Having enjoyed the high tempo attacking 5-1 win over Canterbury United at Kiwitea Street on Saturday I then endured the dour 0-0 draw between the Nix and Newcastle Jets yesterday. To tell you the truth I think ACFC would comfortably beat even the Nix first team. I just hope those Napier fans who were disappointed by the lacklustre Phoenix display will turn up when ACFC are in town to play Hawke's Bay United to see what real attacking, high tempo passing football is all about. I love the way ACFC are playing now, particularly their quick transition from defence into attack. If only the All Whites would play this way.
Auckland City FC - Thanks a Trillion
Yawn.
I'm sure the canty united fans loved seeing their team get thrashed by a near professional team in an amateur league.
Yawn.
I'm sure the canty united fans loved seeing their team get thrashed by a near professional team in an amateur league.
Are City meant to go easy on them or something?
Phoenix have had 3 months together under Merrick
Auckland City have had 3 years under Tribuletix
It will take a while for the Phoenix to gel and forget how the played under Herbert.
I still dont understand why that game got probably 10/15 times the crowd that Hawke's Bay Utd v Auckland City would get though, When clearly the gap between the leagues is not that massive.
At least Merrick hasnt got the same ignorance and arrogance that Herbert had and is prepared to give kiwi talent a go, Which actually isnt good news for Auckland City!!
[quote=Chester FC]
Phoenix have had 3 months together under Merrick
Auckland City have had 3 years under Tribuletix
It will take a while for the Phoenix to gel and forget how the played under Herbert.
I still dont understand why that game got probably 10/15 times the crowd that Hawke's Bay Utd v Auckland City would get though, When clearly the gap between the leagues is not that massive.
At least Merrick hasnt got the same ignorance and arrogance that Herbert had and is prepared to give kiwi talent a go, Which actually isnt good news for Auckland City!!
Couldn't agree more about the crowd. It's a shame most of those who turned out to see the Nix won't go to see their local national league team, particularly as HBU and ACFC usually turn on entertaining football and as you say, the gap isn't that big. In fact I think ACFC is a better team than the Phoenix at the moment.
I'm happy if any ACFC player lands a professional contract although I don't want to see us losing any more players with the CWC looming.
If the Phoenix are going to take their show on the road they need to up the tempo, at times the game against Newcastle was at walking speed. I think ACFC's forward line of the tricky Tade and flying Krishna showed up Brockie and Stein at times, although I thought the Belgium this time did some good movement off the ball. Can't say the same of Brockie, who I certainly don't think is of international standard. Hopefully the likes of Fenton, Rufer and Ridington will provide some youthful enthusiasm going forward. At the moment ACFC are better at quickly transitioning from defence to attack.
At least Merrick hasnt got the same ignorance and arrogance that Herbert had and is prepared to give kiwi talent a go, Which actually isnt good news for Auckland City!!
ACFC - huge proponents of kiwi talent (only if they speak Spanish)
reira played very well for the phoenix yesterday - he really tidied things up and did the basics well
At least Merrick hasnt got the same ignorance and arrogance that Herbert had and is prepared to give kiwi talent a go, Which actually isnt good news for Auckland City!!
ACFC - huge proponents of kiwi talent (only if they speak Spanish)
6 ex Auckland City players in Phoenix squad currently, Only 1 speaks spanish (as 1st langauge)
3 Spanish speaking players in current ACFC squad
Jeff Vader talking sh*te again
I hope the Phoenix will improve, but I did find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of wot Bluemagic said.
I am a neutral (aberrant, opinionated Waikato fan) but consider the prospect of watching Auckland play significantly more appealing than watching the Phoenix play at the moment.
As to WHY that should be the case - and I can see where Tegal could go with this - that is less important to me as a fan more interested in the consumption of football that the factors behind its production.
Having said that, I would love Waikato - or whatever we are called this year - to upset Auckland. But if not, I will admire the beauty of wot Auckland do. They are good to watch.
[
I still dont understand why that game got probably 10/15 times the crowd that Hawke's Bay Utd v Auckland City would get though, When clearly the gap between the leagues is not that massive
Absolutely spot on. I cannot understand the lack of interest in Nz's national league. Quality football, local rivalries, etc ON YOUR doorstep. You don't need to wait for the travelling circus to come to town.
Very true. Playing at parks and not stadiums probably negatively affects people's perception. As I've said before in another thread, I can ask for time off from work to watch the nix at westpac stadium or McLean in Napier, but if I ask for time off to go watch a game at Dave Farrington park, they just give me a funny look.
