You have just hit the nail on the head! I cant really see, for instance, Ridenton, Rufer ever really starting a game for the Nix (except for an injury crisis or international call ups) so what is the point? They have been there long enough now, maybe it is time to clear out some of these players and try some new ones! If they dont make a regular first team spot within a year/two years they should be gone!
I think we have to 'harden up' when it comes to our young players.
Isn't that the point though? With all the restrictions in the A-league, you're never going to whole a squad of 23 that are starting quality. Phoenix is always going to be low attraction option for Aussies, so you need to create some kind of depth somehow. It's not like those players are stopping anyone else coming through now that there is a reserve team to blood the next generation.
Was Boxall offered a pay increase to keep him in town? Was Boyd frozen out deliberately? Was Fallon ever approached to come back to NZ?