It would take an exceptional coach to get good results with the squad we had (the squad we ended up having, after injuries and mutual terminations). Chiefy did well with an excellent squad last year and did poorly this season with this squad. If he is staying on, we need to spend money on better player recruitment. Quality replacements for Zawada, for Kraev, for Pennington, and now for for Al-Taay, for Ball, for Sutton and for Wooton.
See, this would be a fine excuse if you inherited said squad - but Chief built that squad - he travelled to Japan to scout players to find replacements for the players that we "lost", he also signed Rojas and tried to build his plan around him. A-Taay, Ball were lost on his watch, after he apparently gave them the silent treatment. Ball in particular should have been released pre season if he was never going to set foot on the field for us.
None of this happened to Italiano, this is all of his own creation. Now it is his mess to fix
John Cleese once said that if you are thinking about suicide but can’t make up your mind, a weekend in Palmerston North will almost certainly remove any doubt.
A couple of weeks back, members of the Phoenix football committee were cogitating on the sensibility of Chiefy’s one year extension. If, as a member of that committee, you could not make up your mind, watching the Wellington Phoenix coach with his hands in pockets, propped up against the dugout for almost the whole of the second half, would almost surely have had you raising the ‘show him the door’ hand.
John Cleese once said that if you are thinking about suicide but can’t make up your mind, a weekend in Palmerston North will almost certainly remove any doubt.
A couple of weeks back, members of the Phoenix football committee were cogitating on the sensibility of Chiefy’s one year extension. If, as a member of that committee, you could not make up your mind, watching the Wellington Phoenix coach with his hands in pockets, propped up against the dugout for almost the whole of the second half, would almost surely have had you raising the ‘show him the door’ hand.
Apologies to potentially offended Palmy natives.
I cant remember which game it was but it was a month or so ago that I noticed the same thing, commented then that if this is his attitude he's clearly given up - this was before his extension.
I think the club has underrated the fans this season. Club management has been practically invisible, what was it, 1x press conference and a short Q+A at an exclusive members night all season? They even photoshopped a 'Chiefy Out' sign when they announced his contract extension.
Reading through this thread you have core fans completely uninspired and bored watching their own team. I agree this is worse than the Kalezic era. If the core fans are feeling uninspired, imagine how the average punter/casual fan feels? Good luck reaching an 8-10k average next season...
Chiefy is supposed to set the example as coach, how can he expect his team to show up when he as a coach shows clearly that he's checked out in the dug-out (Compare this games body language to last season's run in to the end of the season). It's also a slap in the face to the fans that re-arranged their weekend to attend the game and support their club.
Alas, Chiefy will get the pre-season to rebuild and hopefully not fall-out with a new group of players. If he does and results don't go his way early, another manager will come in an inherit a squad that isn't his... There are a few decent coaches available at the moment (Talay, Veart, Des etc.) but who knows who will be available by that time.
Questions for Dome, Gill and Chief:
1. Why were a select few senior players not consulted prior to Chief's reappointment? 2. Chief constantly mentions that he has learnt lessons from this season.....what specifically are these lessons? 3. How exactly is he going to turn things around....not a word salad but specifics? 4. What responsibility does Gill take as the Director of Football for this sharkshow of a season? 5. How could the leadership team let a situation arise where the head coach and his assistant (arguably the only one that can coach) have had an absolute fall out, the manager has lost the dressing room and most of the support staff are looking to move on? 6. Name one other team that plays at a competitive level where players play in multiple positions to the extent that we have during a game and over the course of a season. 7. It is my understanding that the Football Committee that made the decision to re-appoint Chief consisted of Rob Morrison, Gill and Dome. Can they please explain the footballing pedigree of these individuals? 8. What football pedigree does Sean Gill have to be the Director of Football? 9. Given the lack of game time for Conchie, Supyk and playing LKH everywhere but his preferred position, do Chief and Gill acknowledge that they got this recruitment wrong?
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
One has to remember that a football club is not a democracy or a normal employment scenario where changes in management or structure a consultation process is completed. It's a dictatorship, where the owners say what they want and hire a coach that says he's got a vision to achieve this. The players a re hired guns, they are contracted to play they way the manager/coach wants, if they dont want to then they can leave. Simple.
