Bending it with Beckham

Bending it with Beckham

David Beckham could be playing at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

Wellington Phoenix is believed to be in the final stages of negotiations with Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy club for a match in Wellington in late November, piggybacking on the Galaxy's match against Sydney FC on November 27. The Phoenix refused to comment last night, but it is understood they and Sydney FC would each have to fork out about A$1 million (NZ$1.15 million) for the Beckham show. No surprise, therefore, that the deal hinges on one vital clause, which guarantees the former England captain taking the field. Whether the Wellington tie will take place before or after the Sydney clash is expected to be announced at a press conference in the capital early next week. Beckham signed a five-year, US$250 million (NZ$349 million) deal this year that took him from Real Madrid to the Galaxy, who are now cashing in on their investment through exhibition matches around the globe. His appearance will remain a big question mark as long as the gifted midfielder continues to struggle with injury problems which have marred his first months in the United States. For all the hype, Beckham has so far taken the field for only 18 minutes, but yesterday said he was ready for today's match against DC United after his first full training session in Los Angeles. A 40-strong Galaxy party is reported to be staying several days in Sydney, but it is not known how long the former Manchester United star may be in New Zealand. Whether wife Victoria - better known as Posh Spice - will make the trip down-under isn unknown as the Spice Girls are preparing for their comeback world tour.

That would be Awesome. I would be there for sure. Would be amazing to see him play in real life.

That would be amazing if he came over here! I'm a Man Utd fan, not a big Becks fan, but it'd still be great to say I'd seen him play live. I also think Tony and Terry have been brilliant in even thinking about doing this! Such a publicity stunt for them and football in NZ. Maybe we'll knock rugby off the top spot on the news that week.....maybe.  

good for the a-league

It will be a waste of money and a diversion from getting into the finals.  So far the Phoenix team management have done everything right, it will be a pity if this show pony of a team become a diversion from the A league.  And I'm one of the few people I know that think Beckham's pass makes him worth his place in the England side.  And it's only a matter of time before the Premier league teams start heading down this way for games.

couldn't give a fcuk if he was here or not.   I would go to the game, but only to see the Nix play.

Frnakie, liekwise for me. I go to see the nix. I don't care who they're playing, even if it's a Central Selection at windy and rainy Hutt Park!

this story made the front page of the press

Except may be ZZ

But yes Terry be careful. 

...and here.

The thing to remember is we're not the ones this game is trying to get along. 

They know it's the Phoenix so we'll be there not matter what, but if they get 33,000 and 2,000 stay for the rest of the Phoenix's lifetime well then it becomes a whole different thing.

Incidentally, if it was the Galaxy without Beckham (and even not playing the Phoenix) I'd probably still go.  Landon Donovan is quite good, and I'm a football slut.  If I'm not playing I'm trying to find a game to watch.

Grr. I'm sick of hearing about micky mouse games with David f**king Beckham. Oh well, it'll get a few fans along that wouldn't usually come which can only be good. Hopefully they'll stay.

[edit] Hard News posted pretty much the same thing before me! Great minds.
valeo2007-08-16 10:13:12

The stuff Blog is running an editorial on this too, might pay for us to drop some of our thoughts there where non-YF readers might see them: phil_style2007-08-16 10:13:03

Brilliant dead ball player average on the ball player annoying  wife !!!
$1.5 million ...aye right!
Big yawn!!
Kiwi Jambo2007-08-16 10:25:36

This would be a milestone in Nz football.

 Its a circus with no the trapeze and no elephants ,maybe a few donkeys  and clowns though!!

Its good for the game. Problem is would they cancel the game if Becks came a croper and got injured prior to kick off

you would at least have some fun with the chants! - As long as Terry and Co can make money on this I don't see why not. Having one of the most famous soccer players ever to come in play in wellington can't do anything but raise the profile of the club and soccer in New Zealand. But If they can't sell most of the tickets in the stadium they stand to loose alot of money.

Already seen him play in the flesh 3 or 4 times over the years. Most recently against Ecuador when he scored that free kick at the World Cup.

then the only way I can see they could work it is if they have a massive sponsorship lined up for the game. Beer company or something prehaps

Ye cannae help but talk about Hearts can you!

C-Diddy2007-08-16 11:37:43

I'd love to see a Phoenix vs Galaxy match, or against any other MLS club really (though I'd personally prefer to see Toronto FC),  but only to see the Nix play an MLS team. I'm not fussed over Becks, nor over the ticket prices he'd bring. Don't think it's worth it just yet.

I'm not a fan but I can't see how you could deny the publicity that such an appearance would bring to the game in NZ and the nix in particular.

Nice one Terry (even if it doesn't go ahead)!
Arsenal2007-08-16 13:22:55

Definitely a good thing. Good work Terry.

WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY

It's a bit like when they brough Tiger out to the NZ open, good publicity but the actual product was a bit disappointing.  Could go the same way I guess...I'd certainly go and I'd certainly be willing to pay extra to go...

The game itself is never gonna be a cracker - just an exhibition kickaround.  It's a big risk to fork out over a $million to secure the match and Becks could easily get injured and not even play, and then you'd lose half the gate receipts.

Beckham's reach is outside just the football family. A lot of people will come to the "soccer" just because of the Beckham name. The thought of 34,000 at a football match in WELLINGTON has appeal to me.

Frankie Mac and I gave our two cents worth to TV3 at the Backbencher this arvo - make sure you tune in

You should see me sniffing round in the background too..

...and I would have been in the background but they forgot the wide-angle lens.

It sounds great. I'll fly up for it if I can.

TV3 reporter Rachael Morton = angel

I'll be there, Beckham or no Beckham. Its still football and a much better level than anything over here.