saturday I just had to say my piece.

Back to reality today...