Wellington Phoenix Men

Home games (away) - the rules?

178 replies · 1,336 views
about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I certainly don't expect Tony to come charging in here and start posting on the Club's position. he's got enough on his plate.
 
However, this seems to be an issue which is dividing the supporters (and pissing quite a few of them off) so maybe it would be good PR for the Club, at some stage, to organise a time to give their point of view?

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Rule #1. Get your own football team.
Rule #2. Get your own football team.
Rule #3. Play home games at home.
 
sorted...
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
If we play one of our home games somewhere else in New Zealand every year and get crowds like that, this will help us keep our own Football team.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
We'll keep our football team regardless of whether we play somewhere else in NZ every year or not. But nice try at the ultimatum. Tegal2010-02-02 14:47:14

Allegedly

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I think that higher attendances will help us keep support over the ditch for us being in the A-League.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Colvinator wrote:
If we play one of our home games somewhere else in New Zealand every year and get crowds like that, this will help us keep our own Football team.
 
This. We're incredibly lucky to even have a team in this economic environment and with the AFC clearly on the warpath against us. I'd accept whatever it takes to keep us here, be it for economic or goodwill reasons, so long as it keeps the Phoenix license from being handed over to an Australian city.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Not like we're going to get 19k every year at chch though. novelty factor will wear off if it is annual (as opposed to no game in about 5 years+?)  Palmy had 8k,a fair percentage of which was people from wellington making the trip up.

Allegedly

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Robb wrote:
Colvinator wrote:
If we play one of our home games somewhere else in New Zealand every year and get crowds like that, this will help us keep our own Football team.
 
This. We're incredibly lucky to even have a team in this economic environment and with the AFC clearly on the warpath against us. I'd accept whatever it takes to keep us here, be it for economic or goodwill reasons, so long as it keeps the Phoenix license from being handed over to an Australian city.
But we dont have the ultimatum of "take the game around NZ or you'll lose your team" or even,"increase your attendances or lose your team".
 
We'll have a team either way. So is complete scare-monger angle to go at,but nicely done.

Allegedly

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
It's not an ultimatum at all. As you know, fairly recently certain powers in Football have been speculating on our future. At least thinking of changing the way we run now. I'm sure officials in Australia are reasonably concerned with dropping crowd numbers in the A-League, so anything we do that boosts our average attendance will help in some small way. Also helps our argument in terms of helping New Zealand Football as a whole.
 
I wouldn't bother with going to Palmy again. I reckon Christchurch would pull over 10k regularly if we went there every year, but that's something that's obviously speculation from anyone. Up to Phoenix to do their research there. I'd personally be surprised if most didn't show up again if given one game a season. Who knows, I imagine there's a good buzz about it in Christchurch now, so they could even get more.
 
Another positive I see, is that seeing a big crowd like that in Christchurch may help to encourage other Wellingtonians to get off their backsides and come to the game. Just like I'm sure so many people went in Christchurch after seeing good crowds here for Phoenix and All Whites.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Tegal wrote:
Robb wrote:
Colvinator wrote:
If we play one of our home games somewhere else in New Zealand every year and get crowds like that, this will help us keep our own Football team.
 
This. We're incredibly lucky to even have a team in this economic environment and with the AFC clearly on the warpath against us. I'd accept whatever it takes to keep us here, be it for economic or goodwill reasons, so long as it keeps the Phoenix license from being handed over to an Australian city.
But we dont have the ultimatum of "take the game around NZ or you'll lose your team" or even,"increase your attendances or lose your team".
 
We'll have a team either way. So is complete scare-monger angle to go at,but nicely done.
 
We don't have that ultimatum yet. There's absolutely no guarantee we'll still have a team, not even beyond this season. The FFA have yet to grant us a contract extension, and as part of doing so, they may very well give us such an ultimatum as part of a "raise your income so we get an increased share" demand. Likewise, there's no guarantee Terry will continue funding the team while it is losing money. The Christchurch match was, from an income point of view, two matches for the price of one (assuming venue fees were equal or close to Westpacs). Kinda hard to pass up. And there's also NZF - they're the licence holder, they might demand the club move around the country as part of their mandate to promote the sport.
 
