30 football clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand will share $253,511 ($154,239 USD), rewarded to them by FIFA for their role in developing players that took part in the @FIFAWWC 2023.
Poor overall record, some very strange selections especially early in her tenure, and ultimately for whatever reason(s) a player revolt.
The absolute nadir results wise, losing to Portugal 5-0 at home in the leadup to the WWC, and the cringeworthy double act pre match press conference with Ali Riley. “We. Are. Going. To. Beat. Portugal”
But in Klimkova's defence, I don't really remember Tom Sermanni's record being any better. Though Sermanni was definitely handicapped by Covid in the leadup to Tokyo Olympics, plus back then, was no Nix ALW side showcasting young NZ talent.
However Klimkova definitely gave young players a chance, noting it's been a constant refrain from many to get rid of the 'old guard'. She did alot of that.
I'd be genuinely surprised if we see much quick improvement under a new coach, whether that be Michael Mayne or whoever. The problems and issues are far deeper than that. Look at Miley Clegg (as a young goal scoring star by NZ standards), not get 1 minute of playing time yet in the NWSL as one small example. Another the U20s being outclassed at their World Cup in Colombia. Our young talent not stacking up that well, compared to what is coming out of other countries now.
But yeah would be nice to have a stable period for this team, where at least there seems a strong team spirit, no infighting, everyone pulling together for the greater good. NZ has too small a talent pool for that not to happen, to then achieve anything meaningful.
well thank fudge for that - we all knew it was coming but I'll be honest and admit to having some fear that she would want to stay on and NZF would be brave enough to fire her. Hopefully we dont go through another shambolic recruitment process and manage to find a decent coach for the women asap!
Looking at her record, she oversaw 39 international games for a record of 11 wins, seven draws and 21 losses. 5 of those wins though are the World Cup Qualifiers against the Island teams, where they scored 32 goals and conceded only 2. Take those out and the picture looks a lot worse. Certainly a high in beating Norway at home for our first World Cup win, but even that came crashing down, losing to the Philippines a few days later.
Interesting, you mention her not using Clegg, when the papers say she gave 18 players their senior international debuts and took 10 players to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. It does feel like the Ferns still rely too much on the old guard.
Looking at her record, she oversaw 39 international games for a record of 11 wins, seven draws and 21 losses. 5 of those wins though are the World Cup Qualifiers against the Island teams, where they scored 32 goals and conceded only 2. Take those out and the picture looks a lot worse. Certainly a high in beating Norway at home for our first World Cup win, but even that came crashing down, losing to the Philippines a few days later.
Interesting, you mention her not using Clegg, when the papers say she gave 18 players their senior international debuts and took 10 players to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. It does feel like the Ferns still rely too much on the old guard.
I refer to Racing Louisville as yet not giving Clegg a debut in the NWSL. Klimkova I don't think held Miley back.
Basically we have high hopes for talented young players like Clegg, Fraser etc. But the fact is that other nations are also producing young talent, and in increasing numbers as traditionally strong football nations start to take the women's game seriously. Most of our players are currently in middling average European leagues or the ALW. Only a very small number in really top drawer comps.
We all hope the Ferns can improve results wise and play more attractively, but it will take time, and not be a quick easy fix no matter who the coach is.
Wilkinson was dropped for the Paris Olympics. There were only 4 in that 18 player squad aged 30 over over. Esson (33), Bowen (30), Stott (31) & Longo (33). All were there on merit, and should be until younger players can prove they are better. From memory Longo was initially a travelling reserve, then called up for an injured Fraser.
Can be a bit deceiving, as often players debut for the Ferns in their teens, so even though they have been in the team for 10 years, are still not yet the 'ancient' 30.
Edit - NZ & Australia combined losing all 6 of their games at the U20 WWC, by at least 2 goals each time is a concern. It's a poor reflection on the ALW where majority of the players from both teams came from. The ALW clubs through their academies or whatever need to lift their game. It's where the real process of National team improvement starts.
Apologies about my previous post, after a second look I think it was a bit extreme and not very appropriate.
I'm excited to follow the journey going forward to find the next Ferns coach, already some potential contenders. Plus with the promising talent we already have, hopefully this is the beginning of a fresh start.
