Big missed opportunity to ride the wave of interest in football that came with AFC’s entry into the competition. AFC have done very well on and off-field, partly through resources and partly through good strategy (salary capped league after all).
But IMO Wellington’s main misstep was not being a likeable underdog. Last year in particular was less gritty, courageous, plucky (but occasionally fun) underdog, and more miserable, whinging, cheap and underperforming. The football was largely dreadful, yet there was total intransigence around tactics/personnel and a general ‘we know best’ attitude when things were very obviously bad. It’s not an aura that many new or returning punters want to get around and associate with. Slight improvements this year but still a similar vibe and people are voting with their feet.
It’s not one person’s fault or job, but it feels like an overall strategic failure during what should be halcyon days for the game, with two pro sides and AWs World Cup on the horizon.
For those who follow rugby, Southland have had a few good years but mostly lose. However their local battlers tear into it, and their coaching and admin staff don’t spend time sooking about how everything sucks and Otago/Canterbury/Auckland have it so good. Weirdly enough, they are widely respected and people go and watch.
End of novel
You are an established club with no financial problems, but yet you have broken trust with a lot of clubs in the Wellington scene and that trust hasn't came back to some clubs.
It seems like unless a prospect doesn't go down your academy route, they won't sign you or give you a look in. Two recent examples are Isa Prins and Jesse Randall and you could name a lot more.
They are definitely not the likeable underdog and Dome's comments after their 5th derby loss in a row (which could have been 6 or 7 btw) prove that they are playing the victim.
The club deserves better and the fact that people question replacing Dome is astonishing. He would have been sacked by most A-League clubs by now.
My suggesting is tell him he has to reapply for his job for next season and advertise it to see who actually applies for the role. (and if salary is a question, just advertise the salary).