I would have thought whatever is good for the development of the Phoenix and NZ Football serves anyones best interest who considers themselves a fan of both. There might be some small concerns from some local clubs but I think it's very good in the big picture.
This is kinda where I sit.
What is the main aim here? Is it
a: For club to hold their patch?
b: For players to get some sort of structured set up with above the line coaching?
When you answer that question then you figure out what side of the fence you sit.
For me, if you can get 20-30 kids into a programme and playing as a team with a better structure and set up than a regular club side with better coaching, that is ultimately going to be in the best interests of the players, and the national team/Phoenix. In the grand scheme of things, I really could not give a shark what some dingy club in blue fudge nowhere think about what the Phoenix are doing to the detriment of their club because the Phoenix are probably doing it infinitely better than the whingers.
If all you are about is your own patch then why would you have a whinge about a player progressing to a better level/better offer/better coaching? Get better at providing those pathways as a club so players stick around or STFU. (I also don't necessarily think that the Phoenix are the only people that can offer better coaching but for the sake of this point I am expressing that view)
Whats next? Damn that West Bromich Albion pinching our Chris Wood. How fudgeing dare they.
The best things I think some of these clubs can do its is to saddle up along side the Phoenix and ask 'How can we help you and ourselves improve football in this area? Do you want our most promising juniors? Can we borrow one of your coaches for 2 hours a week in return?"
