Auckland FC - Once the Knights, Always the Knights

Doloras

imanixsupporter

So looking at Domey's statement and watching the press conference, the Nix's only issue is that AFC jumped the gun by announcing AP's signing while it is currently not possible, and the proposed changes to the rules need to be ratified before it is. And to be fair to the Nix, this is the only reasonable complaint. 

It does come across rather arrogant for AFC to have done this, either that or they are trying to pressure Football Australia into deciding it in their favour by making it a horse has already bolted situation.

Regardless, I wouldn't be happy if my club was doing things in this manner. Could they instead have announced the prospective signing subject to the necessary official processes, saying that they were hopeful of them being ratified, and said that AP would be training and playing friendlies in the meantime? This would also be far less embarrassing for them should FA reject the proposed changes. 

The Auckland FC facebook groups are VERY happy about this, because it "owns the Nix". You wouldn't believe how much of their support is simply about "owning the Nix". They're actually practicing a club song which includes the words "put out the Nix's fire". I think this is the Knitting Circle mentality coming back to life.

The term 'rent free' immediately springs to mind here. 😂

There was a guy on reddit who was getting very pissed off because Phoenix fans were not giving Auckland FC or their fans the respect he thought they deserved. I think our best response to them talking shark about us is for us to not care.

Ryan

There was a guy on reddit who was getting very pissed off because Phoenix fans were not giving Auckland FC or their fans the respect he thought they deserved. I think our best response to them talking shark about us is for us to not care.

They are an irrelevance. Like the bitumens. 

Ryan

There was a guy on reddit who was getting very pissed off because Phoenix fans were not giving Auckland FC or their fans the respect he thought they deserved. I think our best response to them talking shark about us is for us to not care.

Yeah there is a lot of bait out there at the moment, but it's all mostly irrelevant coming from a fanbase and a city that hasn't been football relevant for about 25 years now.

Talking of respect. Last time I checked - It's earned, not given.

Paulsen says he & the Club. had "an equal say" in where he went out on loan in interview with D'Arcy Waldergraeve.

YoungHeartHM

Ryan

There was a guy on reddit who was getting very pissed off because Phoenix fans were not giving Auckland FC or their fans the respect he thought they deserved. I think our best response to them talking shark about us is for us to not care.

Yeah there is a lot of bait out there at the moment, but it's all mostly irrelevant coming from a fanbase and a city that hasn't been football relevant for about 25 years now.

Talking of respect - it's earned, not given.

This whole thread since the announcement sort of shows that it's not 'irrelevant'. I can't remember reading greater collective anger/hate. If it were irrelevant no one would care. There were normally level-headed posters one step back from gleeful poverty mocking on Friday. To live by one's own tenets - that's hardly respectful. Everyone ends in a lovely cycle of racing to the bottom. 'They did it first though!' while everyone points at each other.  As for respect having to be earned and not given - living by that just gives one carte blanche to attack anyone - respect should always be default.

I don't really have a bone because I honestly just like NZ Football, why I watch far more Northern League than anyone should, but to claim it is one way isn't really accurate in my eyes. This thread case and point. Wellington's social media calls themselves 'everyone's favourite A League New Zealand football club' and were posting about changing the size of Wellington region to include Auckland. Seems just as rent-free to me but was funny to most people here.

If Auckland wasn't football relevant, why were Wellington coming here every year (twice even)? Seems counterintuitive. Why have 15 of the last 19 National League titles gone to Auckland sides? Statistical probability of that being a fluke seems low. I get it, people hate Aucklanders for being from Auckland,.

i listened to this interview. Paulsen has been put in a very awkward situation, and despite the fact I'm sure he doesn't mind being able to play pro football in his home city and be close to friends and family, it is very clearly not where he wanted to be right now. And he isn't good enough with media to convince otherwise. Poor kid. 

Jessie Merino

Paulsen says he & the Club. had "an equal say" in where he went out on loan in interview with D'Arcy Waldergraeve.

imanixsupporter

i listened to this interview. Paulsen has been put in a very awkward situation, and despite the fact I'm sure he doesn't mind being able to play pro football in his home city and be close to friends and family, it is very clearly not where he wanted to be right now. And he isn't good enough with media to convince otherwise. Poor kid. 

Jessie Merino

Paulsen says he & the Club. had "an equal say" in where he went out on loan in interview with D'Arcy Waldergraeve.

Exactly he kinda has to say it was mutually agreed.

