Wellington Phoenix Men

WPM R20 vs Auckland | Sat 22nd Feb | 5pm | FeverTua to Mt Smart

579 replies · 33,598 views
about 1 year ago
Nommag
Chief got 'lots of positives' from that. We wernt good for the first 30minutes, more like the first 5.

If that is true, I've lost respect for him
about 1 year ago
The most frustrating thing is that what if this somehow ends up being the only season where AFC achieve something like this?

They come in, get 3-0 over us in the derby, win the premiers plate and dare I say the title, then for the remainder of their lifespan end up performing like an average A-League team.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't be as frustrated or annoyed if they built on their achievements and continued to perform strongly in the seasons to come, instead of just turning out to be a one season wonder team who pissed us fans off by performing a clean derby sweep, and winning silverware before us.

You'd have to imagine A-League rivals will be doing everything they can next season to steal AFC's numerous star players.
about 1 year ago
Nommag
yes.
LT01
Nommag
Chief got 'lots of positives' from that. We wernt good for the first 30minutes, more like the first 5.
 Did he actually say that?!
 
How?! I'm trying to be reasonable here but that was nothing short of an absolute omnishambles - you can't put out the most humiliating, disgraceful result in club history and go around saying that.

Start by fudgeing apologising and telling the fans what you are going to do to make it better.
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
Tragic game, this game was much more Auckland being class than us being awful in my opinion (we still played awful in parts and absolutely have awful mentality though). They definitely showed up especially their attack so hats off to Auckland.

The big issue for us is we too often make major and blatant unforced errors that lead to goals and we then lose all composure after conceding like that which causes us to not be able to recover or hold on in games after that. I feel this is because we are relying too heavily on so many young, inexperienced guys to perform under pressure when they aren't ready. 

Conceding 6 is embarrassing and we have to fix whatever caused that if we hope to make playoffs. I don't think you can solely blame chief/coaching for the result as this result seemed to stem more from unforced player error leading to destroyed mentality which Auckland capitalised to seal the game in the first half and the game is gone by then. That's not something chief can really control can he? 

I fully believe that if we didn't make such a bad error so early in the game and held them off till half-time, we could have held on for an unlikely result (or at least not lose by more than 2 goals), but maybe a different unforced error would have happened eventually.

I think best thing to do for next game is start Josh and Rufer, play Chico and Marco (together) as many minutes as possible, and put less reliance/pressure on AKH, Sheridan, LKH, Piper, Walker, LBS (he played well, but should still give him space as he is young) as they need more time and more limited exposure to develop properly or results like this can mess up their development/career.

A shame, but it's surely only upwards from here right?
about 1 year ago
Of course very disappointing. New guy looks the business, LBS is going to be great, Rojas is back, Rufer close to playing 90, there is still time to perform more like we hoped at the start of the season. The season is essentially over but we need to see us at full strength before we rip Chiefy too much I reckon. 
about 1 year ago
So we get trounced like that and who gets sent off to do media? 16-year-old Luke Brooke-Smith?!
about 1 year ago
Watch his post match interview before you unload on him. He did say that but not in isolation.
InsulinMachine
Nommag
Chief got 'lots of positives' from that. We wernt good for the first 30minutes, more like the first 5.

If that is true, I've lost respect for him
about 1 year ago
I don’t think other clubs will find that as easy as it has been taking our players. Different financial model and deeper pockets, they won’t lose anybody they don’t want to.
HattyCW
The most frustrating thing is that what if this somehow ends up being the only season where AFC achieve something like this?

They come in, get 3-0 over us in the derby, win the premiers plate and dare I say the title, then for the remainder of their lifespan end up performing like an average A-League team.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't be as frustrated or annoyed if they built on their achievements and continued to perform strongly in the seasons to come, instead of just turning out to be a one season wonder team who pissed us fans off by performing a clean derby sweep, and winning silverware before us.