[
I still dont understand why that game got probably 10/15 times the crowd that Hawke's Bay Utd v Auckland City would get though, When clearly the gap between the leagues is not that massive
Absolutely spot on. I cannot understand the lack of interest in Nz's national league. Quality football, local rivalries, etc ON YOUR doorstep. You don't need to wait for the travelling circus to come to town.
I wish I had an answer Ali. The ASBP deserves crowds of 2,000 to 3,000 because it serves up some exciting games. I guess it's not considered glamorous enough. Tegal is right that some of the grounds are not up to it for attracting spectators.
I hope the Phoenix will improve, but I did find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of wot Bluemagic said.
I am a neutral (aberrant, opinionated Waikato fan) but consider the prospect of watching Auckland play significantly more appealing than watching the Phoenix play at the moment.
As to WHY that should be the case - and I can see where Tegal could go with this - that is less important to me as a fan more interested in the consumption of football that the factors behind its production.
Having said that, I would love Waikato - or whatever we are called this year - to upset Auckland. But if not, I will admire the beauty of wot Auckland do. They are good to watch.
Hopefully WaiBop can turn it on this season, but in all honesty I think ACFC are going to be hard to handle. They demolished a good Canterbury side 5-1 at last weekend's preseason friendly. I fear for Waitakere in the looming Charity Shield game. The quick City interplay and speed of attack is a joy to behold and some of the best football they've played for a long time.
I'd take a box of tissues JV.
reira played very well for the phoenix yesterday - he really tidied things up and did the basics well
It's what he did for ACFC too and we miss him. I appreciate the current Nix are a team in transition and I hope Merrick can get them to really click in the near future. The best I've seen them so far is that second half against Wanderers.
I hope the Phoenix will improve, but I did find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of wot Bluemagic said.
I am a neutral (aberrant, opinionated Waikato fan) but consider the prospect of watching Auckland play significantly more appealing than watching the Phoenix play at the moment.
As to WHY that should be the case - and I can see where Tegal could go with this - that is less important to me as a fan more interested in the consumption of football that the factors behind its production.
Having said that, I would love Waikato - or whatever we are called this year - to upset Auckland. But if not, I will admire the beauty of wot Auckland do. They are good to watch.
I'm looking forward to ACFC v Waibop this year too. I've a sneaky feeling Waibop are going to do quite well in this year's ASB. I hope they do.
I hope the Phoenix will improve, but I did find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of wot Bluemagic said.
I am a neutral (aberrant, opinionated Waikato fan) but consider the prospect of watching Auckland play significantly more appealing than watching the Phoenix play at the moment.
As to WHY that should be the case - and I can see where Tegal could go with this - that is less important to me as a fan more interested in the consumption of football that the factors behind its production.
Having said that, I would love Waikato - or whatever we are called this year - to upset Auckland. But if not, I will admire the beauty of wot Auckland do. They are good to watch.
Hopefully WaiBop can turn it on this season, but in all honesty I think ACFC are going to be hard to handle. They demolished a good Canterbury side 5-1 at last weekend's preseason friendly. I fear for Waitakere in the looming Charity Shield game. The quick City interplay and speed of attack is a joy to behold and some of the best football they've played for a long time.
I'd take a box of tissues JV.
[
I still dont understand why that game got probably 10/15 times the crowd that Hawke's Bay Utd v Auckland City would get though, When clearly the gap between the leagues is not that massive
Absolutely spot on. I cannot understand the lack of interest in Nz's national league. Quality football, local rivalries, etc ON YOUR doorstep. You don't need to wait for the travelling circus to come to town.
I wish I had an answer Ali. The ASBP deserves crowds of 2,000 to 3,000 because it serves up some exciting games. I guess it's not considered glamorous enough. Tegal is right that some of the grounds are not up to it for attracting spectators.
Yes, the ASBP has some very good games and as you imply, many of these involve ACFC, but not wishing to rain on that parade their is also a good proportion of the matches are absolute dross, and yes Sundays Phoenix game was dross by usual A-League standards.
That's a valid observation. You are hardly likely to see exciting football between Wanderers FC and Southern....
So realistically, you are watching an ACFC side with their imports mother pretty much most of the opposition.... There will be some days when some teams can hang with them for 60 mins but I would expect that would be TW and.... well I guess its a lottery.
Which is what I was getting at earlier.
