The Phoenix can help the game rise up
Columnist By Davidde Corran, 26 Feb 2010 Davidde Corran is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- A-League, football, Wellington Phoenix
105 Have your say
Wellington Phoenix's Tim Brown celebrates after scoring against Melbourne Victory during their round 6 match, played at the Ethihad stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, Sept 13, 2009. Phoenix drew the match with Victory 1-1 after full time.(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
I’ve been amazed by the football noise that’s been coming out of New Zealand over recent weeks. While I suppose it all started with that fateful match against Bahrain in November, since almost 20,000 fans stumped up in Christchurch to see the Phoenix defeat Adelaide United 1-0 almost four weeks ago, I’ve started to believe.
Not that Wellington Phoenix is capable of winning the Grand Final (despite Paul Ifil’s best efforts, I still find them one of the league’s least enjoyable teams to watch), but that the game in New Zealand is at a crucial point.
In truth, despite the national team qualifying for the World Cup, the Under 17 side finding success in Nigeria and the Phoenix’s debut finals appearance, New Zealand football hasn’t achieved anything that will ensure its long-term success yet.
The point, though, is that the game is now in a position to do so.
This momentum needs to be seized upon and New Zealand Football must form a long-term plan to galvanise the game at grassroots, club and national team level. Whether this involves Asia or not is a debatable point (though I think it does).
The key is going to be Wellington Phoenix.
A national team alone can’t secure a game’s future in any country. Look at South Korea or even the Socceroos as an example.
The regular football, sustained presence, and potential for success the Phoenix offer, however, could give the game some crucial leverage.
Unfortunately dark clouds still hang above the Phoenix’s future, thanks to the unnecessary license demands of Asian Football Confederation President, Mohammod Bin Hammam.
While on the pitch there isn’t yet a lot for Wellington to offer Asia, off it there certainly is.
I sat among a pitiful 4,983 people at Seongnam’s Tancheon Stadium who had paid between 5 and 11 Australian dollars to see Sasa Ognenovski’s Seongnam defeat Kawasaki Frontale 2-0. Scan the other crowd figures from this week’s Asian Champions League openers and, outside of China, attendances were similar.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix have already sold 25,000 tickets to Sunday week’s game against Newcastle.
Bin Hammam’s comments to The World Game yesterday that he’d like, “all Asia to stand behind one bid,” have me worried that Football Federation Australia might be willing to trade off the Phoenix’s integrity for a shot at winning the hosting rights to the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Not only would it be morally wrong, it would be a mistake for the A-League.
In a season where the two new clubs have both struggled off the pitch, North Queensland financially and Gold Coast in the stands, Wellington Phoenix are the only really good story to come out of season 5.
Organised in a few haphazard months before the 2007/08 season, the Phoenix have slowly built themselves up off and on the pitch. The A-League is better off because the ‘Nix’s contribution and FFA must acknowledge this by sorting out their future now.
My message for Wellington Phoenix, meanwhile, is to learn from Melbourne Victory’s mistakes. Their story this season reminds me of Melbourne’s phenomenal rise in season 2 of the A-League.
12 months later, the Victory had let itself down on the pitch and even more alarmingly left many of its fans with a sense of betrayal off it. Melbourne’s crowds, while still good, haven’t been the same since then.
So Wellington, cherish your fans. They are the reason your club deserves its place within the A-League.
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February 26th 2010 @ 12:19pm
con said | February 26th 2010 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
so so true regarding melbourne victory. as soon as they started telling their fans where to sit, even worst, forcing them as wella s their friends to sit on the dead boring and atmosphere less level 3 of etihad their attendances dropped. amazingly no matter how many people have raised this issue with mvfc they continue to do nothing. please pheonix learn from this and dont treat your fans like dirt
February 26th 2010 @ 2:19pm
Republican said | February 26th 2010 @ 2:19pm | Report comment
Ora
ANZAC spirit you say. The last time I read a Kiwi perspective on ANZAC it was all whinge about how NZ’s thunder was stolen in this respect also. This typifies NZ’s relationship with this country. Aust NZ Army Corp has to be the most overstated acronym in existence. To be perfectly frank, it resembles little more than a trite cliche if one is fairdinkum about the Aust NZ relationship.
I support what AA is attempting to expose here. The’ loathing’ card that is often played along with a swag of other rather piously pitched retorts on the part of Kiwis, whenever Aust or Australians challenge NZ’s assumed privelege in this respect, is purely diversionary.
February 26th 2010 @ 2:48pm
Hammer said | February 26th 2010 @ 2:48pm | Report comment
“I support what AA is attempting to expose here” .. wow now there’s a real surprise .. you’re the worst example of the Australian one nation “thinking” on this site
February 26th 2010 @ 3:27pm
Ora said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:27pm | Report comment
I see Daddy has come to rescue his little boy how sweet.
