Soccer: Earlier start will lead to 12 extra matches for the Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Just as they were thinking they have time on their side, the Football Kingz are being stung back into action.

It has been confirmed that next season will have the same 13 teams as the just-completed NSL, but with three rather than two rounds.

The change means an early September rather than an October start and that the number of games in the round-robin stage will increase from 24 to 36.

Kingz chief executive Chris Turner, who had been to the meeting of clubs, chaired by league general manager Stefan Kamasz and attended by Soccer Australia chairman Ian Knop, said the clubs had endorsed the format and that Kamasz was working to get a draft draw out as soon as possible.

"Obviously, we are now going to play some teams at home twice and others away twice," Turner said.

"They have promised to keep midweek games to a minimu, m but are still working towards the same six-team playoff format, with an early June grand final."

He said he had heard that three new franchises had applied to join the league, but had been unsuccessful.

He refused to comment on the financial position of the three or more clubs reported to be in financial difficulties.

"All clubs have to prove they are a going concern."

Asked whether the Kingz met the criteria, he said: "We are meeting our obligations as part of our on-going discussions with New Zealand Soccer and Soccer Australia.

"Part of that process is proving we are financial. It is all tied in with our change of shareholding."

He was unable to say when the shareholding change would happen.

He also refused to say when the club would make the key announcements on the coaching and playing staff for the new season, or which ground would be their headquarters.

"All three are priorities, but we will not be making any statement until the shareholding issue is completed."

Turner said he was happy with the sponsors he had for the new season and would wait until the shareholding issue was finalised before announcing them and the new board.

The present board has four representatives from Sky Television, directors Turner and Ted Midlane, and New Zealand Soccer chairman Kevin Stratful.

"Results-wise we had an abysmal season," Turner said.

"We must look to turn that around.

"In an ideal world we would have reviewed things and got on with it, but we have to work through this shareholding issue first.

"We would not have signed the agreement with Sky unless we were confident it would be accepted."

Under the yet-to-be-ratified agreement, Turner and Midlane would buy a 90 per cent shareholding, with Sky retaining 10 per cent.

Sky has agreed to show all Kingz matches next season.

He said the league change meant the players were likely to begin training in July.

The side's build-up would include matches around New Zealand and two in Australia.