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
One has to remember that a football club is not a democracy or a normal employment scenario where changes in management or structure a consultation process is completed. It's a dictatorship, where the owners say what they want and hire a coach that says he's got a vision to achieve this. The players a re hired guns, they are contracted to play they way the manager/coach wants, if they dont want to then they can leave. Simple.
Sorry but I disagree. Totally get that you do not consult with the entire playing group, but what is there to lose by not consulting with a handful of senior players? Well documented that some clubs do and others don't but given all the poor decisions already made this season surely the upside outweighed any downside.
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
One has to remember that a football club is not a democracy or a normal employment scenario where changes in management or structure a consultation process is completed. It's a dictatorship, where the owners say what they want and hire a coach that says he's got a vision to achieve this. The players a re hired guns, they are contracted to play they way the manager/coach wants, if they dont want to then they can leave. Simple.
But also while you can (and should ) keep up to date informally with players feelings and I’m sure they did, there’s probably good reasons, some of which you mentioned for not having players involved in the formal contract situation. Might be legal implications and certainly if you end up being anti a coach who becomes your boss that’s fairly awkward!
I think the club has underrated the fans this season. Club management has been practically invisible, what was it, 1x press conference and a short Q+A at an exclusive members night all season? They even photoshopped a 'Chiefy Out' sign when they announced his contract extension.
Reading through this thread you have core fans completely uninspired and bored watching their own team. I agree this is worse than the Kalezic era. If the core fans are feeling uninspired, imagine how the average punter/casual fan feels? Good luck reaching an 8-10k average next season...
Chiefy is supposed to set the example as coach, how can he expect his team to show up when he as a coach shows clearly that he's checked out in the dug-out (Compare this games body language to last season's run in to the end of the season). It's also a slap in the face to the fans that re-arranged their weekend to attend the game and support their club.
Alas, Chiefy will get the pre-season to rebuild and hopefully not fall-out with a new group of players. If he does and results don't go his way early, another manager will come in an inherit a squad that isn't his... There are a few decent coaches available at the moment (Talay, Veart, Des etc.) but who knows who will be available by that time.
I agree with this and I've said it before. The club hasn't kept up with the market and tried to innovate. A day at the football needs to be more than just what's happening on the field. Look at Auckland... huge fan engagement and initiatives to make the day exciting!
So when on the field is rubbish you really notice there isn't much else too it!
2 questions on the match day experience: 1. What exactly are AFC doing as "a day at the football", I genuinely don't know? We do some half time stuff, and the t-shirt cannon, player signings, to name a few, what else are AFC doing? 2. How do you get to actually do some of the half time stuff? For example the unicorn/dinosaur running thing we witnessed last night? I've been a season pass holder since 2010 and reasonably engaged with the club, with a few others, and we've never seen how you actually get to do that stuff? I guess my point is are fans getting the chance to get involved or you have to know someone at the club?
I think the club has underrated the fans this season. Club management has been practically invisible, what was it, 1x press conference and a short Q+A at an exclusive members night all season? They even photoshopped a 'Chiefy Out' sign when they announced his contract extension.
Reading through this thread you have core fans completely uninspired and bored watching their own team. I agree this is worse than the Kalezic era. If the core fans are feeling uninspired, imagine how the average punter/casual fan feels? Good luck reaching an 8-10k average next season...
Chiefy is supposed to set the example as coach, how can he expect his team to show up when he as a coach shows clearly that he's checked out in the dug-out (Compare this games body language to last season's run in to the end of the season). It's also a slap in the face to the fans that re-arranged their weekend to attend the game and support their club.
Alas, Chiefy will get the pre-season to rebuild and hopefully not fall-out with a new group of players. If he does and results don't go his way early, another manager will come in an inherit a squad that isn't his... There are a few decent coaches available at the moment (Talay, Veart, Des etc.) but who knows who will be available by that time.
I agree with this and I've said it before. The club hasn't kept up with the market and tried to innovate. A day at the football needs to be more than just what's happening on the field. Look at Auckland... huge fan engagement and initiatives to make the day exciting!
So when on the field is rubbish you really notice there isn't much else too it!
2 questions on the match day experience: 1. What exactly are AFC doing as "a day at the football", I genuinely don't know? We do some half time stuff, and the t-shirt cannon, player signings, to name a few, what else are AFC doing? 2. How do you get to actually do some of the half time stuff? For example the unicorn/dinosaur running thing we witnessed last night? I've been a season pass holder since 2010 and reasonably engaged with the club, with a few others, and we've never seen how you actually get to do that stuff? I guess my point is are fans getting the chance to get involved or you have to know someone at the club?
