Phoenix Ownership - Rob says FTFFA (Part 2)

Jesus they're predictable 

Ten expansion teams? a twenty team league with a home and away basis, I am up for it. Selling to anither club nope. Bringing in another Wellington investor yes.

to be fair they didn't rule it out in that release. their story was before the radio appearance.

1. The ownership group are in this for the right reasons.

2. They are spending money in a manner that is not conducive to best business practice.

3. They totally support a change to the A League model, from FFA control to independence.

4. The ongoing survival of the club [in any form] is dependent on an new independent A League with a sustainable business model.

I still believe that they have been very prudent in not spending the required amount of money to be competitive in the A League. But accept that is totally understandable under the circumstances. They are holding out for significant change to give the club stability and some real monetary value. I also think there is nothing wrong with that - as they have every right to expect a chance to make money from the club.

What I do appreciate is the fact that Rob Morrisson has laid it all out on the table that the club's future depends on a new A League and that will guide them on what they do next in terms of making this a club with some value to both them, the fans and the league. 

I hope we can agree that its not purely an act of charity to own the club [as many in this forum keep preaching] nor just a case of spending fudge all, hanging on for a change in circumstances so the club and license has some value and WelNix will sell the club [like I have been spouting].

Glad he called out NZF. Survival of the Nix is hugely important overall for football in NZ. 

Must fudge the owners off that they bleed their own hard earned to ensure that survival, yet someone like Martin the head of football in the country and who draws a nice safe salary, offers so little in support. That support doesn’t have to be financial. 

I'd also like to see us hook up with a major overseas club who can help us create a better international pathway for our brightest young talent, and also lend us a few players from time to time. 

Agreed that it's not so black and white - but the fact of the matter is that if the Nix were to fold tomorrow, NZF loses a major pathway for young, future AWs. Seems like that would be quite an important consideration..

Has this ever worked in the history of the NSL or A-League? Hint: the answer is no, and always results in the 'bigger' club taking but never really giving anything back.

So what non-fiscal support could NZF give the Nix that it's not providing at the moment? As an outsider looking in, I struggle to understand this 'bad blood' (is that a fair description?) between the two bodies. 

all the clubs are battling and it is not sustainable - but ten groups want to join the league - which is it?

Political pressure, at a time Nix metrics are under scrutiny 

Reminding FFA of the promises that were made to continue to support their little brothers in OFC, when they left for AFC. To take those concerns even to FIFA in need, at a time when FIFA already not happy with FFA.

Even to ring Nix HQ, “NZF here, appreciate what you do for NZ football, is there anything we can do to help - apart from monetary?”

Who said the Phoenix were a charity? What the owners have always said is they want the Phoenix to break even and aren't prepared to fund it for ever, it seems as though some want to pull out before others. Members of WelNix have said that they view the Phoenix as something philanthropic for Wellington. They do not expect to make a return on their investment.

What's clear is they want to find a larger club to buy into them to create a pathway.

Problems are 1) 'major overseas club' tends to be inundated with talent from all over the globe; so can take their pick of the best from Africa, South America, Europe etc 2) there are precious few current generation Kiwis who have picked up a pro contract (USL excluded) without a second passport.

I have no problem with a club outside of Australia taking an interest or financial input. I just dont want to see the South Melbourne Phoenix.

All that the nIx need to do is attract a business investor wanting residence of our country whom likes football and contribute to our country or make a name for themselves. 

NZ football has done something similar 

If they can do it we can do it

Fans will never be on the same page, but that shouldn't be a reason for the senior mgmt of the Nix not to comment

I think it was great Morrison spoke, what he said I'm still thinking about, but at least I know what the Nix are thinking now and its not just left to guess work and speculation.

Lots of political talk here. Time for club to pull finger out of arse

I thought it was a good release and interview..In the owners I trust.