You'd have to imagine A-League rivals will be doing everything they can next season to steal AFC's numerous star players.
about 1 year ago
Several positives from this game. 
1. At 3 nil down I felt confident to turn off the game and go and prep my front windows for painting tomorrow, so I'm ahead for the morning.
2. Our new Portugese player is already in Auckland so should be able to get a direct flight back to Malaysia fairly easily (he thought he had fallen out of love with football before he played for us!)
3. Our squad wont lose players to overseas clubs in the off season. Although the Capital Leagues may be bolstered by some former pros.
about 1 year ago
Walker, Piper, Sheridan, Roa Conchie, LBS should not be starting. Though unfortunately with Rufer & Rojas, and potentially Retre currently not fully fit (why wasn't he in the squad today??) some will have to next week. Eventually I want to see this XI:

AKH
Payne Hughes Wootton Sutton
Retre Rufer Nagasawa
Geraldes
Kosta Ishige

Rojas as a rotation option for the front 3.
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
Just
Tragic game, this game was much more Auckland being class than us being awful in my opinion (we still played awful in parts and absolutely have awful mentality though). They definitely showed up especially their attack so hats off to Auckland.

The big issue for us is we too often make major and blatant unforced errors that lead to goals and we then lose all composure after conceding like that which causes us to not be able to recover or hold on in games after that leading to dropped points and bad results. I feel this is because we are relying too heavily on so many young, inexperienced guys to perform under pressure when they aren't ready. 

Conceding 6 is embarrassing and we have to fix whatever caused that if we hope to make playoffs. I don't think you can solely blame chief/coaching for the result as this result seemed to stem more from unforced player error leading to destroyed mentality which Auckland capitalised to seal the game and that's not something chief can really control can he? 

I fully believe the if didn't make such a bad error so early in the game and held them off till half-time, we could have held on for an unlikely result (or at least not lose by more than 2 goals), but maybe a different unforced error would have happened eventually.

I think best thing to do for next game is start Josh and Rufer, play Chico and Marco (together) as much as possible, and put less reliance/pressure on AKH, Sheridan, LKH, Piper, Walker, LBS (he played well, but should still give him space as he is young) as they need more time and more limited exposure to develop properly or results like this can mess up their development/career.

A shame, but it's surely only upwards from here right?
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
InsulinMachine
Nommag
Chief got 'lots of positives' from that. We wernt good for the first 30minutes, more like the first 5.

If that is true, I've lost respect for him

He was just looking for positives, in a very dark day. Those postives being 90 mins for Chico, Rojas's return, Rufer starting, LBS's spark.

But Chief said himself he just couldn't explain how the team imploded late in the first half. And then obviously LBS's bad option, and Auckland's 4th goal was the dagger.

Again I think this will be the season low point. It has to be. Tailsman captain Rufer will make sure of that. Chico also looks the sort to like a scrap. He faded as the game went on. Not surprising being his first game since October.

But yes if somehow the season did go into a downward spiral from here, then Chief should walk. But's lets see how the next 9 games go first. I expect we will see more 4-3-3 from here.



about 1 year ago
Chief should have signed his contract extension 3 months ago... NIX should now be looking for someone else to lead the team next year.

Last season looks like a one off - and I can't see him turning the squad we have currently into a winning one with nhis mentality and tactics.

Time to go.
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
HattyCW
The most frustrating thing is that what if this somehow ends up being the only season where AFC achieve something like this?

They come in, get 3-0 over us in the derby, win the premiers plate and dare I say the title, then for the remainder of their lifespan end up performing like an average A-League team.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't be as frustrated or annoyed if they built on their achievements and continued to perform strongly in the seasons to come, instead of just turning out to be a one season wonder team who pissed us fans off by performing a clean derby sweep, and winning silverware before us.

You'd have to imagine A-League rivals will be doing everything they can next season to steal AFC's numerous star players.

Nah they won't fade. Do they have the A League's richest owners? Foley plus Mowbray/Williams. Plans to build a boutique stadium, and high class training facilities.

Sakai has re-signed. All the off the field stuff looks highly organised. Close to 3M people (from say Taupo north) in their 'catchment'. 

They will occupy that 'echelon' of big clubs alongside City, Victory and Bling FC.

about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
Napier Phoenix
Watch his post match interview before you unload on him. He did say that but not in isolation.
InsulinMachine
Nommag
Chief got 'lots of positives' from that. We wernt good for the first 30minutes, more like the first 5.

If that is true, I've lost respect for him
I know it's not his vibe to get angry and passionate but man the nonchalant manner is really annoying at times. It just makes it look like he's denying reality or doesn't give a shark. The club is losing fans and the supporters hanging on want to see something that keeps them going.
about 1 year ago
nufc_nz
Nommag
yes.
LT01
Nommag
Chief got 'lots of positives' from that. We wernt good for the first 30minutes, more like the first 5.
 Did he actually say that?!
 

