As others have said we could still make the 6 because other teams are struggling/look weak on paper too. I would rather we barely spent money this season and got a lotttttt of minutes into the academy players. Sure it might be rough, but we're still not winning the league even if we got another couple good players on board. I'm all for a full, mariners-esque rebuild.
Last season technically was one of our better seasons historically, but felt so grim because it ended with a far too similar result. The fact that we've made top 6 with good squads 4 of the past 5 seasons and lost in the first round every time, scoring a single consolation goal is really frustrating. I'm fine with missing out on finals this year if it means we can put serious progression into our young talent that could then help contribute (either on the pitch or financially from transfer fees) down the line for an actual, tangible title run
The Mariners success was not all built on promoting academy kids. (yes a few came through) But most of there smarts was identifying talent at other clubs, bringing them in on multi year contracts and then giving them opportunities then selling then on for transfer fees. Players like Trantis, Silvera, Kuol. even McGarry. add to that players bought in like Kaltak.
That's what surprises me so much about the Nix, reluctance to look outside there academy. They don't seem to be even trialling any NZ domestic players. Next year when a bunch of NZ talent get a season with the new Auckland team will we be looking back going, why didn't the Nix grab those players when they were available. Eg. Kaltak.
Last season felt so grim not because of the losses but because of the dire football we played for long periods in games. I'll take a much more proactive game even if we don't make the six over last years tactics and formations. Which it appears Chiefy is trying to do.... (personally glad Talay has moved on..it was time)
We really need a creative mid fielder (to replace Lewis and Sasse) to get me a little more excited about this season. (especially with Old's ongoing injury). Still spots on the roster so looking forward to what develops in this space.
The Nix are looking after their own interests and now because we're cheap, we sign a bunch of academy players and still continue to turn a blind eye to the domestic scene. I think in recent years, the only player we've signed from the domestic scene that hadn't played overseas/pro yet is McCowatt.
Personally cannot wait for Auckland to come in and shake the NZ football scene the fudge up
Pretty rough to call the Welnix group cheap. they've spent big money on players and facilities over the years and are now tightening the belts because they need too, using their own academy players mankes the most sense as they see them day in day out, compared to say other NZ players who they'd have limited access to. Not sure why you'd expect an Auckland franchise to opearte any differently, assuming they build their own academy etc. Logically early on the new team will be grabbing players from wherever they can.