Don't get me wrong - my absolute first preference is to have every match in Wellington. I'd sooner have us play at the Basin Reserve than Lancaster Park. And I was one of those who missed the match because of the move. But the reality is there are a lot of problems affecting club security right now, and if moving matches was an option, I'd take it.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
How anyone can think that playing games outside of Wellington will help attendance figures for actual  homegames is beyond me.
 
I'd love to be proven wrong, but the cynic in me thinks that the more home games that slip through the fingers of both hard-core and casual supporters alike, the more disenfranchised, disillusioned and disappointed people from Wellington could become.
 
I love this City, love it to bits. I would rather live here than anywhere else in this country. I'm proud of this city for the absolutely fantastic loyal support that the Phoenix have had. Before there was even a club, there was a supporters club. When the rest of the country scoffed at our chances, we held fast. When times were bad, we stayed true to the club. The support of a football club is an extremely different beast than support for most other codes. To have our  team pimped out to other provinces under the guise of "growing the game" or what ever other excuse people that people think justifies it is an insult.
 
THIS IS OUR TEAM!
Milky Pisswit2010-02-02 15:24:59
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jag wrote:
I certainly don't expect Tony to come charging in here and start posting on the Club's position. he's got enough on his plate.
 
However, this seems to be an issue which is dividing the supporters (and pissing quite a few of them off) so maybe it would be good PR for the Club, at some stage, to organise a time to give their point of view?
 
Agreed.
 
In fairness to Tony this is a tricky issue and needs to be carefully thought through - there is no need for him to rush an answer. We should all be focused on and enjoying the last couple of games of the season and the play-offs rather than getting stressed over next season's fixtures.
 
I don't think anyone is arguing we are not the Wellington Phoenix what is being debated, (my view in (  )s ), is;
 
1.) What responsibility does the Phoenix have to spread the gospel around NZ ? (None)
 
2). What does the Phoenix "owe" it's core fans in return for their passionate support ? (Undying loyalty and respect)
 
4). What is more important, making a quick $100k - $200k from a one-off "away" home game or home advantage ? (Depends - if a quick $ keeps the Nix viable or allows us to buy a better player then $s, if losing home advantage could cost us a play-off spot then home advantage).
 
5). Has ChCh earned a regular season fixture ? (No - it was never there to be earned. It was a one-off game forced away from Wellington by the unavailability of the RoF).
 
6). Should we play a game at ChCh next season ? (See 4). above)
 
7). So, as a season ticket holder, would you object to the Nix playing a game in ChCh next season ? (No, I know Terry is losing serious $s and if he can make $100k - $200k by taking a game to ChCh I can live without 1 home game in 15).
 
8). Any more than 1 home game away from the RoF ? (No).
 
9) Is not wanting any more than 1 game away from the RoF about the value for money you get from a season ticket ? (No, I am a season ticket holder because I want to go to all home games. I do not expect to have to travel to a home game. If I travel it will be to Oz for an away game. Also see 2), above).
 
 
Whitby boy2010-02-02 15:53:29
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Scottishbhoy wrote:
Quick question and don't get sh*tty at me,
�

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have you made this threat with all the angst because we got near 20k?


Congrats on the 20k but thats a huge call. Firstly you've got to understand we're all on the same team here mate, but honestly... nix first game in welly was 14k. You got that plus 5k for playoff hype and corporates given free tickets to the new stadium. Not to mention traveling YF. It's a great effort no doubt- but don't get carried away thinking you're bigger than that. The nix have a solid supporter base in Welly. Not many teams would've got 7k screaming shirtless fans in the worst weather I have seen all year.

So my point is- this thread is not about angst. It is about the fallout from CHCH's great crowd, whether the Phoenix should play games around the country more and what sort of rules should be in place to not disenfranchise the key Wellington market.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Robb wrote:
Tegal wrote:
Robb wrote:
Colvinator wrote:
If we play one of our home games somewhere else in New Zealand every year and get crowds like that, this will help us keep our own Football team.
 