Cannot believe this. Absolutely disgusted with Chiefy tbh.

If he's said that he can gtfoh right now. 

No positives from today at all.
about 1 year ago
Okay, let me update my metaphor... you're cheating on your wife, your wife walks in, and your side-piece gives her a savage beating. That's how I feel right now. Couldn't enjoy that even though the T-AFC lads all around me were going mental.

I liked the looks of LBS, and AKH did his best in goal, but really, the two second half goals which were literally given away when a Nix player passed in front of goal and an AFC player went yoink summed it all up.

There wasn't room for T-AFC to stand in the actual stands so we were standing in the concourse behind the goal for most of the game! I did give the YF a wave, though, and told the comrades to show respect for the big turnout and the way they were waving flags and cheering their team who were being utterly owned. Did I see the stewards escorting someone out of the away bay in mid-2nd half? Someone causing problems?

Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
set the club on fire, worst result in our history. At least Sydney had Del Piero...

I've been sympathetic towards Chiefy because I still think he doesn't have the squad to compete, particularly with injuries - but this is the first game where I've thought he completely shat the bed in so many ways.

I don't see a way back for him now. 

a.haak

about 1 year ago
I'd like to see a clear statement form the club about the strategy. Help me here - when was the last time we heard from the owners? Can anyone point me towards any form of statement?
Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 
20/5/20

about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
nufc_nz
Fenix
newzealandpower
tonya
Yep Chiefy needs to move on now. Nice idea to focus on youth etc, but the owners & us fans deserve to win something. Otherwise what's the point. Appreciate how much our owners have put into this, but Auckland have lifted the NZ benchmark, and to be honest I hope they win the Premiership. It's deserved. 

I'm the first to crap on Chief tonight, but the owners have also got to answer for all of the sales they made last year. They gutted the squad. Sure, it's the way we operate financially, but you don't win leagues with Piper as a starter 

If players are good enough to move on, they will. And several did. I'm not sure we can blame owners for that.

We blame the owners and manager for not replacing those players we sold or replacing them with sh!te.

Well, you and some others do.

I dont know whether the people we brought in were "cheaper" than what we had before or whether it was an attempt to save money. 

I do understand TV money was reduced this year.

The manager had the biggest say in who was signed up, and who wasnt, so the buck pretty much stops there for me.

I aint gonna be personal im criticism of chiefy. He may have encountered injury issues, he may have had recruitment constraints. Thats all par for the course. 

Beyond that, the coach is totally accountable, and we aint playing a style of football that is gonna get bums on seats.  Our recruitment has not been successful, we have been dull to watch, and our results have got worse.

In that environment, we will be looking for a new coach next year. 
about 1 year ago
There are positives from today - Chico looks a player, Rojas back playing and the yound lad looks like he has a lot of potential.....also believe Piper will come good.

In my opinion Payne and Rufer are liabilities at the moment and K Babs needs to start releasing that ball earlier! 
about 1 year ago
coochiee
anaveragestem
Well I said earlier this game could change our season. This could well make it worse. I feel for the players.

Disagree. This is a very good Auckland side.
Will be tough to make finals. But Chico, Rufer and Rojas will now all play big roles for the last 9 games. Sutton will be back for Melb City - he was very much missed today. Payne hopefully getting fitter so doesn't again make tired dumb giveaways like today

The season will get better from here. This was the nadir. Roofs will have absolutely have hated this scoreline, he won't allow standards to drop, or players to sulk for long.


Edit - on a brighter note, all the younger players will have learnt alot from a game like this. LBS won't make that same pass near his goal again. The Nix had five NZU20 players out there today. Auckland had none. Phoenix also two 20 yr olds (Hughes & Sheridan) starting. The Black Knights's youngest, were 22 yr olds Francois & Randall off the pine.

Like your positivity mate :) 

I was just saying this sort of game could result in our season imploding. It absolutely could and it is now down to the players and staff to avoid that. I, like you believe there is a team in there that is capable and can finish this season strong.

To all you saying Chiefy resign today that is the wrong move. You're fools to be honest. No decent coach would be interested in coaching us if the owners loved a good knee jerk reaction to one poor season in isolation. Get to the end of the season and reassess - that is how any professional outfit works. 