Yup. And that's why there is not the 2000 fans. No appeal.
And before someone else starts, the reason why they can get more than that for the Phoenix is because of names like Heskey, Ono, ADP etc
I hope the Phoenix will improve, but I did find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of wot Bluemagic said.
I am a neutral (aberrant, opinionated Waikato fan) but consider the prospect of watching Auckland play significantly more appealing than watching the Phoenix play at the moment.
As to WHY that should be the case - and I can see where Tegal could go with this - that is less important to me as a fan more interested in the consumption of football that the factors behind its production.
Having said that, I would love Waikato - or whatever we are called this year - to upset Auckland. But if not, I will admire the beauty of wot Auckland do. They are good to watch.
Hopefully WaiBop can turn it on this season, but in all honesty I think ACFC are going to be hard to handle. They demolished a good Canterbury side 5-1 at last weekend's preseason friendly. I fear for Waitakere in the looming Charity Shield game. The quick City interplay and speed of attack is a joy to behold and some of the best football they've played for a long time.
I'd take a box of tissues JV.
I dont know why everyone is presuming W*itakere are going to struggle this season?
Sure they've lost there 3 main strikers but the back four and midfield are the same as last season - Scott for Hogg which actually improves the defence.
That's a valid observation. You are hardly likely to see exciting football between Wanderers FC and Southern....
So realistically, you are watching an ACFC side with their imports mother pretty much most of the opposition.... There will be some days when some teams can hang with them for 60 mins but I would expect that would be TW and.... well I guess its a lottery.
I think a lot of it is inbuilt in NZers psyche and goes way beyond football. That is that things produced overseas are somehow superior to those produced in NZ. Education systems, TV productions, music and, of course football.
This, in my opinion, is not true. I think any match ups with the ASBP and the A-League have proven that there's not a huge difference in quality. Then, of course, you can add to this that the ASBP is accessible to the majority of NZers, it's reasonably priced, there's local identity etc etc
I hope the Phoenix will improve, but I did find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of wot Bluemagic said.
I am a neutral (aberrant, opinionated Waikato fan) but consider the prospect of watching Auckland play significantly more appealing than watching the Phoenix play at the moment.
As to WHY that should be the case - and I can see where Tegal could go with this - that is less important to me as a fan more interested in the consumption of football that the factors behind its production.
Having said that, I would love Waikato - or whatever we are called this year - to upset Auckland. But if not, I will admire the beauty of wot Auckland do. They are good to watch.
Hopefully WaiBop can turn it on this season, but in all honesty I think ACFC are going to be hard to handle. They demolished a good Canterbury side 5-1 at last weekend's preseason friendly. I fear for Waitakere in the looming Charity Shield game. The quick City interplay and speed of attack is a joy to behold and some of the best football they've played for a long time.
I'd take a box of tissues JV.
I dont know why everyone is presuming W*itakere are going to struggle this season?
Sure they've lost there 3 main strikers but the back four and midfield are the same as last season - Scott for Hogg which actually improves the defence.
Absolutely agree with this - I think it would be foolish to underestimate Waitakere.
That's a valid observation. You are hardly likely to see exciting football between Wanderers FC and Southern....
So realistically, you are watching an ACFC side with their imports mother pretty much most of the opposition.... There will be some days when some teams can hang with them for 60 mins but I would expect that would be TW and.... well I guess its a lottery.
I think a lot of it is inbuilt in NZers psyche and goes way beyond football. That is that things produced overseas are somehow superior to those produced in NZ. Education systems, TV productions, music and, of course football.
This, in my opinion, is not true. I think any match ups with the ASBP and the A-League have proven that there's not a huge difference in quality. Then, of course, you can add to this that the ASBP is accessible to the majority of NZers, it's reasonably priced, there's local identity etc etc
You clearly did not watch Manawatu v Canterbury in Wellington last year!
Also in the past not a lot for promotion for the league from the top: has been left up to each club. We cannot even get the scorelines read on a Sunday evening in TV1 or TV3.
Hard for the clubs to promote home games when the draw is at time all over the show, i.e. you would think it would be easy to have each team play home, away, home, away ..... , also kick-off times are not consistant so hard for fans to get into a set pattern.
Playing in the heat of the sumner does not help, if you have a family and the temp is around 30 degree's of higher, the beach or picnic, BBQ appeals rather than a watching a footy game.
Maybe better if games could kick off later but then travel plans for the away side would come into play, and then clash with A League games.