This. We're incredibly lucky to even have a team in this economic environment and with the AFC clearly on the warpath against us. I'd accept whatever it takes to keep us here, be it for economic or goodwill reasons, so long as it keeps the Phoenix license from being handed over to an Australian city.
But we dont have the ultimatum of "take the game around NZ or you'll lose your team" or even,"increase your attendances or lose your team".
 
We'll have a team either way. So is complete scare-monger angle to go at,but nicely done.
 
We don't have that ultimatum yet. There's absolutely no guarantee we'll still have a team, not even beyond this season. The FFA have yet to grant us a contract extension, and as part of doing so, they may very well give us such an ultimatum as part of a "raise your income so we get an increased share" demand. Likewise, there's no guarantee Terry will continue funding the team while it is losing money. The Christchurch match was, from an income point of view, two matches for the price of one (assuming venue fees were equal or close to Westpacs). Kinda hard to pass up. And there's also NZF - they're the licence holder, they might demand the club move around the country as part of their mandate to promote the sport.
 
Don't get me wrong - my absolute first preference is to have every match in Wellington. I'd sooner have us play at the Basin Reserve than Lancaster Park. And I was one of those who missed the match because of the move. But the reality is there are a lot of problems affecting club security right now, and if moving matches was an option, I'd take it.
 
But the AFC's antipathy towards having a club based in an OFC nation in one of their nation's comps has nothing to do with whether the Nix are travelling - regardless of whether going on the road domestically taps into unexploited riches.
 
Also, if the Nix's financial stability is really so fragile that going on the road makes the difference between continued existence or not, then it's a fruitless discussion. If our financial viability is that fragile, we'd be one or two low crowds away from folding.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
chocnut wrote:
Scottishbhoy wrote:
Quick question and don't get sh*tty at me,
 

 

have you made this threat with all the angst because we got near 20k?


Congrats on the 20k but thats a huge call. Firstly you've got to understand we're all on the same team here mate, but honestly... nix first game in welly was 14k. You got that plus 5k for playoff hype and corporates given free tickets to the new stadium. Not to mention traveling YF. It's a great effort no doubt- but don't get carried away thinking you're bigger than that. The nix have a solid supporter base in Welly. Not many teams would've got 7k screaming shirtless fans in the worst weather I have seen all year.

So my point is- this thread is not about angst. It is about the fallout from CHCH's great crowd, whether the Phoenix should play games around the country more and what sort of rules should be in place to not disenfranchise the key Wellington market.
I think SB was asking a question rather than making an observation.. We are not arrogant about our attendance as there were very obviously other factors involved (traveling YF, novelty factor, free tickets apparently?).
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
timmymadden wrote:
chocnut wrote:
Scottishbhoy wrote:
Quick question and don't get sh*tty at me,
 

 

have you made this threat with all the angst because we got near 20k?


Congrats on the 20k but thats a huge call. Firstly you've got to understand we're all on the same team here mate, but honestly... nix first game in welly was 14k. You got that plus 5k for playoff hype and corporates given free tickets to the new stadium. Not to mention traveling YF. It's a great effort no doubt- but don't get carried away thinking you're bigger than that. The nix have a solid supporter base in Welly. Not many teams would've got 7k screaming shirtless fans in the worst weather I have seen all year.

So my point is- this thread is not about angst. It is about the fallout from CHCH's great crowd, whether the Phoenix should play games around the country more and what sort of rules should be in place to not disenfranchise the key Wellington market.
I think SB was asking a question rather than making an observation.. We are not arrogant about our attendance as there were very obviously other factors involved (traveling YF, novelty factor, free tickets apparently?).
 
Sorry, first of all i should of reread. I meant Thread.
 
And i'm not claiming we are bigger than Wellington, f**k no.  The press gave 250 tickets away for corporate boxes think the other boxes were filled by members. I don't know anyone who went for the 'play off hype' either. I think most people wanted to come out and have something different and experience the football. So 5k from that is ballocks. And please don't bring up the new stand issue because a good 20k+ already toured it from the launch date.
 
And hey, i'm just asking the question whats with the hate. I get that you're all annoyed the phoenix travelled because it's WELLINGTON but you didn't pay for the games in your season tickets from what i've read so don't moan about the money side of it.  I am in agreely that they shouldn't travel the rest of the country - but Christchurch was a success so why wouldn't they come back?
 