I am yet to see any indication the players have lost confidence in the manager. That would be my main indication that any professional football coach really needed to go.
about 1 year ago
dairyflat
I'd like to see a clear statement form the club about the strategy. Help me here - when was the last time we heard from the owners? Can anyone point me towards any form of statement?
Nobody at the club demands success or even believes success is possible. Losing in the first round of the playoffs is a wildly successful season as far as the people running the club are concerned. At any other club there is no chance Chief gets an extension, but if I were a betting man I'd feel quite safe putting a lot of money on Chief still being coach next year, because we are a club of losers. Why do you think they'd be motivated to make a statement right now? 
about 1 year ago
I’ve said this over many years now, and its all coming to fruition… the management from the top down just aren’t winners.. and now we are paying the ultimate price of years of accepting mediocrity. The whole identity of the club being ‘We develop young footballers for good of NZ football, and we want to give something back to the city of Wellington”. No one ever discusses trophies, titles, being the best, it’s all about how wonderful it is to have a football club in the city. Can someone tell me expect for making one player in Seria A, one in second division Portugal and one who can’t get a game in a league one club, what has the club ever achieved? What can we hang our hat on? I was at the Victory game last week, and pre game they showed all the trophies they won, bought former players in and i was chatting to a victory mate who said “were a club that’s made to win titles”.. And you know what? I don’t know what we are, Auckland will win their first soon, meanwhile we talk about how wonderful it was to have a full house for a semi final we lost and how amazing Zawadas goal was.. just sad
about 1 year ago
Napier Phoenix
I don’t think other clubs will find that as easy as it has been taking our players. Different financial model and deeper pockets, they won’t lose anybody they don’t want to.
HattyCW
The most frustrating thing is that what if this somehow ends up being the only season where AFC achieve something like this?

They come in, get 3-0 over us in the derby, win the premiers plate and dare I say the title, then for the remainder of their lifespan end up performing like an average A-League team.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't be as frustrated or annoyed if they built on their achievements and continued to perform strongly in the seasons to come, instead of just turning out to be a one season wonder team who pissed us fans off by performing a clean derby sweep, and winning silverware before us.

You'd have to imagine A-League rivals will be doing everything they can next season to steal AFC's numerous star players.
I feel it's very likely if Auckland do win something/win it all this year, they will really struggle to keep that up at least for the next few seasons after because they seem very all in on this year and I doubt they keep up the spending to win more.

They will lose Paulsen which will be nearly impossible to replace without spending big (and having a solid keeper is really important for winning which we have learnt the hard way), Mata is on loan so he is likely gone (doubt they'd buy him), key players May, Moreno and Rogerson contracts all expire in June and their stocks will be high for bigger clubs/leagues to pick up, and even other standout players like De Vris (unlikely because 30), Pijnaker, Brimmer, or Verstraete would probably be looking to move overseas with their form instead of trying to dominate A-liga next year if opportunities come. I doubt Auckland will pass up coin or provide the coin to keep/replace these players in the future. Even Corcia's contract ends in June which is probably a huge deal for next season if they don't resign him.

It seems like they are very much all in on winning this year and will ease into being a development team like us in the future. Will make it more funny if they end up bottling the league. 
about 1 year ago
martinb
Retre and Nagasawa. How bad were they today? 

We had to start Rufer today.  100%
about 1 year ago
MetalLegNZ
Chief should have signed his contract extension 3 months ago... NIX should now be looking for someone else to lead the team next year.

Last season looks like a one off - and I can't see him turning the squad we have currently into a winning one with nhis mentality and tactics.

Time to go.

Last season was a season where pretty much everything went our way (except the Mariners having a crazy winning run to rob us and missing a lot against Melb in the semi) and this season is where pretty much nothing went our way (interrupted preseason, big injuries/illnesses, imports flopping, kids not being ready, dropping many points needlessly).

Chief definitely shouldn't be cast out because of this season especially because the players clearly like him (even after crap results where many players would turn on the manager) and he definitely fits the vibe of the team (from interviews Chico and even Marco wanted to join because of Chief). Getting humbled this season will also likely make Chief a better coach next season (not relying so much on untested reserves, valuing players like Ball more who keep composure on and off the pitch, not cutting out players when you don't need to).

