The reality for us is our licence expires after next season so if something doesn't change there's a very real chance (for all we know) we'll lose our team... yes there are clearly factors against us (kick-off times, general kiwi apathy, on-field performance, weather) but the bottom line is from the FFA perspective, if there is no clear point/benefit in having a Kiwi team in their league, they'll quite possibly choose not to have one (us).
What's appearing in the media is possibly skewed in it's reporting (ie: selective quotes, excessive pessimism) or possibly not, but the fact remains that Welnix can (and should) be very much on the front foot with this issue. The odd tweet is great but sometimes you need to be seen to make more of an effort - and/or give more of a sh!t, show people you care (even though we know you do - it's not always enough) and they're more likely to get alongside you than watch from the sidelines.
If the average/onlywhenwerewinning punter is predominantly exposed to the pessimistic view and the (potential) negative outcome in the media, they're more likely to become disengaged as they aren't as invested in the club as most/all of us on here are, and may not be aware of the bigger picture.
COYN!
I actually don't think so.. FFA want a 12 team competition and they want a team in NZ... what they want is for the potential to start to turn into actual...
FFA also want some base figures in memberships, crowds and TV ratings... I would also add decent stadiums and better game day experiences across all clubs.
The Nix are a very well managed club, have very smart owners who seem determined to make it work..
My reading of the tea leafs is FFA and increasingly the owners are open to looking for the best location in NZ... Gallop is already on the record a number of times wanting teams in population centres of millions not hundreds of thousands ...
I don't necessarily think the owners are pushing things to far ... more just saying what is ...
I have no idea of where it is all heading but at least its out in the open and not from behind closed doors...