What a disgrace you two are using a sporting forum to push your agendas
February 26th 2010 @ 2:43pm
Punter said | February 26th 2010 @ 2:43pm | Report comment
Let’s put it in perspective the Wellington Phoenix doing well is the A-League doing it well. The only people wishing ill of the Phoenix are the same people who wishes the A-League ill. Let’s remember this is the world’s game, especially you Bin Hamman, would love to see him lose the FIFA top job on an Oceanic vote.
February 26th 2010 @ 3:20pm
MV Dave said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:20pm | Report comment
The FFA revenue will be close to $2 million from the 2 WP home finals…fair to say they have paid their way this year!
Not interested in the politics just the football…WP are a good news story in HAL, deserve their place and so should keep it and certainly FFA should consider a 2nd NZ team in HAL if, and when, the opportunity arises. It is important, as a football fan, to have a strong code presence throughout our region. Eventually l would even like to have a combined Pacific Island team in HAL but that is another can of worms for the future.
February 26th 2010 @ 3:26pm
AA said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
Funny how money to the FFA was never discussed when Melbourne and Sydney were pulling in big crowds in the early finals series when the league started.
Now its discussed readily as a right of passage.
How many of you on here are johnny come lately’s to the game? Makes me sick.
February 26th 2010 @ 3:29pm
Ora said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:29pm | Report comment
I think you must make yourself sick when you get up in the morning and see your face in the mirror.
You have some seriousw anger issues AA and it’s hysterical. Noone but republican supports you and you bring up juvenile arguments everytime.
Cue next bite, remember to chew before you swallow laddy
February 26th 2010 @ 3:49pm
AA said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
I’ll say what I want when I want. If I smell a piece of dog poo I have a right to say “that’s dog poo”.
Right now all I smell is “dog poo” in regard to this issue. I’ll speak up about it until I’m content and heard.
That’s it on this matter.
Have a good weekend all. Go and buy yourself a drink.
AA
February 26th 2010 @ 3:51pm
Ora said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:51pm | Report comment
You speak bucket loads of dog pooh and you’ve been found wanting sunshine,
Run along I’m sure mummy wants you inside before it gets dark
February 26th 2010 @ 4:43pm
AA said | February 26th 2010 @ 4:43pm | Report comment
Besides saying “run home to mummy” you have little technical and factual information to back up the case for a NZ-based team in the A-League. Which has been the same story all along. There is NO reason whatsoever….
It’s the weekend, I can’t believe I came back to my desk to see this garbage.
February 26th 2010 @ 5:25pm
Ben of Phnom Penh said | February 26th 2010 @ 5:25pm | Report comment
There has been a lot of information put forward as to why Wellington Phoenix has been good for the A-League. In the Pros and Cons column it thus far reads (and I apologise if I miss anything as lunch break is almost over)
Pros:
Improved standard of players through a greater talent pool which improves the quality of Australian players developing in the league and leads to better football for fans.
Increased coverage for sponsors hence increasing the value of sponsorship for all clubs
Improved access to corporate dollars, particularly TV rights
Increased long term viability of the A-League
Improved corporate governance through management and supporter growth initiatives which Wellington Phoenix management devised
Improved fan base and increased vibrancy which is shared by all the league
Increased chances for Australian players to play professional football
Cons:
Strained relations with the AFC in relation to this matter
NZ national side poses a greater threat
At the end of the day if an improved All Whites results in us not getting to the World Cup then we have bigger problems than New Zealand and shouldn’t be in the World Cup anyway.
February 27th 2010 @ 9:09am
Ora said | February 27th 2010 @ 9:09am | Report comment
You’ve absolutely lost the plot AA, you have nothing constructive at all to say and you bite every time. You comment like a child so I will treat you like a child.
Now I hope you packed your felt tips and colouring books away and have a lovely weekend.
February 27th 2010 @ 4:28pm
AA said | February 27th 2010 @ 4:28pm | Report comment
I have lots of constructive things to say and if you don’t like what I say then don’t reply. I’m not on here to win your support Ora.
February 26th 2010 @ 3:38pm
MV Dave said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:38pm | Report comment
AA Have been attending football games in Oz since the late 1970s, been to all Socceroos friendlies in Melb since then, have played and coached since the mid 70s, am a 5 yr MV member and will go to some MH games next year…that enough for you. Open your eyes and look at the big picture…WP IS GOOD FOR FOOTBALL IN OUR REGION AND GREAT FOR HAL
February 26th 2010 @ 3:47pm
Hammer said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
lets see – been involved in playing, attending, coaching and admin for 30 odd years on both sides of the Tasman – that enough for you – and anyway what does it matter
February 26th 2010 @ 5:28pm
Ben of Phnom Penh said | February 26th 2010 @ 5:28pm | Report comment
Wasn’t the idea of the reforms to bring more people to the World Game? As such people who have recently discovered the joys of football and decided to join the party should be welcomed with open arms and encouraged to deepen their involvement, not lambasted.
February 26th 2010 @ 5:31pm
AA said | February 26th 2010 @ 5:31pm | Report comment
As previously advised, the fathers of reform to the game in Australia didn’t have NZ reform at the top of their agenda and the FFA has erred in this matter.
The quicker they move to rectify the situation the better of everyone will be.