We should keep him for 1 year with an option for a second year while still scouting out potential replacements if he doesn't improve or gets poached. Good news is it will be much cheaper to keep him with this seasons results.
about 1 year ago
Italiano says he still thinks he can win 6,7 out of the nine games and looking forward to coach the Nix next season.
The owners are finance geniuses, they should now when it’s time to cut the losses.
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
God I hope he's not there next season. The boring anti fun football almost makes me not watch each week
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
Fenix
martinb
Retre and Nagasawa. How bad were they today? 

We had to start Rufer today.  100%

I felt like Rufer was invisible in the first half and it seemed like the two senior midfielders just went missing all game. 

I think Chief is hard for us to understand. Why does he double down when he does? Why does he cut players loose at other times?


about 1 year ago
newzealandpower
What have I missed? Been watching stupid ads for the last 5 minutes on Sky open. Gonna pirate the second half
Sky open is free to air, they insert ads on all live games they play on Sky open.
about 1 year ago · edited about 1 year ago · History
martinb
Fenix
martinb
Retre and Nagasawa. How bad were they today? 

We had to start Rufer today.  100%

I felt like Rufer was invisible in the first half and it seemed like the two senior midfielders just went missing all game. 

I think Chief is hard for us to understand. Why does he double down when he does? Why does he cut players loose at other times?

Rufer was totally absent in the first half. 
Probably cos he wasn't playing

about 1 year ago
Just watched the highlights as I couldn't watch the game live.

Out performed in every way. Some schoolboy errors from senior players and the young kids aren't ready. Atrocious.

Don't care what happens from now, the season is over and the club really needs to apologise to us fans for serving up absolute dog shyte today.
about 1 year ago
Whoosh. 🤣😉terrible dad joke. 

Oh no I’m beginning to feel good about Chico’s back heel and Luke’s goal, and our periods of pressure…

Impossible. This is our worst result outside Adelaide or Melbourne surely? 


about 1 year ago
I agree with you. The Nix are a « nice » team who seem to be happy just to make up the numbers. If I owned this club I would be looking at a change of senior management. They have been comfortably coasting along for a number of years. The arrival of AFC has really spotlighted the Nix management. Sure they have more money but AFC have also showed plenty of innovation. Ideas are free.
Football is not like any other business . Sure it’s about spreadsheets and behind the desk stuff but it also requires someone to drive the club, to set the ambitions and goals, to take the supporters on a journey, to keep the club in the public eye. Our old CEO Tony Pignata understood that, Dome doesn’t. It’s time for new fresh ideas.
Nixieboys222
I’ve said this over many years now, and its all coming to fruition… the management from the top down just aren’t winners.. and now we are paying the ultimate price of years of accepting mediocrity. The whole identity of the club being ‘We develop young footballers for good of NZ football, and we want to give something back to the city of Wellington”. No one ever discusses trophies, titles, being the best, it’s all about how wonderful it is to have a football club in the city. Can someone tell me expect for making one player in Seria A, one in second division Portugal and one who can’t get a game in a league one club, what has the club ever achieved? What can we hang our hat on? I was at the Victory game last week, and pre game they showed all the trophies they won, bought former players in and i was chatting to a victory mate who said “were a club that’s made to win titles”.. And you know what? I don’t know what we are, Auckland will win their first soon, meanwhile we talk about how wonderful it was to have a full house for a semi final we lost and how amazing Zawadas goal was.. just sad
about 1 year ago
martinb
Whoosh. 🤣😉terrible dad joke. 

Oh no I’m beginning to feel good about Chico’s back heel and Luke’s goal, and our periods of pressure…

Impossible. This is our worst result outside Adelaide or Melbourne surely? 
Only twice have we lost by more than this - 7-1 vs Sydney in 2013 and 6-0 vs Melbourne City in 2022.

Given the significance of it being a derby - would ascribe this as our worst defeat in club history.