My thoughts on all of this:

The FFA cannot allow cut the Phoenix or a merger and expect the League to function. They are fudgeing crazy if they think that they will find 3 new licensees in 3 new, untapped markets with enough funds to sustain themselves. As it stands I do not believe the FFA have full faith in any of the current expansion bids that are on the table and I cannot personally see them cutting the Phoenix, who are one of only two current clubs in the league that have never required a financial bail out from the FFA to stay afloat. 

In my opinion, the whole metric thing is all about the FFA keeping their options open on the off chance a miracle does happen and they find more than two parties interested in investing into a league that is hardly hitting the metrics imposed on us across the entire league.

So I have full confidence in Welnix to keep fighting the good fight. My only concern is that we are still under the governance of the FFA and the sooner we have an independant body running the league as per the Crawford Report and FIFA the better.

I sat there with a large smile on my face listening to that on the tram. Brilliant to hear just how much disdain all clubs have against the FFA, and no doubt we're running the "mutiny". Brilliant chat, Piney asked all the right questions and Morrison didn't hold anything back.

Hellas! *clap clap clap*

Ok Boy’s Ladie’s. Lost me glasses  but the most an individual  hads invented in Wellnix is $5k 

Based on the Phoenix lounge Member (If you bought more great) 

But cut the Owners some slack  (Lowest guess is a $1,000,000 each) 

So they hold off - Wait till the killer media to circle ⭕️ 

But you get to see high grade football in Wellington  Most of the time from a team. 

Maybe not your team but football 

???shark I don’t drink that but ?????????

#SupportRob   

Melbourne 3, Sydney 5, Brisbane 2.  Done.  More Derbies.  FFA's solution to everything.

Yeah because this is working so well now isnt it

This is the part that baffles me! What in the history of the A-League or its current position suggests the league is ready for three more teams. There's not enough money in the football economy to support the ones that exist already. And it's not like the teams are turning away fans at the gates because they can't fit them in, so there isn't a ready made fan base.

Seems to me that Fox want more content so the FFA are going to provide it, even if it is 100% the wrong thing to do. For historical precedent see: Rugby, Super (15-17)

There is a massive Australian football economy outside 9 Aussie A league clubs. This isn't the thread to go into it, but if you're interested and prepared to invest half an hour to read about it, read this: ProRel in Australia

If there was, wouldn't the game be awash with money and the teams that exist already not be constantly asking for money?

There are plenty of thriving clubs - generating revenue from sponsors, merchandise, gates, F&B. Some own their own grounds, have good owned media, solid fanbases, and are paying players across numerous club teams generally 3 teams (mens, reserves and womens) - but you have to look beyond the current A league clubs. If you're really interested, read this ProRel in Australia

I miss the NSL

I for one really enjoyed that.  I listened to “Piers” Morgan’s thought first.  They actually support each other although taken separately seem to be poles apart from each other.

After listening to countless people here in the UK fudge their way through everything it was nice to hear an open and honest answer from Morrison.

it's an interesting tactic by Rob.

I think this a fair summary.

It's a bit like having 10 tenants in the house

The landlord has said to Rob, whom has been a problem child in the past. I know you have potential as a tenant and pay your rent but I'm watching you buddy.

You are on trial and can stay for four years but you can't smoke in the house, get drunk, have orgies and go of the rails.

Unfortunately Rob has fornicated, drunk and smoked. Not quite to death but fairly close.

He knows he mot met his metrics and in two years is bound to be kicked out. In short he knows he's fudgeed

He therefore gangs up with the other tenants, acts as top dog, starts swinging, blames the landlord and threatens to beat him up and take over his house.

Have I missed anything?

Yeah but the home owner (FFA) has failed with some of their responsibilities as landlord, and the tenants have rightly sought the tenancy tribunal (FIFA) to intervene.

Also highly doubt that Rob Morrison is acting as top dog, at these owner's meetings.

SBS based on press release.

No mention of the interview 

Another slanted media story written by someone who hasn't listened to Rob Morrision's interview...

https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/a-league/wel...