AFC have the beach and slide thing going on - how you'd do that at Sky Stadium though? I'm assuming they have similar stoopid comps at half time.
The half time stuff is usually organised for or by one of the sponsors, be it Oppo or Spark or Gazely trying to give away some merch. Those comps that get the fans onto the pitch always feel like stupid radio prank type comps - you know the ones that ZM and the Rock used to run.
Personally I find all that gimmick shark totally rubbish and detracts from the game - yes I get it, the kids get bored and want to go play on the bouncy castle, but I'd rather the football was decent and then the fans would have something to cheer for. Last night the kids playing at half time got more cheers.
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
One has to remember that a football club is not a democracy or a normal employment scenario where changes in management or structure a consultation process is completed. It's a dictatorship, where the owners say what they want and hire a coach that says he's got a vision to achieve this. The players a re hired guns, they are contracted to play they way the manager/coach wants, if they dont want to then they can leave. Simple.
But also while you can (and should ) keep up to date informally with players feelings and I’m sure they did, there’s probably good reasons, some of which you mentioned for not having players involved in the formal contract situation. Might be legal implications and certainly if you end up being anti a coach who becomes your boss that’s fairly awkward!
Not for a second was I suggesting that the players be involved in any formal discussions. Just find it bizarre that the senior players or a few of them at least were not consulted or given the opportunity to provide feedback
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
Was it Gill? This Rollo article doesn't state a source.
Maybe the players weren't consulted specifically re Chiefy's reappointment, but christ you would yes think Dome, Gill maybe even Rob Morrison were talking to the players through the season about their thoughts on coach Italiano.
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
Was it Gill? This Rollo article doesn't state a source.
Maybe the players weren't consulted specifically re Chiefy's reappointment, but christ you would yes think Dome, Gill maybe even Rob Morrison were talking to the players through the season about their thoughts on coach Italiano.
The decision to retain Italiano was made by chairman Rob Morrison alongside the club’s football committee and players were not consulted.
That is what Gill said in response to a question from Rollo at the Presso announcing Chief's reappointment. It was an emphatic no!! I will try to find the footage!
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
Was it Gill? This Rollo article doesn't state a source.
Maybe the players weren't consulted specifically re Chiefy's reappointment, but christ you would yes think Dome, Gill maybe even Rob Morrison were talking to the players through the season about their thoughts on coach Italiano.
Dont think they should ever be consulted or invited to give their opinion on if a coach should be hired. Asked how things have been or what the environment is like yes. Not many jobs where the staff would be asked about the employment of who is to be their boss. Plenty of good coaches over the years probably would never have been hired if it was up to the players. No im not saying Chief is a good coach.
I think the club has underrated the fans this season. Club management has been practically invisible, what was it, 1x press conference and a short Q+A at an exclusive members night all season? They even photoshopped a 'Chiefy Out' sign when they announced his contract extension.
Reading through this thread you have core fans completely uninspired and bored watching their own team. I agree this is worse than the Kalezic era. If the core fans are feeling uninspired, imagine how the average punter/casual fan feels? Good luck reaching an 8-10k average next season...
Chiefy is supposed to set the example as coach, how can he expect his team to show up when he as a coach shows clearly that he's checked out in the dug-out (Compare this games body language to last season's run in to the end of the season). It's also a slap in the face to the fans that re-arranged their weekend to attend the game and support their club.
Alas, Chiefy will get the pre-season to rebuild and hopefully not fall-out with a new group of players. If he does and results don't go his way early, another manager will come in an inherit a squad that isn't his... There are a few decent coaches available at the moment (Talay, Veart, Des etc.) but who knows who will be available by that time.
I agree with this and I've said it before. The club hasn't kept up with the market and tried to innovate. A day at the football needs to be more than just what's happening on the field. Look at Auckland... huge fan engagement and initiatives to make the day exciting!
So when on the field is rubbish you really notice there isn't much else too it!
2 questions on the match day experience: 1. What exactly are AFC doing as "a day at the football", I genuinely don't know? We do some half time stuff, and the t-shirt cannon, player signings, to name a few, what else are AFC doing? 2. How do you get to actually do some of the half time stuff? For example the unicorn/dinosaur running thing we witnessed last night? I've been a season pass holder since 2010 and reasonably engaged with the club, with a few others, and we've never seen how you actually get to do that stuff? I guess my point is are fans getting the chance to get involved or you have to know someone at the club?