But hey - apparently there's positives to take from it 🤯 
about 1 year ago
Nixieboys222
I’ve said this over many years now, and its all coming to fruition… the management from the top down just aren’t winners.. and now we are paying the ultimate price of years of accepting mediocrity. The whole identity of the club being ‘We develop young footballers for good of NZ football, and we want to give something back to the city of Wellington”. No one ever discusses trophies, titles, being the best, it’s all about how wonderful it is to have a football club in the city. Can someone tell me expect for making one player in Seria A, one in second division Portugal and one who can’t get a game in a league one club, what has the club ever achieved? What can we hang our hat on? I was at the Victory game last week, and pre game they showed all the trophies they won, bought former players in and i was chatting to a victory mate who said “were a club that’s made to win titles”.. And you know what? I don’t know what we are, Auckland will win their first soon, meanwhile we talk about how wonderful it was to have a full house for a semi final we lost and how amazing Zawadas goal was.. just sad
that's just likely our future for most seasons. We aren't going to be spending as much as the top clubs (Akl included that do have dispensations in the cap for now) and will have those periods where the youngsters are firing (before being sold) and there is constant production from them at the same time our foreigners are having an impact. We just had a bunch of youngsters all now in their early twenties come through the academy (and provided significant revenue) at the same time as making the finals 5 out 6 seasons (incl. a couple seasons based in Aus) which is amongst the best in the league - maybe only SFC and AU with similar record.
about 1 year ago
Absolutely our attitude from top down absolutely sucks.

I don’t know what Dome has done for the years he’s been here other than threaten supporters if they don’t turn up to watch sh!te…

Our big memorable moment last season was watching Zawada score in the home semi final… to equalise… for us to then lose the game…

That’s who we are.


about 1 year ago
Bullion
Nixieboys222
I’ve said this over many years now, and its all coming to fruition… the management from the top down just aren’t winners.. and now we are paying the ultimate price of years of accepting mediocrity. The whole identity of the club being ‘We develop young footballers for good of NZ football, and we want to give something back to the city of Wellington”. No one ever discusses trophies, titles, being the best, it’s all about how wonderful it is to have a football club in the city. Can someone tell me expect for making one player in Seria A, one in second division Portugal and one who can’t get a game in a league one club, what has the club ever achieved? What can we hang our hat on? I was at the Victory game last week, and pre game they showed all the trophies they won, bought former players in and i was chatting to a victory mate who said “were a club that’s made to win titles”.. And you know what? I don’t know what we are, Auckland will win their first soon, meanwhile we talk about how wonderful it was to have a full house for a semi final we lost and how amazing Zawadas goal was.. just sad
that's just likely our future for most seasons. We aren't going to be spending as much as the top clubs (Akl included that do have dispensations in the cap for now) and will have those periods where the youngsters are firing (before being sold) and there is constant production from them at the same time our foreigners are having an impact. We just had a bunch of youngsters all now in their early twenties come through the academy (and provided significant revenue) at the same time as making the finals 5 out 6 seasons (incl. a couple seasons based in Aus) which is amongst the best in the league - maybe only SFC and AU with similar record.

So? Who gives a rats arse that we’ve been in the finals as much as SFC or AU?? They’ve actually got silverware ffs.


about 1 year ago
nufc_nz
Bullion
Nixieboys222
I’ve said this over many years now, and its all coming to fruition… the management from the top down just aren’t winners.. and now we are paying the ultimate price of years of accepting mediocrity. The whole identity of the club being ‘We develop young footballers for good of NZ football, and we want to give something back to the city of Wellington”. No one ever discusses trophies, titles, being the best, it’s all about how wonderful it is to have a football club in the city. Can someone tell me expect for making one player in Seria A, one in second division Portugal and one who can’t get a game in a league one club, what has the club ever achieved? What can we hang our hat on? I was at the Victory game last week, and pre game they showed all the trophies they won, bought former players in and i was chatting to a victory mate who said “were a club that’s made to win titles”.. And you know what? I don’t know what we are, Auckland will win their first soon, meanwhile we talk about how wonderful it was to have a full house for a semi final we lost and how amazing Zawadas goal was.. just sad
that's just likely our future for most seasons. We aren't going to be spending as much as the top clubs (Akl included that do have dispensations in the cap for now) and will have those periods where the youngsters are firing (before being sold) and there is constant production from them at the same time our foreigners are having an impact. We just had a bunch of youngsters all now in their early twenties come through the academy (and provided significant revenue) at the same time as making the finals 5 out 6 seasons (incl. a couple seasons based in Aus) which is amongst the best in the league - maybe only SFC and AU with similar record.

So? Who gives a rats arse that we’ve been in the finals as much as SFC or AU?? They’ve actually got silverware ffs.
MV have, in that same period, finished 10th, 11th, and 12th.