Each teams will always have their core fans which will always show up but if we are to get crowds of 2000 plus along then need to get non core footy supporters along.
Also in the past not a lot for promotion for the league from the top: has been left up to each club. We cannot even get the scorelines read on a Sunday evening in TV1 or TV3.
Hard for the clubs to promote home games when the draw is at time all over the show, i.e. you would think it would be easy to have each team play home, away, home, away ..... , also kick-off times are not consistant so hard for fans to get into a set pattern.
Playing in the heat of the sumner does not help, if you have a family and the temp is around 30 degree's of higher, the beach or picnic, BBQ appeals rather than a watching a footy game.
Maybe better if games could kick off later but then travel plans for the away side would come into play, and then clash with A League games.
Each teams will always have their core fans which will always show up but if we are to get crowds of 2000 plus along then need to get non core footy supporters along.
Free beer. Marching girls/Gin Wigmore set @ half-time.
Well, I've heard some people talking about missed opportunities with the TW draw.
Having TW games when the nix are in Australia, so there is football every week.
Also when the nix are in chch, have TW v canty down there, when in Auckland have TW v Auckland up there etc.
It's very hard to get the casual nix fan along to and interested in TW (or canty/Auckland/Hawkes Bay) with the draw the way it is - opportunity missed.
That's a valid observation. You are hardly likely to see exciting football between Wanderers FC and Southern....
So realistically, you are watching an ACFC side with their imports mother pretty much most of the opposition.... There will be some days when some teams can hang with them for 60 mins but I would expect that would be TW and.... well I guess its a lottery.
I think a lot of it is inbuilt in NZers psyche and goes way beyond football. That is that things produced overseas are somehow superior to those produced in NZ. Education systems, TV productions, music and, of course football.
This, in my opinion, is not true. I think any match ups with the ASBP and the A-League have proven that there's not a huge difference in quality. Then, of course, you can add to this that the ASBP is accessible to the majority of NZers, it's reasonably priced, there's local identity etc etc
You clearly did not watch Manawatu v Canterbury in Wellington last year!
There are many reasons as to why there is little attendance of the ASBP but put them all together, they magnify each other. To say 'well our team can beat a couple of A League teams' is not a be all end all reason to go watch these games. I go watch the because its football. I do so inspite of some crap that is served up (and I am lucky to be in a town where generally the top two teams are) the fact its at a time when I would rather enjoy the sun on what I think is a universal day off. Combined with some ordinary facilities, no marketing, some poor officials, a season of winter football and some franchises that there is no connection with and a team that basically pays it way through to the next level, I still go watch.
Talking about whose dick is bigger in a football forum does not fix the issue. Its getting to the folks that do not read football forums and we have already established that the marketing of the league is non existent. If it sounds like a moan, trust me its not. Its simply highlighting some obvious reasons why some people who may look at the ASBP and choose a better product to watch with their disposable time. If you ACFC lads have 2 hours free, you are going to generally choose watching that over any EPL games most times and I can respect that fandom you have with your team. For people who are not, the 2 hours will be on the couch watching a better product. That's just the reality of the situation. You can never compete with that but there are so many things that can be done so much better to make the ASBP a better product than what is on offer. I think its a fair statement to make to say we all would love 3000 fans plus to be filling football stadiums across the country in a national league that grabs headlines but it does not. So how do we make better what we have and makes steps to try get there? At the moment, I don't see NZF really giving two shits so why should they expect the casual fan to become engaged?
It is also a matter of priorities for me personally JV. I would like to watch TW more than I do, having seen probably a dozen matches over the last three years. I am involved with coaching a Senior team from late January through to mid August, two nights a week plus Saturdays and then watching the clubs Central league side as well. From September to April the Nix are my poison of choice. Family demands and all the other things that happen outside of football actually make it difficult to see more than I do. If it were a consistantly good product being dished up I would probably make a greater effort but the fact that many games are poor and frankly no better than a good Central League game makes finding that time all the more difficult
IMO the ASB will never attract the non-dedicated fan as long as it continues as an amateur league. In the UK the amateur clubs attract bugger-all support, semi-pro similar. Also, they're not newsworthy - unless again you're a dedicated fan and read the non-league papers or the back pages of the Little Chalfont gazette.
And as NZF won't consider any changes to the present 'shamateurism' that rules in the ASB and regional leagues, nothing will ever change. And we'll have to continue reading up on games in the Central Leader (good stuff J. Ruane!) and not the Herald.