Most of that stuff comes in emails to members from the club this is what came about Saturday. "Want to be part of the action?We’re giving you the chance Steve to come onto the field at half-time and take part in a game of bubble football! We’re looking for two teams of four players, with all players required to be aged 16 or older. Keen to get involved?Send us your team name, list of four players, and team captain's name by emailing here or using the button below. Registrations close at 5pm, Wednesday 30 April. First in, first served!" Would suggest if your a member and not getting the emails you contact the club and update your contact details.
Dont think they should ever be consulted or invited to give their opinion on if a coach should be hired. Asked how things have been or what the environment is like yes. Not many jobs where the staff would be asked about the employment of who is to be their boss. Plenty of good coaches over the years probably would never have been hired if it was up to the players. No im not saying Chief is a good coach.
Respect your view Ballane but believe this balanced approach seems about right........Liverpool reportedly sought input from key players when transitioning from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot. Similarly, Chelsea considered player feedback when appointing Enzo Maresca as head coach. However, the level of consultation varies by club, and ultimately, ownership and management make the final call. For me it was a pretty emphatic no to any player consultation from Shaun Gill and I would still like to understand the football pedigree of Dome and Gill to make these call correctly. Would understand if eg if there was some input from anyone that has played at a decent level. To the best of my knowledge not one of the Football Committee (Dome, Gill or Rob Morrison) or the coach have ever played at a decent level (happy to be put right on this) but somehow, they believe they are equipped to make these decisions without any consultation. Smacks of arrogance or naivety...or a combination of both!
Im sure as hell not going to the match because of half time dinosaur running or hit the crossbar challenge. Im quite happy for there not to be any of that stuff.
I will renew my season ticket based on the quality and entertainment value of the main event. Two other factors reducing my desire to watch as they detract from the spectacle - playing in crap dark kits - annoying flashing and bright adverts around the pitch. I only tolerate it now because there are no signs along the west side of the ground.
I think the club has underrated the fans this season. Club management has been practically invisible, what was it, 1x press conference and a short Q+A at an exclusive members night all season? They even photoshopped a 'Chiefy Out' sign when they announced his contract extension.
Reading through this thread you have core fans completely uninspired and bored watching their own team. I agree this is worse than the Kalezic era. If the core fans are feeling uninspired, imagine how the average punter/casual fan feels? Good luck reaching an 8-10k average next season...
Chiefy is supposed to set the example as coach, how can he expect his team to show up when he as a coach shows clearly that he's checked out in the dug-out (Compare this games body language to last season's run in to the end of the season). It's also a slap in the face to the fans that re-arranged their weekend to attend the game and support their club.
Alas, Chiefy will get the pre-season to rebuild and hopefully not fall-out with a new group of players. If he does and results don't go his way early, another manager will come in an inherit a squad that isn't his... There are a few decent coaches available at the moment (Talay, Veart, Des etc.) but who knows who will be available by that time.
I agree with this and I've said it before. The club hasn't kept up with the market and tried to innovate. A day at the football needs to be more than just what's happening on the field. Look at Auckland... huge fan engagement and initiatives to make the day exciting!
So when on the field is rubbish you really notice there isn't much else too it!
2 questions on the match day experience: 1. What exactly are AFC doing as "a day at the football", I genuinely don't know? We do some half time stuff, and the t-shirt cannon, player signings, to name a few, what else are AFC doing? 2. How do you get to actually do some of the half time stuff? For example the unicorn/dinosaur running thing we witnessed last night? I've been a season pass holder since 2010 and reasonably engaged with the club, with a few others, and we've never seen how you actually get to do that stuff? I guess my point is are fans getting the chance to get involved or you have to know someone at the club?
No idea if Sky Stadium has something similar but Lilyworld at Mt Smart is a massive massive plus on matchdays.
Dont think they should ever be consulted or invited to give their opinion on if a coach should be hired. Asked how things have been or what the environment is like yes. Not many jobs where the staff would be asked about the employment of who is to be their boss. Plenty of good coaches over the years probably would never have been hired if it was up to the players. No im not saying Chief is a good coach.