February 26th 2010 @ 6:08pm
Davidde Corran said | February 26th 2010 @ 6:08pm | Report comment
Agreed Ben. Not sure how being a recent follower of football/socceroos/a-league should be a badge of shame. They are as important as those who have supported the game in the past.
Anyway as usual I have enjoyed your contributions to this debate Ben.
February 27th 2010 @ 11:50am
AA said | February 27th 2010 @ 11:50am | Report comment
Conversely Davidde the new supporters don’t necessarily always bring fresh, good ideas to the table though.
We could discuss that all day, but that comment is purely subjective.
February 26th 2010 @ 3:42pm
Footbal Person said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:42pm | Report comment
Whens the Well v Newy Clash anyways. Definetley DO NOT want to miss that one. Crowds always sound much better when you know there singing as you watch.
February 26th 2010 @ 3:46pm
MV Dave said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:46pm | Report comment
Sunday 7th March 2pm Oz time followed by SFC v MV at 5pm…Super Sunday!
February 26th 2010 @ 4:12pm
DaMan3000 said | February 26th 2010 @ 4:12pm | Report comment
YAY – I arrive in NZ at 345pm. Will make the 2nd half then!
February 26th 2010 @ 3:49pm
Ora said | February 26th 2010 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
Next Sunday 7th of March 4pm NZ time I think it could be 5
February 26th 2010 @ 4:54pm
Republican said | February 26th 2010 @ 4:54pm | Report comment
Hammer and Ora
Exasperated somewhat!
We are indeed One Nation that Kiwis spend an inordinate amount of collective energy and time green eye monstering over, when they’re not exploitively piggy backing on the success the less than reciprocal relationship gleans them. Kiwis are a Claytons type Aussie in many respects.
Get off your respective PC high horse for heavens sake and while your quaffing away, have yourselves a good old self gratifying back slapping time of it, why indulge yourselves if you must, in a little more of that under arm victim hyperbole which you are so prone to, when things aren’t quite going your way.
Most Ozzies will simply continue to humour you despite your boundless sanctimony, in a good natured she’ll be right, Ozzie way – but I’m not one of them.
Good night and good luck.
February 26th 2010 @ 8:03pm
katzilla said | February 26th 2010 @ 8:03pm | Report comment
‘Kiwis are a Claytons type Aussie in many respects.’
Ohhh Republican…………………….
You live in a world full of stereotypes and horrible stories of monsters from across the tasman sea.
The sky actually isn’t going to fall in my ANZAC buddy. She’ll be right mate
February 27th 2010 @ 6:34am
hammer said | February 27th 2010 @ 6:34am | Report comment
No he lives in Canberra – and is bitter and twisted that his little backwater has less teams in the national comps than NZ – there’s zero rational thought involved in his posts – to the point where you’d imagine he is the type that may have been involved in the current home insulation mess
February 26th 2010 @ 5:29pm
AA said | February 26th 2010 @ 5:29pm | Report comment
Ben from PP, most of the pro’s you have listed are ‘motherhood’ statements and not pure improvements that clearly definiable and measurable. The list also shows which way you’re leaning on the issue.
February 26th 2010 @ 5:43pm
Ben of Phnom Penh said | February 26th 2010 @ 5:43pm | Report comment
Sorry AA, I was trying to encourage you to debate specific points rather than making broad rhetorical statements as I felt it may raise the intellectual standard and perhaps turn this back into a healthy debate rather than a soapbox. However if you prefer the soapbox by all means, go ahead.
February 26th 2010 @ 8:01pm
Realfootball said | February 26th 2010 @ 8:01pm | Report comment
Ok, AA, front up. If there is “dirt” on the Australia/NZ game, put up or shut up.
I fully support your right to your views. They are, however, views that in my opinion are myopic, bordering on xenophobic. It defies any level of logic that you can’t see the value for the A-League in having the Phoenix involved.
You talk about improvements that are definable and measurable – ok, here’s one: the effect on FFA finances and average A-League attendance figures of the two finals attendances in Wellington, the second of which is likely to be the highest for the whole A League season.
Good grief, what happened AA? Did a Kiwi run off with your wife?
February 27th 2010 @ 12:16am
Midfielder said | February 27th 2010 @ 12:16am | Report comment
Davidde
I would love NZ Football to make some forward plans… my fear is the NZ FA have no idea what to do…
TBH they need a Frank Lowy moment … they need to appoint Tony S (Nix owner) as the head of NZ football …
February 27th 2010 @ 12:27pm
Davidde Corran said | February 27th 2010 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
Yes you can’t help but worry that New Zealand Football will say “things are going well at the moment, clearly nothing needs to change” when the opposite is true. Its because things are going so well and that there is such momentum behind the game that change, with the long term future of the game in mind, needs to come.
Johnny Warren famously said that “It’s time (Australians) stopped dreaming of qualifying for the World Cup. It’s time we dreamed of winning it.” Well New Zealand needs to start dreaming of not just qualifying for World Cups and dream of regularly being competitive when they get there. I don’t see that happening with things as they are.