I'm over being annoyed at this, it's great for the Aleague, just not so much for Paulsen's development.

carlind

YoungHeartHM

Ryan

There was a guy on reddit who was getting very pissed off because Phoenix fans were not giving Auckland FC or their fans the respect he thought they deserved. I think our best response to them talking shark about us is for us to not care.

Yeah there is a lot of bait out there at the moment, but it's all mostly irrelevant coming from a fanbase and a city that hasn't been football relevant for about 25 years now.

Talking of respect - it's earned, not given.

This whole thread since the announcement sort of shows that it's not 'irrelevant'. I can't remember reading greater collective anger/hate. If it were irrelevant no one would care. There were normally level-headed posters one step back from gleeful poverty mocking on Friday. To live by one's own tenets - that's hardly respectful. Everyone ends in a lovely cycle of racing to the bottom. 'They did it first though!' while everyone points at each other.  As for respect having to be earned and not given - living by that just gives one carte blanche to attack anyone - respect should always be default.

I don't really have a bone because I honestly just like NZ Football, why I watch far more Northern League than anyone should, but to claim it is one way isn't really accurate in my eyes. This thread case and point. Wellington's social media calls themselves 'everyone's favourite A League New Zealand football club' and were posting about changing the size of Wellington region to include Auckland. Seems just as rent-free to me but was funny to most people here.

If Auckland wasn't football relevant, why were Wellington coming here every year (twice even)? Seems counterintuitive. Why have 15 of the last 19 National League titles gone to Auckland sides? Statistical probability of that being a fluke seems low. I get it, people hate Aucklanders for being from Auckland,.

I don’t think the hate is about Auckland per se, but about dodgy dealings. Sydney or City would have spurred similar emotions. I’m still kinda raw about our former women’s striker leaving.

martinb

carlind

YoungHeartHM

Ryan

There was a guy on reddit who was getting very pissed off because Phoenix fans were not giving Auckland FC or their fans the respect he thought they deserved. I think our best response to them talking shark about us is for us to not care.

Yeah there is a lot of bait out there at the moment, but it's all mostly irrelevant coming from a fanbase and a city that hasn't been football relevant for about 25 years now.

Talking of respect - it's earned, not given.

This whole thread since the announcement sort of shows that it's not 'irrelevant'. I can't remember reading greater collective anger/hate. If it were irrelevant no one would care. There were normally level-headed posters one step back from gleeful poverty mocking on Friday. To live by one's own tenets - that's hardly respectful. Everyone ends in a lovely cycle of racing to the bottom. 'They did it first though!' while everyone points at each other.  As for respect having to be earned and not given - living by that just gives one carte blanche to attack anyone - respect should always be default.

I don't really have a bone because I honestly just like NZ Football, why I watch far more Northern League than anyone should, but to claim it is one way isn't really accurate in my eyes. This thread case and point. Wellington's social media calls themselves 'everyone's favourite A League New Zealand football club' and were posting about changing the size of Wellington region to include Auckland. Seems just as rent-free to me but was funny to most people here.

If Auckland wasn't football relevant, why were Wellington coming here every year (twice even)? Seems counterintuitive. Why have 15 of the last 19 National League titles gone to Auckland sides? Statistical probability of that being a fluke seems low. I get it, people hate Aucklanders for being from Auckland,.

I don’t think the hate is about Auckland per se, but about dodgy dealings. Sydney or City would have spurred similar emotions. I’m still kinda raw about our former women’s striker leaving.

Totally. I didn't particularly feel anything towards them before, it's just the way they went about it. If Alex went there on a free, I would resent them a little but more out of jealousy than anything, because they would've won fair and square. 

This felt conniving and abusing their obvious massive financial advantage over everyone else in the league bar City. Kind of hope they do it to an Australian club so other fans get feel how shark it feels and people across the league start to hate them before they've kicked a ball

Its great to read actual rivalry banter here. Has been missing in NZ football since the late '90s and the end of our last decent club based national league.

The Nix have never had it... til now. 

I'm so glad we can join the PAFC-ECFC, Arsenal-Tottenham, Rangers-Celtic, City-United fan rivalry category now.  Finally we have proper pro footie with all the banter that goes with it!

I do kind of feel this wasn’t the game plan all along! 

My other annoyance is I was genuinely looking forward to seeing how Woud went. He should be starting level in the A league. I can easily see how his spell in Japan might not have brought the best out of him and I thought it was an odd move at the time. Can’t be much of a confidence boost for him to be told to sit down again for at least a year. 

Wonder if Danny and Corica were telling him different things? 

My worry for Alex is there’s already a lot of ego at the club. Fine if things are going well, but if those horses start pulling in different directions! 

martinb

I do kind of feel this wasn’t the game plan all along! 