Respect your view Ballane but believe this balanced approach seems about right........Liverpool reportedly sought input from key players when transitioning from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot. Similarly, Chelsea considered player feedback when appointing Enzo Maresca as head coach. However, the level of consultation varies by club, and ultimately, ownership and management make the final call. For me it was a pretty emphatic no to any player consultation from Shaun Gill and I would still like to understand the football pedigree of Dome and Gill to make these call correctly. Would understand if eg if there was some input from anyone that has played at a decent level. To the best of my knowledge not one of the Football Committee (Dome, Gill or Rob Morrison) or the coach have ever played at a decent level (happy to be put right on this) but somehow, they believe they are equipped to make these decisions without any consultation. Smacks of arrogance or naivety...or a combination of both!
Agreed, at least consult the senior leadership group of players as part of the process and sure, take it with a grain of salt.
A coaches job is to get the best out of his players and if most of them aren't overly impressed with him then the coach won't be able to do his job effectively, and it's just wasting everybody's time. The way the team has played since the contract extension could be an indicator that they were expecting and wanting him to go...
Players are the one that decides football games, and telling them to shut up and get on with it no matter who's at the helm isn't a realistic way to produce results, or encourage players to stay, especially when there's better employers out there. Yes, clubs need to be weary of player power being too strong, but you can manage those expectations with open dialogue.
Btw concourse vendors running out of hot food during half time was lame. Also btw, Gilly has a good amateur playing and coaching background as well as a sport management working background and qualifications. And also as much hiring data as possible from everywhere should be gathered on whether a coach is considered good or shark and why (including players obviously)
No-one said ‘it should be up to the players’ or that football clubs should be a democracy. Can’t understand why anyone would think that that was being implied. The prerogative to decide clearly lies with management and the owners.
However to not at least consult with say a group of senior players - Rufer and Payne being obvious choices since they are on extended contracts - is surely ill-advised. If Chiefy does not have the confidence of key leaders in the playing group there is no way you will get optimum performance out of the team. And to say that they are simply hired hands who can bugger off if they dont like it, is errant nonsence. You cant run an A league team on a bunch of schoolboys and 3rd rate players.ballane
Dont think they should ever be consulted or invited to give their opinion on if a coach should be hired. Asked how things have been or what the environment is like yes. Not many jobs where the staff would be asked about the employment of who is to be their boss. Plenty of good coaches over the years probably would never have been hired if it was up to the players. No im not saying Chief is a good coach.
No-one said ‘it should be up to the players’ or that football clubs should be a democracy. Can’t understand why anyone would think that that was being implied. The prerogative to decide clearly lies with management and the owners.
However to not at least consult with say a group of senior players - Rufer and Payne being obvious choices since they are on extended contracts - is surely ill-advised. If Chiefy does not have the confidence of key leaders in the playing group there is no way you will get optimum performance out of the team. And to say that they are simply hired hands who can bugger off if they dont like it, is errant nonsence. You cant run an A league team on a bunch of schoolboys and 3rd rate players.ballane
Dont think they should ever be consulted or invited to give their opinion on if a coach should be hired. Asked how things have been or what the environment is like yes. Not many jobs where the staff would be asked about the employment of who is to be their boss. Plenty of good coaches over the years probably would never have been hired if it was up to the players. No im not saying Chief is a good coach.
Wow you claim i have made assertions that wernt ever said then imply i said "And to say that they are simply hired hands who can bugger off if they dont like it, is errant nonsence." When i said or implied no such thing. You may not like it but i dont think the players should have a say on who is coach. Should they have been spoken to and asked for their opinions on whats going on most definatly and if those making the decision didnt do that in my mind thats negligent.
You would have thought to make the right informed decision you need all the information. I don't see anything wrong with asking what honest opinions players and his staff had. But it seems no one talks to each other and expects messages to be delivered telepathically!
Btw concourse vendors running out of hot food during half time was lame. Also btw, Gilly has a good amateur playing and coaching background as well as a sport management working background and qualifications. And also as much hiring data as possible from everywhere should be gathered on whether a coach is considered good or shark and why (including players obviously)
That happened??! What! Has it ever happened before? (About running out of hot food)
Despotovski... that name is a famous blast from the past!
Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but according to one of the Perth supporters I chatted to Bobby Despotovski was in the stands for the game.
Btw concourse vendors running out of hot food during half time was lame. Also btw, Gilly has a good amateur playing and coaching background as well as a sport management working background and qualifications. And also as much hiring data as possible from everywhere should be gathered on whether a coach is considered good or shark and why (including players obviously)
That happened??! What! Has it ever happened before? (About running out of hot food)
Phew, glad I got my overpriced burger and chips when I did!