What you guys in Wellington have to do is some how get 15k+ to the rest of the home games. Get in behind the side.
 
 
Scottishbhoy2010-02-02 18:46:03

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

So you lot in Wellington would rather all games at home with crowd averages of 7-8k than coming down here ONCE and getting 15-20k, expanding the phoenix brand, expanding the yellow fever, making a little profit, expanding football in NZ and getting a good vibe about the oval game?

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Scottishbhoy wrote:

So you lot in Wellington would rather all games at home with crowd averages of 7-8k than coming down here ONCE and getting 15-20k, expanding the phoenix brand, expanding the yellow fever, making a little profit, expanding football in NZ and getting a good vibe about the oval game?

 
Yes
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Scottishbhoy wrote:
 
........What you guys in Wellington have to do is some how get 15k+ to the rest of the home games. Get in behind the side. 
 
I know you meant this comment as positive encouragement so rest assured I am not having a crack at you but it is just the sort of comment that will piss off many who have been loyal for 3 years including toughing it out on cold, wet and windy nights.
 
This is exactly why the club needs to handle this issue very sensitively - the crowd in ChCh was fantastic but it shouldn't be waved in front of any regular Nix supporters face or used for comparative purposes - that disrespects the loyal week in week out supporters.
 
Celebrate the crowd and the occassion but recognse it for what it was - a one-off crowd for a one-off game assisted by a number of one-off factors.
 
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Just handle it people we maybe the Wellington Phoenix, But its the only New Zealand side at the current time and until another one is in the league handle it, a game maybe played elsewhere in each season.CboZ2010-02-02 19:05:15
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Whitby boy wrote:
Scottishbhoy wrote:
 
........What you guys in Wellington have to do is some how get 15k+ to the rest of the home games. Get in behind the side. 
 
I know you meant this comment as positive encouragement so rest assured I am not having a crack at you but it is just the sort of comment that will piss off many who have been loyal for 3 years including toughing it out on cold, wet and windy nights.
 
This is exactly why the club needs to handle this issue very sensitively - the crowd in ChCh was fantastic but it shouldn't be waved in front of any regular Nix supporters face or used for comparative purposes - that disrespects the loyal week in week out supporters.
 
Celebrate the crowd and the occassion but recognse it for what it was - a one-off crowd for a one-off game assisted by a number of one-off factors.
 
 
I didn't mean it in that way mate. I understand you lot are all die hard fans who have built the respect the phoenix have and I understand the 7000-8000 average is the die hard fan base.  I said that as a general comment to get as many people [regulars and non regulars] to the phoenix as possible and get 15k to the game. Should have worded it better
Scottishbhoy2010-02-02 19:12:07

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Should have.
E + R + O

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
SurgeQld wrote:
Should have.
 
Thanks

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Scottishbhoy wrote:
Whitby boy wrote:
 
........What you guys in Wellington have to do is some how get 15k+ to the rest of the home games. Get in behind the side. 
[/QUOTE]
 
I know you meant this comment as positive encouragement so rest assured I am not having a crack at you....... 
 
I didn't mean it in that way mate.....
 
SB, I know you didn't which is why I made the initial comment I did - all good.
 
 
Whitby boy2010-02-02 19:26:32
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
My 2 cents is as follows:

I support the Nix. Terry owns the Nix. Tony runs the Nix.

I trust the 2T's value my support and investment in our club, as with that of all of you, and others who will never read this... and will consider all relevant factors and do whats best for the club.

If that means once (maybe twice) a year we play a home game in Chch, Dunedin, Taihape, Toowoomba, or, even Auckland; then thats ok with me if it's the best for our club - for whatever reason.

If the support and investment of myself and others here in Wellington is taken for granted, this will have a huge negative impact on the success of our club - on and off field. I'm pretty sure the 2T's appreciate that as well, if not better, than most of us.

I trust them to make the best choices on behalf of myself and fellow supporters of our club - regardless of where they are.

I don't care where we play. I want wants best for OUR club. And, I want success. I'd imagine, and presume, we all do?