As for TV coverage - dream on!
anyone know what is happening with simon arms?
anyone know what is happening with simon arms?
anyone know what is happening with simon arms?
Beneath you.
anyone know what is happening with simon arms?
Beneath you.
This weekend will most likely be Tamati, Irving, Ivan, Berlanga, Milne, Bale, Billen, Feneridis, Dick, Danko, Krishna... 4 kiwis
Whose behind them... the new Spanish guy, Tade, Burfoot. In the wider squad you have Browne, White and his happy meals, George, Pritchett, some kids called Dean. The common theme is 'not many Kiwis'. This team would not play in the A League for all their chest beating cause they are about 100 imports over the quota
Why would you stick around if you were a Kiwi and had ambition? You can probably bet de Vries will never be seen again despite starting at Waitakere the last 3 years. Throw in the hack that is 4 touch Turner who should never be seen again.
When you ask how Simon Arms is going, ask him nationality first and that will answer your question
anyone know what is happening with simon arms?
Beneath you.
This weekend will most likely be Tamati, Irving, Ivan, Berlanga, Milne, Bale, Billen, Feneridis, Dick, Danko, Krishna... 4 kiwis
Whose behind them... the new Spanish guy, Tade, Burfoot. In the wider squad you have Browne, White and his happy meals, George, Pritchett, some kids called Dean. The common theme is 'not many Kiwis'. This team would not play in the A League for all their chest beating cause they are about 100 imports over the quota
Why would you stick around if you were a Kiwi and had ambition? You can probably bet de Vries will never be seen again despite starting at Waitakere the last 3 years. Throw in the hack that is 4 touch Turner who should never be seen again.
When you ask how Simon Arms is going, ask him nationality first and that will answer your question
5 Kiwis in that 1st XI. Plus 3 more that are NZ Residents.
13 Kiwis in 21 players quoted so thats a few more than "not many kiwis"
And only 3 of Irving, Berlanga, Bilen and Spanish guy can play at a time
Do players in A-League that are NZ/Aus residents but not able to play for NZ/Aus class as imports in A-League?
If not then a few in that list would be eligible and not be imports.
So why has Arms not been signed by anyone else then?
Maybe he's injured?
Do you know for sure or just taking sh*te yet again
i believe that berlanga is ok to play as a local because he's played a season here before, not 100% sure if it's that or if he had have played here last season
either way, it's not acfc's fault, NZF should introduce a foreign player quota that doesn't consider foreigners whoplayed here last season as a local
i believe that berlanga is ok to play as a local because he's played a season here before, not 100% sure if it's that or if he had have played here last season
either way, it's not acfc's fault, NZF should introduce a foreign player quota that doesn't consider foreigners whoplayed here last season as a local
absolutely.
and to be honest, a naturalised foreigner isn't much use to me as a new zealand football fan either.
i had a whinge about canterbury united having 7 foreign accents potentially starting for them this season, which leaves space for a goalkeeper, clapham and two others.
if this is going to become the typical makeup of a national league team, where the fuck are we going to find future internationals?
canterbury should be looking for the next clapham. auckland should be looking for the next vicelich.
btw, i'm all for quality imports. and auckland tend to bring out some good ones. but do we need to have fringe first team spots taken by foreigners?
if each team was allowed 4 foreign players (i would make the rule, 4 who are ineligible for the all whites btw) and if they were the standard of the likes of souto, andreu, cristobal etc, it would actually be good for the league.
imagine how the likes of carmichael would have benefited from more regular football alongside these guys?
i know that wanderers sc are in the league to prepare for a specific tournament, but i find it ironic that NZF have taken the extra-ordinary step of including one of it's own youth teams in the national competition to develop youth when they allow other teams to be filled with foreigners that will be of no future use to us
btw, i'm all for quality imports. and auckland tend to bring out some good ones. but do we need to have fringe first team spots taken by foreigners?
if each team was allowed 4 foreign players (i would make the rule, 4 who are ineligible for the all whites btw) and if they were the standard of the likes of souto, andreu, cristobal etc, it would actually be good for the league.
imagine how the likes of carmichael would have benefited from more regular football alongside these guys?
i know that wanderers sc are in the league to prepare for a specific tournament, but i find it ironic that NZF have taken the extra-ordinary step of including one of it's own youth teams in the national competition to develop youth when they allow other teams to be filled with foreigners that will be of no future use to us