I'm not sure whether to be worried that they predicted such a low turnout, or quietly relieved that the crowd beat their low expectations. But either way it adds to the "last one out turn off the lights" atmosphere.
Whatever happens next season one thing that will require attention is our relationship with AFC. The Aussie commentators in our last away game mentioned that the Nix had not coped at all well with the arrival of AFC. They pointed out that after each of the three derby losses we dropped a lot of points. The arrival of AFC has been a shock for the Nix club and supporters. We were meandering along seemingly happy that at least we were better than the previous kiwi sides on the AL. We seemed to accept that outside rugby, NZ sides of any code would struggle in an Australian competition. Then along comes AFC. In a short space of time they turned that on its head. They showed that with the right management a NZ club could dominate the A league. The shock to Nix supporters is palpable. Its not just about money. Welnix has at times poured in plenty. Its the realization that we have accepted mediocrity for most of the last 18 years and the same people are still in charge.
Trying desperately to find a silver lining here, maybe one day years from now we’ll look back and see that AFC’s arrival was exactly what the Nix needed.
Whatever happens next season one thing that will require attention is our relationship with AFC. The Aussie commentators in our last away game mentioned that the Nix had not coped at all well with the arrival of AFC. They pointed out that after each of the three derby losses we dropped a lot of points. The arrival of AFC has been a shock for the Nix club and supporters. We were meandering along seemingly happy that at least we were better than the previous kiwi sides on the AL. We seemed to accept that outside rugby, NZ sides of any code would struggle in an Australian competition. Then along comes AFC. In a short space of time they turned that on its head. They showed that with the right management a NZ club could dominate the A league. The shock to Nix supporters is palpable. Its not just about money. Welnix has at times poured in plenty. Its the realization that we have accepted mediocrity for most of the last 18 years and the same people are still in charge.
Not sure what you mean by relationship but the Phoenix tried to engage with Auckland over some things but were either ignored or they wernt really interested. You just have to look at their attitude to the crowd issues at the Derbies Becker claims there wernt any issues when there clearly were. As for the fans its been made pretty obvious that their fans arnt interested in having the same relationship we have with other fans. Frankly dont think Nix fans can learn ANY thing from Bling fans no way do we EVER want to look or perform any thing like them. You also make no mention of the money Auckland has available to them which is the big difference in how they are able to go about things. There is no doubt the Phoenix have work to do but no way do we need to try and replicate them.
I suggest letting the dust settle. EVERYONE was very disappointed with how the season went and finished. As per every season, we tend to lose our better players and at least 7 per season.
I know planning has been ongoing for next season already. Who knows what replacements are on the clubs radar as nothing can be done until July 1st really. We still have Darwin to contest with. I hope to zip along Wednesday for training if they are still here.
What's done is done, Onwards & Upwards!
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
Whatever happens next season one thing that will require attention is our relationship with AFC. The Aussie commentators in our last away game mentioned that the Nix had not coped at all well with the arrival of AFC. They pointed out that after each of the three derby losses we dropped a lot of points. The arrival of AFC has been a shock for the Nix club and supporters. We were meandering along seemingly happy that at least we were better than the previous kiwi sides on the AL. We seemed to accept that outside rugby, NZ sides of any code would struggle in an Australian competition. Then along comes AFC. In a short space of time they turned that on its head. They showed that with the right management a NZ club could dominate the A league. The shock to Nix supporters is palpable. Its not just about money. Welnix has at times poured in plenty. Its the realization that we have accepted mediocrity for most of the last 18 years and the same people are still in charge.
this would be fine to say if last season didn't happen where we got as many points as AFC did this season. If Doka doesn't score an injury time winner from outside the box we would have won the league and all these conclusions would be null and void - 1 shot.
AFC came in bang hit the ground running. They didn't take a couple of seasons to adjust and learn how to win the league. Corica told them how to do it. High tempo game, high energy pressing high up the pitch, shark housery with a few midfield hardmen, no Japenese ballerinas, super fit, limited kids. Devils advocate here but could we not copy that game plan with cheaper players? At least get us back in the mid table mix and we grind out some derby draws. Getting pumped again by those guys next year just isn't acceptable. And trust me AFC will look to pump us every single time now they've done it once and got the confidence.