Personally of course, 50 weeks a year at the ROF and cheap beer would be ideal!SurgeQld2010-02-02 19:41:31
E + R + O

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
SurgeQld wrote:
My 2 cents is as follows:

I support the Nix. Terry owns the Nix. Tony runs the Nix.

I trust the 2T's value my support and investment in our club, as with that of all of you, and others who will never read this... and will consider all relevant factors and do whats best for the club.

If that means once (maybe twice) a year we play a home game in Chch, Dunedin, Taihape, Toowoomba, or, even Auckland; then thats ok with me if it's the best for our club - for whatever reason.

If the support and investment of myself and others here in Wellington is taken for granted, this will have a huge negative impact on the success of our club - on and off field. I'm pretty sure the 2T's appreciate that as well, if not better, than most of us.

I trust them to make the best choices on behalf of myself and fellow supporters of our club - regardless of where they are.

I don't care where we play. I want wants best for OUR club. And, I want success. I'd imagine, and presume, we all do?
 
 

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I can deal with one match in Christchurch SB I've said that but just this idea of the nix becoming a traveling side pisses me off. Plus if you really think CHCH could get a crowd that big or even over 10k for 3 seasons straight then you'd be joking. So please lose the be more like us stance (which i know you have since changed).chocnut2010-02-02 19:38:42
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Simple fact is it's a Wellington team. Based in Wellington. Plays in Wellington. Involved in Wellington. Wear Wellington Colours and have the word "Wellington" in the name.

If Cantabrians are so starved of football get to an NZFC game, make some noise there.

And to those saying that we should be a traveling circus in Christchurch only, if we're going to be a travelling circus (which we shouldn't) then it should be in a different city each year. If we play in Christchurch every year we'll get 10 000 along. If we play in a different city each week we'll keep it at constantly around 15k - 20k.

To me, however, the idea of being a traveling circus just seems retarded. A club shouldn't be isolating it's fan base by playing games in locations which are expensive/difficult/expensive & difficult to get to.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
chocnut wrote:
I can deal with one match in Christchurch SB I've said that but just this idea of the nix becoming a traveling side pisses me off. Plus if you really think CHCH could get a crowd that big or even over 10k for 3 seasons straight then you'd be joking. So please lose the be more like us stance (which i know you have since changed).
 
I disagree. I think 10k is reasonable considering we got around 5k [so i believe] for the preseaon games which have been here. If it's marketing well enough [which is was with constant posters/radio ads/bill boards] then i'd expect to get 10 000 here for one off games once a season.

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Mr_Incredible wrote:
Simple fact is it's a Wellington team. Based in Wellington. Plays in Wellington. Involved in Wellington. Wear Wellington Colours and have the word "Wellington" in the name.

If Cantabrians are so starved of football get to an NZFC game, make some noise there.

And to those saying that we should be a traveling circus in Christchurch only, if we're going to be a travelling circus (which we shouldn't) then it should be in a different city each year. If we play in Christchurch every year we'll get 10 000 along. If we play in a different city each week we'll keep it at constantly around 15k - 20k.

To me, however, the idea of being a traveling circus just seems retarded. A club shouldn't be isolating it's fan base by playing games in locations which are expensive/difficult/expensive & difficult to get to.
 
Over simplistic. Wellington team = play in Wellington. It would be good if people could look at the bigger picture. I support the Phoenix and also New Zealand Football. Having one game a year in another city in the middle of the season may well be good for both. I note the All Whites are playing Serbia in a neutral venue for World Cup preparation. Different example, but shows the Phoenix aren't the only ones not following simplistic notions all the time.
 
I find it a bit off to call the Phoenix a "travelling circus". That's not what they are at all, and having a game in another New Zealand city once a year wouldn't make them so. As far as the numbers go, well I'll have to leave that up to the Phoenix to do their own research, but I don't find it unlikely that Christchurch could keep getting good crowds.
 
One game in another city shouldn't isolate the fan base. But if fans are so fickle that they are going to drop their support because of that, well they can't be particularly big fans if they can't support the guys who have given us this club to do what they need to make it a success.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Colvinator wrote:
Mr_Incredible wrote:
Simple fact is it's a Wellington team. Based in Wellington. Plays in Wellington. Involved in Wellington. Wear Wellington Colours and have the word "Wellington" in the name.