My other annoyance is I was genuinely looking forward to seeing how Woud went. He should be starting level in the A league. I can easily see how his spell in Japan might not have brought the best out of him and I thought it was an odd move at the time. Can’t be much of a confidence boost for him to be told to sit down again for at least a year. 

Wonder if Danny and Corica were telling him different things? 

My worry for Alex is there’s already a lot of ego at the club. Fine if things are going well, but if those horses start pulling in different directions! 

It was everyone’s game plan

Feverish

martinb

I do kind of feel this wasn’t the game plan all along! 

My other annoyance is I was genuinely looking forward to seeing how Woud went. He should be starting level in the A league. I can easily see how his spell in Japan might not have brought the best out of him and I thought it was an odd move at the time. Can’t be much of a confidence boost for him to be told to sit down again for at least a year. 

Wonder if Danny and Corica were telling him different things? 

My worry for Alex is there’s already a lot of ego at the club. Fine if things are going well, but if those horses start pulling in different directions! 

It was everyone’s game plan

Euuuh? 

I think the argument is that WPFC *knew* that if Alex went to Bournemouth he would be probably loaned to Auckland (esp. since everyone seems fine with replacing the Caceres rule) and they went along with it because (a) the price was right and (b) grrrrrivalry.

Whether the Nix did or didn't know there are 4 million reasons why Bournemouth & Foley & Corica etc. can make whatever decisions they like regarding their player. Long as he's happy to agree.

What's the beat a few AFC fans are wearing this top, first derby game at the ROF.

These pics tho… 🥶

AP’s shirt is now available in our store 🔥

Rep our new number 2️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/4TshMRicYT

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 9, 2024

Auckland’s glad to have you back, AP 💫⚔️ pic.twitter.com/j5eG6TFafh

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 11, 2024

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

They sold the player, what happens after that is out of their control. As long as AP is happy with it then I don't mind. There is ramifications around salary cap, etc so if the rule changes benefits the nix in that they can sell players within the a league then great.

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

But when he does get to Europe (hopefully soon) he will have to go through that process of learning a new system, proving yourself to a new coach, new team mates etc. He now gets his first taste of doing that, if yes back in the same league/country.

But yes still some valuable learnings (rugby talk) adapting to change, after leaving a comfortable environment he'd been at 5 years+. However I really hope it's a max one season back in the ALM, giving Bournemouth time to find the right loan deal for him in Europe. Unlikely but it could even be as soon as the Jan window next year.

coochiee

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

But when he does get to Europe (hopefully soon) he will have to go through that process of learning a new system, proving yourself to a new coach, new team mates etc. He now gets his first taste of doing that, if yes back in the same league/country.

But yes still some valuable learnings (rugby talk) adapting to change, after leaving a comfortable environment he'd been at 5 years+. However I really hope it's a max one season back in the ALM, giving Bournemouth time to find the right loan deal for him in Europe. Unlikely but it could even be as soon as the Jan window next year.

Hopefully he does well, he is potentially our All Whites keeper for the future, would hate to see him take a step back similar to Sail who struggle to find his feet at a new club and went backwards.

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

to be fair there is a pretty good GK coach in Jonathan Gould at Auckland FC.

chopah

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

to be fair there is a pretty good GK coach in Jonathan Gould at Auckland FC.

Although our keepers have performed far better under Gothard and Parker than under Gould during his multiple spells at the Nix.

Hutcho137

coochiee

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

But when he does get to Europe (hopefully soon) he will have to go through that process of learning a new system, proving yourself to a new coach, new team mates etc. He now gets his first taste of doing that, if yes back in the same league/country.

But yes still some valuable learnings (rugby talk) adapting to change, after leaving a comfortable environment he'd been at 5 years+. However I really hope it's a max one season back in the ALM, giving Bournemouth time to find the right loan deal for him in Europe. Unlikely but it could even be as soon as the Jan window next year.

Hopefully he does well, he is potentially our All Whites keeper for the future, would hate to see him take a step back similar to Sail who struggle to find his feet at a new club and went backwards.

And already there’re rumours that the reason that  Bournemouth was less keen on him was our poor showing at the Olympics. NZ has no idea how competitive these clubs are and if you have any advantage whatsoever you hang onto it for dear life. A blink and someone’s got your spot. 

And if the people who are recommending you aren’t doing that great that reflects on you.  I sometimes wonder if how much Ricki talked up Lochy made it hard for us to send players overseas after that…

Sail is and was a very capable keeper too imo.

