Given that the Nix playing performance since Welnix took over has been largely disappointing, and not all of that can be attributed to the uncertainty of the future beyond 2020 (#metrics), what indicators are there to suggest that the nirvana of an independent A League will miraculously lead to the Nix all of a sudden being better on the park?
My concern is that there has not been enough focus on creating a winning football team, and more on the "we're a sustainable club, look how bad the rest of the league is"
Well I'd suggest that's been brought about due to having to focus on the metrics imposed.
So the only reason the team has performed poorly in the last few seasons is because they have metrics to reach? Surely having a team that performs well would equal better metrics, eg better crowds etc
- You would think so, but across the league attendances dropped more than 10% and TV viewership dropped even more - all those teams performing well off the pitch have not resulted in increased "metrics".
- Also, if the 'Nix had a long term licence and some of the owners wanted out then it would be potentially viable for other investors to come in, with club staying in Wellington.
- No team in the HAL has had sustained success, for every Newcastle that went from 9th to 2nd you also can get a WSW that went from 2nd to 9th (with only 18 points) - performance is cyclical, if a cyclical down turn in on field performance unluckily fell when the next licence extension rolls around, that could be it for the 'Nix.
- It also goes against any long term planning, such as trying to create a competitive advantage with the academy - that is only starting to really show its worth just as its about to be snuffed out (and potential revenue stream).
- And the problem with continued debate in the media of the licence and "metrics" it creates a spiral of negativity that turns off fans, sponsors and players. Even if we scrape through this licence extension period, what happens in the next one?
This is why I think a private eye and sue the source of bad stories etc. No other head office bad mouths the product and expects it to increase sales. We've a better recent history than Newcastle. It can be turned around.
Dave Gallop and Fox were happy to generate negative press. What if they had generated positive stories: turned up to present Durante with an award, remembered players and moments in trans tasman footy history and so on. It feels like discrimination and Kiwi bashing.
I mean imagine the metrics without the Chris Payne handball. Not exactly related but show why beating up on a club in a dip is unfair. We've had our share of that- though Newcastle even more this season!
One question- was there any real commitment to oceania when aussie left or was it a vague gentlemans agreement?