If Cantabrians are so starved of football get to an NZFC game, make some noise there.

And to those saying that we should be a traveling circus in Christchurch only, if we're going to be a travelling circus (which we shouldn't) then it should be in a different city each year. If we play in Christchurch every year we'll get 10 000 along. If we play in a different city each week we'll keep it at constantly around 15k - 20k.

To me, however, the idea of being a traveling circus just seems retarded. A club shouldn't be isolating it's fan base by playing games in locations which are expensive/difficult/expensive & difficult to get to.
 
Over simplistic. Wellington team = play in Wellington. It would be good if people could look at the bigger picture. I support the Phoenix and also New Zealand Football. Having one game a year in another city in the middle of the season may well be good for both. I note the All Whites are playing Serbia in a neutral venue for World Cup preparation. Different example, but shows the Phoenix aren't the only ones not following simplistic notions all the time.
 
I find it a bit off to call the Phoenix a "travelling circus". That's not what they are at all, and having a game in another New Zealand city once a year wouldn't make them so. As far as the numbers go, well I'll have to leave that up to the Phoenix to do their own research, but I don't find it unlikely that Christchurch could keep getting good crowds.
 
One game in another city shouldn't isolate the fan base. But if fans are so fickle that they are going to drop their support because of that, well they can't be particularly big fans if they can't support the guys who have given us this club to do what they need to make it a success.
 
Colvinator you really are an intelligent man. I have been reading your comments in this thread and agree with them wholeheartedly. The other thing I would add is that going away to other places is FUN for fans, sure Palmy wasn't everyone's cup of tea but Christchurch was an absolute blast for those who went. Such a great experience.
 
 
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Colvinator wrote:
.........One game in another city shouldn't isolate the fan base. But if fans are so fickle that they are going to drop their support because of that, well they can't be particularly big fans.........
 
It is a very sensitive issue reflecting the passion not fickleness of season ticket holders and other core supporters.
 
If the club decides to play a game or, god forbid, two away from home next season it will need to be carefully and thoughtfully communicated. If it is positioned as good for the club (e.g. $s) then I think resistence will be less than if there is any hint of a loss of "Wellington" identity and becoming the NZ Phoenix - in intent not name. Losing or diluting the Wellington identity and thereby changing the relationship between the Nix, the city and its support base is the risk that needs to be managed if a game(s) are going to be played away from Wellington.
 
Not forgetting the loss of the home (RoF) advantage.
 
 
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
well said Whitbyboy!
 
and you used fewer expletives than i would, did not wish upon Colvinator a promiscuous sexual partner and generally responded with far more maturity than i would
 
 
 
 
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
tigers wrote:
and you used fewer expletives than i would, did not wish upon Colvinator a promiscuous sexual partner and generally responded with far more maturity than i would


Tigers, with teachers like you my (future) child's future looks bright!
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Scottishbhoy wrote:
chocnut wrote:
I can deal with one match in Christchurch SB I've said that but just this idea of the nix becoming a traveling side pisses me off. Plus if you really think CHCH could get a crowd that big or even over 10k for 3 seasons straight then you'd be joking. So please lose the be more like us stance (which i know you have since changed).


�
I disagree. I think 10k is reasonable considering we got around 5k [so i believe]�for the preseaon games which have been here. If it's marketing well enough [which is was with constant posters/radio ads/bill boards] then i'd expect to get 10 000 here for one off games once a season.


I meant if in our dreams the CHCH franchise happened.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
My Mistake.

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Colvinator wrote:

Over simplistic. Wellington team = play in Wellington. It would be good if people could look at the bigger picture. I support the Phoenix and also New Zealand Football. Having one game a year in another city in the middle of the season may well be good for both. I note the All Whites are playing Serbia in a neutral venue for World Cup preparation. Different example, but shows the Phoenix aren't the only ones not following simplistic notions all the time.
 
I find it a bit off to call the Phoenix a "travelling circus". That's not what they are at all, and having a game in another New Zealand city once a year wouldn't make them so. As far as the numbers go, well I'll have to leave that up to the Phoenix to do their own research, but I don't find it unlikely that Christchurch could keep getting good crowds.
 
