vs Sydney FC, 6th Oct 7.30pm

Just walked into my local to hear ADP will not play in Wgtn so his debut is in Saidknee . Rumour mill running hot.  Tony P would not allow this to happen but the old under arm Ozzy may.

Yep.

Considering there are quite a few freebies in there and great pricing that would be pretty disappointing no?

Anybody in welly who knows half of anything about adp will be at the game anyway. He has never had a big profile in nz outside the football fanbase, so it shouldnt matter whether he's playing or not. There is decent hype around the game anyway, bc it's first of season and bc the marketing, pr and signings off-season have built a positive vibe. Weather will be key to big vs ok crowd.

Has anyone seen anything different in marketing this year with Clemenger involved?

Yes. It appears that they are going along with the idea that Wellington does in fact go to watch the Nix play, so if you don't go, you are missing out. The Del Piero adverts have had the tagline "Where Wellington goes to see Del Piero", and the poster in the Dom Post today says "Call yourself a Wellingtonian. See you at the game". It's reasonably simple, but effective.

 who's going along to the march to the match?

Nothing different in marketing. Piney does a good radio ad. Print ad is average. Price is the seller.

Marius notes that anyone who knows of ADP will already have been going to the game, however I think people that don't know him will pick up on the news in the next couple of nights that someone famous is playing - which may lead them to head along (if the weather is nice).

I like a good march I do.  What are we marching about?

"What do we want?"

"More poofball"

"When do we want it?"

"7:30 pm"

Phoenix are 5 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses with Peter Green as ref.

 is Piney coming back to do the League table???

I call myself a Wellingtonian

I disagree that the appeal of Del Piero won't extend beyond the football community. I know quite a few people who will head along because they're keen on watching a world cup winner play, despite not knowing much about him. Many of those are people with a general interest in football, among other sports, who didn't actually know who he was up until a few weeks ago, but are now pretty curious. Could be pretty crucial for a few fence sitters imo.

I don't understand what Sydney FC would gain by not playing ADP. 

Maybe that he isn't up to scratch, and that they don't want this to be found out before a potential sell-out at home?

That's about my only guess, and all reports are that he has had a good warm-up to the season, so probably not the reason.

https://twitter.com/tpignata9/status/253468984958128130

TP just confirmed that Italian tele was showing the match- so you would assume ADP will be there.

Noting though that I was in Italy last week, and they were playing the Waikato Bridge-to-Bridge water skiing. Translated. That was a serious 'what the fuck' moment.

Never expected DP to start. Sydney's focus with him is that first home gate, and they'll do nothing to threaten that. A loss to the Phoenix with DP in the starting Eleven would halt the PR momentum. They'll be easing him in. Crap weather forecast now, Muscat snapping at his heels in first game away from home. Na wouldn't start him if I was them.  Long season. Sydney are short of a gallop against top opposition. (like us) but think we're a bit more forward than they are.

I'm sure there will be quite a few Sydney FC fans that will be making the trip specifically to see ADP, they will feel liked they've been conned , before a ball has been kicked!

Probably think they don't need Del Boy for this match as they have Peter Green instead, so saving him for their home game when no doubt Green will be unavailable.

Saturday6 Oct

High 15°C

Overnight 7°C

Rain then few showers. Gale northwesterly dying.

WIND + RAIN + PHOENIX!

The planets have all aligned! Woot Woot!

So is Sky Sport trotting out Andrew Dewhurst for the commentary of this game? That will be going out to a huge audience in Australia and Italy!  Propably a done deal this close to kickoff now, sigh.....

How about a few YF peeps call up Radio Sport when AD is on his radio show and offer some polite tips on football commentary?

And then wish him well for the call on Saturday!

I can't wait to be in the stadium come Saturday night and to hear the Yellow Fever backing our boys.... 

 Looking at the rain forecast on the Metservice app is not so good, rain for the afternoon until kick off.

So is ADP playing or not? in the squad even? If not, I'll feel robbed. I'm only going this week to see him play as the timing of the game doesn't work for me. Up and back by 2am and back ont he road at 7am for another long trip. Prefer the leisurely travel and overnight stay.

A bit to long to walk "500m"...

So is  ADP coming ready or not?

PAX update @ 12.30pm today (redeemed a free ticket)

8, 904

Interesting - the ticket now has a QR code on it. Haven't noticed them before?

Now all I needs is smart phone....

Yes please!

Pax 9013 from just now

A little sneak into the Cove and this seems to be the general consensus for Sydney's XI this week

-------------Necevski--------------

Emerton Griffiths Ryall Fabio

-------McFlynn Antonis-------

-----Yau Lovrek Abbas------

--------------Mallia-------------

Bosschart in for Ryall if fit

del Piero on the bench

Chianese possibly (doubtful) replaces Abbas/Mallia if fit