Perhaps it's not surprising that there is an element of "settling for mediocrity" among some, given the less than impressive record of NZ involvement in Oz football leagues. Forming a whole new football club on the back of these failures demands a healthy dose of realism from everyone from Serepisos at the top right down to the humblest fan.
�
So far just about every aspect of how the Phoenix�has been�run and maintained has impressed me: management, coaching, players, fanbase, etc. It's obvious there are many Kiwis, and Australians,�involved with big ambitions for the club, so I kind of feel like it's in the safe hands�of quietly confident and capable people. Don't forget too that almost every other club's supporters�this year have had good reason to whinge - I don't even need to name them because with the possible exception of Adelaide they've all been crap in patches.
�
�
�
I don't think I'm necessarily accepting mediocrity. I think I'm being realistic. I'm happy the team has improved on last year, but also expect to see continued improvement next season.
There are definitely areas that need working on, and I hope they are addressed. The club started at a disadvantage compared with the competition and, on the pitch at least, still haven't caught up. however, that excuse can't (and shouldn't) be used for too much longer, if at all.
Yes, missing out on the playoffs is disappointing. However, expectations of producing League-winning team overnight is the sort of thing that belongs to the owners of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Gold Coast and Football Manager.