One game in another city shouldn't isolate the fan base. But if fans are so fickle that they are going to drop their support because of that, well they can't be particularly big fans if they can't support the guys who have given us this club to do what they need to make it a success.
Yeah but the game wasnt in the middle of the season it was at the end of, and an important game in our push to the semis.Have serious doubts that the Phoenix would attract those numbers if it was played down there when rugby is being played.

I dont object to one game maybe being played away but will continue to voice my concern at the club talking about taking others away.As for being fickle im bloody sure my family wish i was,it would then mean they could schedule family functions on days the Phoenix play and i wouldnt spend so much money on Phoenix associated goods.Some of us brought into this club before we even had a squad and have continued to do so,however  this talk of taking other games away will have many questioning their dedication.



GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Paulinho wrote:
Colvinator wrote:
 
Over simplistic. Wellington team = play in Wellington. It would be good if people could look at the bigger picture. I support the Phoenix and also New Zealand Football. Having one game a year in another city in the middle of the season may well be good for both. I note the All Whites are playing Serbia in a neutral venue for World Cup preparation. Different example, but shows the Phoenix aren't the only ones not following simplistic notions all the time.
 
I find it a bit off to call the Phoenix a "travelling circus". That's not what they are at all, and having a game in another New Zealand city once a year wouldn't make them so. As far as the numbers go, well I'll have to leave that up to the Phoenix to do their own research, but I don't find it unlikely that Christchurch could keep getting good crowds.
 
One game in another city shouldn't isolate the fan base. But if fans are so fickle that they are going to drop their support because of that, well they can't be particularly big fans if they can't support the guys who have given us this club to do what they need to make it a success.
 
Colvinator you really are an intelligent man. I have been reading your comments in this thread and agree with them wholeheartedly. The other thing I would add is that going away to other places is FUN for fans, sure Palmy wasn't everyone's cup of tea but Christchurch was an absolute blast for those who went. Such a great experience.
 
 


I gave up on this debate a while ago but I agree, Colvinator seems to be on the same page as I was in my rants earlier in the thread. Its a shame that the one-eyed (though obviously very loyal - and that isn't a bad thing at all) supporters can't see the big picture and like to over simplify the complex issues surrounding the Nix in the HAL.
djtim30002010-02-02 22:44:06
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Regarding the "fickleness" - I didn't mean to say that you guys, or the Wellington Phoenix fans are fickle - they clearly aren't. I was responding to a few comments that were portraying it as if taking one game a way would be such a betrayal that may turn fans away from going to games. I don't think that's the case. If someone was like that, that would be fickle. I suppose it is good that we do have so fans that are so passionate they are annoyed at losing one game from Wellington. I'd urge anyone not to drop their dedication because of a change like this though, or at least read the reasons given from Tony P etc carefully.
 
I don't think people need to be scared of Wellington Phoenix losing their Wellington identity. One game a season wouldn't change that. If we were talking 4 or 5 games going away it's be a different story. I don't know how others feel, but I personally feel good when more people from around the country get behind the Phoenix. That doesn't have to make us lose our identity. The comments I've read previously have shown Tony P keen to say this will stay as a Wellington team. We don't want to become the New Zealand Phoenix - like the Warriors did. I see why people may get scared, but I don't think it's a major concern at this point (and hopefully not later on either).
 
I agree that we shouldn't move games right at the end of the season. I think everybody agrees with this point, and the original post said this. I would support moving one game in the middle of the season back to Christchurch and see how it goes next year. If they don't succeed again then stuff them! I think they could still do well though - I don't know much about the place, but I've heard it does have a good Football following.
 
Cheers Paulinho! And yea, the fun factor of travelling to somewhere else in New Zealand for a gaime is a good one too. I can't particularly afford to travel to away games in Australia, but could be keen to head down to Christchurch next season if they have another game.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Scottishbhoy wrote:

So you lot Not in Wellington would rather all games at home with crowd averages of 7-8k than coming down here ONCE and�getting 15-20k, expanding the phoenix brand, expanding the yellow fever, making a little profit, expanding football in NZ and getting a good vibe about the oval game?




yes.
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