So I decided to create another NZ based A-League side. Thought it would be a fun save idea, especially with the Auckland franchise on the horizon.
However, unlike an Auckland based side, I have gone with my native Christchurch and named after another side I support, QPR, has created Christchurch Rangers. Playing in blue and white hoops (not to be confused with Christchurch United blue and white stripes…)
The earliest I could start was just over a month before the start of the season, which was the first obstacle I had to over come. Create a side from scratch when the majority of all free agents had been recruited.
The idea was to grab free agent kiwis and promote decent kiwis from the regional leagues here – if possible no Australians. This was to be supported by players within the markets I know well and have a history with – Sweden and the USA. Topped up with local Christchurch/Mainland lads I personally rated.
First ever signing was the loan signing of Oskar Agren, a Swedish ball playing CB from San Jose Earthquakes who I have always rated highly. He is the lynchpin of this side, as we looked to play progressive possession out from the back. Add in some kiwi freebies, I was then hoping to make some big signings…how I was wrong.
Auckland City fellas were not keen. I tried Adam Mitchell, Howieson, Sabo etc. – all turned me down. Presumably making more money in the amateur NZ National League…
Marque signing at CF went to Icelandic Sigporsson (who went on to have 7 different injuries and only play 8 games for the team all season and falling out with me). Coming up 4 days from MD1 I panic brought in Winston Reid as another big name player. Then the window shut and suddenly all these forwards I signed, were not joining until halfway through the season!
Odds before the season were 2000-1 to win the league lol. We had more trialists than squad as MD1 approached.
Final score was 1-1 (against the Nix, no less). Reid was woefully off pace and it was evident I had brought him out of retirement. Their goal coming from his error.
First few matches were much the same, trying to play decent football, but no end product before a Reid howler would give them the lead. We got hit by injuries and then all of sudden starting Collegue Juniors in midfield (Mason Stearn).
Then things started to click. The odd occasion Sigporsson could play he would score (6 in 8 games). Jelacic stood up as the main threat. Was brought in as the attacking 8 and I doubt he thought he would lead the line for an A-League club.
Special mentioned to Rubio Sivodedov who came in as an international squaddie and stepped up BIG time. Was an Allsvenskan drop out and he came down to NZ to revive his career. He turned into an absolute midfield maestro.
January came and reinforcements arrived. Locals finally got to see garb Coughlan step up a level. In came my pre-signed forwards of Coughlan, Eddie Wilkinson, Jesse Randall and Oli Whyte. Whyte being another marquee. Also arrived was Swedish u21, Edwin Andersson.
Our results shot up and we played amazingly. Ended up 3rd and made the semi final play offs. Lost to our local rivals Wellington Phoenix 5-4 to a 94th (!!) winner in the second leg.
Garb finished as our top goal scorer on 9. Player of the season was Bastianello who was an amazing sweeper keeper. Special mention to Rubio and Agren with the latter the fav for player of the season before returning to San Jose prematurely. Reid also stepped up big time once he got up to speed.
