The current economic recession may have provided Wairarapa United with an extra incentive to produce the goods in the 2009 central league soccer competition. It will be Wairarapa United's first season playing at that level and by finishing in the first two they could have the opportunity to represent New Zealandin the Oceania qualifying round of the world club championships. That scenario will become a reality if the New Zealand Football Association decides, as seems likely, to replace their current national franchise league, which is being scrapped for financial reasons, with a competition comprising the top two teams in the northern , central and southern regions. "That's the talk at the moment, and what a carrot it would be for the central league teams if it happens ," said Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley who is "very happy" with the 14-man squad and four standby players he has named for their central league programme. The most notable new name in that squad is the current Manawatu national league skipper Adam Gordon although considerable interest will also be taken in the form of Chris Kirkham, who has been promoted from Masterton Athletic's local league side. Gordon has been playing at striker for Manawatu but is capable of filling practically any position on the field and Keinzley believes his versatility will be a huge plus. "It's nice to have players like him who you can put anywhere and know they will do a decent job," he said. Kirkham is seen by Keinzley as the ideal replacement for promising youngster Anton Ross who is now at Otago University.Like Ross, Kirkham is a natural left footer with a good turn of speed. Gordon is one of four players in the Wairarapa United squad who have been playing at national league level this season, the others being Matt Borren (Manawatu), James Oxtoby (Hyawkie's Bay) and Seule Soromon (Hawke's Bay).Skipper Pita Rabo would almost certainly have joined them but for a shoulder injury suffered late last season.He will lead the team again in 2009. The full Wairarapa United central league squad is: Matt Borren, Carl Shailer, Waisake Sabutu, James Oxtoby, Adam Cowan, Andy Robertson, Sakeo Valevou, Aaron Spierling, Kote Maeno, Miriek Tvaroh, Pita Rabo, Paul Gregory, Chris Kirkam, Seule Soromon. Standby: Matt Steele, Joel Macklin, Niki Keinsley, Guiseppe Cugliari.
