Having a Nix academy side in ASB Premiership would be a good step but it doesn't solve the issues with getting our squad players game time. Rufer, Adams etc need a NYL side to play in. We can do without a marquee but we can't do without a NYL side if we want to follow CCM's path. It costs more but it is more valuable for the development of the Phoenix.
Why the massive boner for the NYL?
And don't give me "well Mariners have done it" because Mariners are light years ahead of us in all respects. They have feeder teams playing in the local winter competitions, they have a fully fledged Academy (we have a sponsorship arrangement) and the have invested MONEY in finding (most important) and developing (secondary importance) good teenage players to ease into the first team.
A NYL team would be nice, but it's not going to turn Rufer/Ridenton into an A-League player much quicker than giving them a couple of years in the ASB Premiership until they're grown ups, and THEN signing them.