What do you mean the Cherries are now less keen on him? He was likely never near their first team squad considerations. Prior the Olympics the other real tangible news we got on their plans for him, was AP himself saying he was likely to go out on loan. Turns out that loan destination surprised us all.

I doubt the coaches at Bournemouth watched the Olympics much at all. You can't really take too much from a tourney where players come together for a few weeks, as opposed to a full club season like he had at the Nix. In a club setup the playing system becomes deeply ingrained, and you have a better chance of perfecting playing out from the back, a strength obviously of Paulsen. He won all the GK awards in the ALM last season. That's the CV you go off, not 3 games for an almost a scratch, under powered team, who were well outclassed in their last 2 matches.  

Now the Foley Group can closely monitor how he goes at a new club, dealing with new team mates, playing style etc. They will be looking around Europe seeing what maybe the next best club fit for his development. Whether that's amongst their feeder clubs Hibs & Lorient, or elsewhere. Likely a few lower tier UK clubs that would be keen to take a punt on him, but for now Foley's new born child gets a great publicity stunt.

He's only 22, with just the 1 full pro season. Time definitely on his side as a very talented young GK.

.... and he had a decent Olympic campaign. Some of his double saves were very very good.

He certainly won plaudits from the commentators.

chopah

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

to be fair there is a pretty good GK coach in Jonathan Gould at Auckland FC.

Same guy who thought Lewis Italiano and Reece Crowther were good enough for the Aleague.

Renrub

chopah

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

to be fair there is a pretty good GK coach in Jonathan Gould at Auckland FC.

Same guy who thought Lewis Italiano and Reece Crowther were good enough for the Aleague.

 
Tbf the a league has improved a lot and Crystal Palace had Crowther first. 

Renrub

chopah

Smeltz4PM

I was one that said he needed another year in the ALM before we sold him and it's not going to harm his progress.
But if Bournemouth/Foley were actually prioritising his development they'd surely have offered him back to the nix for a season loan where he knows the coach and the system

to be fair there is a pretty good GK coach in Jonathan Gould at Auckland FC.

Same guy who thought Lewis Italiano and Reece Crowther were good enough for the Aleague.

Don’t think he signed them pal. Or picked them.

MetalLegNZ

.... and he had a decent Olympic campaign. Some of his double saves were very very good.

He certainly won plaudits from the commentators.

Yip, one of the few kiwis to come away having improved his stock I think. He made some great saves against players far too good for the A League.

https://wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-to-open-pre-season-friendly-against-auckland-fc/

AFC are playing a Pre-Season friendly against WSW on Saturday (17 Aug) 1pm (AEST) at Wanderers Football Park

Noah4thenix

theprof

No they do not, there are regular warnings about this very thing pre, mid and post game. Bring flares and you will be banned.
We always have a little laugh when the warning, safety announcement is made, cos you know since when has anyone turned up to Sky stadium with a flare!? Maybe it will serve a purpose this season?

Any volunteers to be the first? 

coochiee

Does the APL allow flares at games? Geuinely don't know.

Certainly the derby games are going to shake up the NZ sporting landscape.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1377211409657068

Coochiee at season opener:

IMG_8124.jpeg 17.11 KB

They’ll be in the wardrobe somewhere, though I’d likely need to consult the APL first, could open a can of worms 

"Flares are coming back in! I read it in my horoscope!"

/ancient sitcom references

Doloras

I think the argument is that WPFC *knew* that if Alex went to Bournemouth he would be probably loaned to Auckland (esp. since everyone seems fine with replacing the Caceres rule) and they went along with it because (a) the price was right and (b) grrrrrivalry.

 
Sure the money was good, but they just wanted to give the Fever the ability to belt out a spirited Judas chant 

Be really interesting to see or hear how they go on their little NSW pre season tour. Starts with WSW this Saturday. Wonder if any Aussies will be trialling over there for them.

Last Wednesday night at West Coast Rangers FC.

67 days until game 1️⃣ at Go Media Stadium.

More pre season games coming up! Details soon. pic.twitter.com/U3dFgIIHCA

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 12, 2024

Will this tour be streamed anywhere this time? haven't seen anywhere confirming it

coochiee

Be really interesting to see or hear how they go on their little NSW pre season tour. Starts with WSW this Saturday. Wonder if any Aussies will be trialling over there for them.

Last Wednesday night at West Coast Rangers FC.

67 days until game 1️⃣ at Go Media Stadium.

More pre season games coming up! Details soon. pic.twitter.com/U3dFgIIHCA

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 12, 2024

It's funny AFC are still saying details soon when WSW already announced details of their game against them yesterday