Phoenix Ownership - Rob says FTFFA (Part 2)

"We're Campbelltown, the mighty Campbelltown,

We're not the Kingz, or Knights, or Nix"

Doesn't work, does it? There's your evidence that it's a fabrication to sell a tabloid rag.

The club has really lost control of this one, and they need to wrestle it back and flip all this negativity on its head. One way would be to unveil the new coach. And couple it with a firm statement from management that we're here for the long haul and already building for next season. 

All sounds pretty  sensible really.

I quoted it about the time you posted it. In agreement with you. 

You follow?

Yeah but the arguement has always been from the Australian press and some of their public that we do nothing to help Australian football (yes I know, not getting into that discussion) and the fact that we are from NZ, we are natural held to a higher standard than say CCM that isn't facing this same NIXOUT business. From listening to it and his wording it did sound like he thought it wasn't fair but was just the way it is.

piney trying to get an interview with Morrison on Radio Sport in next few hours

Cue, turn on Radio Sport...

Radio sport saying all going well, Jason Pine will be on between 3-4pm talking to Rob Morrison

Wellington Phoenix Chairman Rob Morrison refutes recent media allegations that the Wellington Phoenix licence is currently up for sale.

Basically comes down to the following:

FFA turfed and independent league = business as usual

FFA stay in control and still want us out = look at offers for mergers or sale

https://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/news/wellington-...

It's not just the best way, it's the only way. We aren't in England where they live and breath football, NZ is more a nation of bandwagon jumpers. If we can get in the top 4 in both the remaining seasons as well as working harder to get people to turn up, it might just keep us afloat. But I can't see any other scenario where crowds/ratings increase other than winning.

• Are they talking NZF or FFA here? Either way, since when does a national body get involved to support pro clubs to develop players? 
• Other than the title, there isn't much refuting in this. 
• I'm sure this statement will only disappoint those on here asking for a statement from the club. 

Assumd NZF

On now

On right now

Now on

Rob Morrison on Radio Sport at the moment talking to Jason Pine. Will post link when I have it but this is the most clear bit. 

“Are you interested in selling the A-League licence”
Rob Morrison: “No, is the simple answer”.

Then listen to it further, he says really needs FFA out as otherwise he sees the A-League dying a slow death. So there could be a possibility in future. 

Also said the 10 expansion teams have talked to not only the Nix but all A-League clubs and while silly to not listen. They aren't selling!

Woah, Morrison hasn't been sugarcoating his views on NZ Football, the FFA, Fox Sports journos. 

The comment about former players was quite enjoyable. 

Is there a recording?

I especially loved the FTFFA!

I'll answer my own question.

https://120.138.20.16/WeekOnDemand/radiosport/2018.04.24-15.00.00-S.mp3

Piney chucked the full interview up here if anyone wants a listen

https://soundcloud.com/piney6/rob-morrison-address...

Thank you Mr Morrison!

Rob Morrison's Yellow Army!

Good response from Morrison.  Took a while to get there, but the interview is good.  Cliffs notes version is that if the clubs don't get their way in the Governance battle with the FFA they are gone, but other than that, they are committed.  Which is the position I assumed we had prior to the last few days, so that's a positive for me.

Has a good dig at the trash rags and journos in the media that continuously runs with the rubbish speculative Nix out stories.

Also, have always been open to approaches from investors regarding shared ownership/investment esp. from an overseas club as in City Group and Melb. City (my example, not his).

I took notes: Overall I think that the owners will sell or divest if the price was right but it all hinges on there having to be a new independent A League. If there is no change there, there will be no Nix and probably no A League. I believe him to be genuine and in my mind I still believe that they are hanging on in the hope there will be an independent A League both to give the club some real value and for the good of the game itself.

Have they been in discussion with other parties?

Yes but he denied it was about sale of the club, he said they were not interested in selling.

Changes to the A League:

Ultimately important and unless there are changes the A League will die a slow death. The FFA have been obstructive re any change but FIFA expects change so it is likely to occur.

Sharing a license:

Still interested and have looked at it before. There has been very little support in NZ from NZF and this has meant a conscious move to align themselves with Australia which has resulted in a number of approaches from parties to share the license. He said it was still possible and they will look at it again but it depends on an independent A League going forward.

Are they committed to a Wellington based Nix going forward?

He did not give a straight yes and went on to again talk about being interested in attracting another investor. Currently the A League is not a sustainable model. There are plenty of interested investors in a sustainable A League.

The Welnix investor group:

Not everyone is interested in remaining an owner - especially if it just involves writing cheques. A lot of what they do is not good business and they are putting the club and fans ahead of their own personal interest.

fixed

FIFA, AFA, AAFC, lack of #prorel, City Group "disappointing" comments, Sage seeking money from A$ia, metrics everywhere. This is a fast death, not a slow one; though it is a SLOWY one.

So are the fans now on the same page?

That is - do we believe Rob, or we think he's lying?

That's the reason I wasn't so sure that commenting on the issues were a good idea, that whatever Rob or Domey said would be disbelieved or be the basis for new conspiracy theories / "imminent death of the Nix predicted".

Good Summary.

I am trying to get the whole interview transcribed and then you can read it for yourself too and take out the main bits. Will post as a google doc

Robs no sugar coated style is why we run a GM.  I remember the first time he front a Member forum.  Blunt and Direct.

I see no reason to not "believe" Rob here, he's being quite candid.

 I was very impressed with Morrison and thought he came across as a straight shooter with some thoughtful answers. And I liked the way he acknowledged the fans and the way they've stuck with the club through thick and thin. The only obvious question Piney didn't ask was about the appointment of a new coach and when it's going to happen.
Basically, I think the club is in good hands if Morrison stays at the helm. 

Very glad that Rob is our chairman. He obviously won't suffer foolishness and will name anyone that he thinks isn't doing their bit. Gives me big hope that we will appoint a decent coach this time round.
I also appreciated his positive feedback to the hardcore Nix supporters.