Soccer: Kings interview coaches in buildup to big launch

By Terry Maddaford

The Football Kings are closer to becoming a soccer-playing reality as interviews with potential coaches start this week.

Spokesman Chris Turner said yesterday that a selection panel was working on a short-list of five, from New Zealand and overseas.

The Kings plan a full-on launch in the week after Easter, when the coach may be named. The club's financial backers and sponsors and home ground details will be announced at a function involving representatives from Soccer Australia and New Zealand Soccer.

The Kings, a limited liability company,, will be the first club invited into Australia's Ericsson Cup under the new licensing agreement and will be the first to pay a licence fee.

"That will guarantee us a place in the league for five years," said Turner.

Asked when the first payment would be paid, he said: "When it's due we will pay.

So far we are the only club with a licence, although I understand Carlton will need to apply for one following their change of ownership."

Turner and John Batty - the club's only directors - will meet representatives from the naming rights sponsor and financial backers this week.

Of speculation that some players had already been signed, Turner said: "A number of players both from within New Zealand and overseas have spoken to us but we have made no decisions. But until the coaching staff is named we are not in a position to make any commitment.

"We are allowed to sign five overseas players in our first year and we intend to do that."

The league will kick off on either the first or second weekend in October.

Meanwhile, allegations that All White midfielder Tinoi Christie has not been correctly cleared to play for his new club, Central United, have proved unfounded.

Manawatu AFC protested at Christie's appearance in the first round of the North Island League but an investigation has found all was in order.

League manager Rex Dawkins yesterday ruled there was no basis for Manawatu's protest.