Soccer: Kingz boss calls on fans to get along to matches

By Terry Maddaford

The new boys on soccer's block got the thumbs up from Australian bosses after Friday night's national league opener, but the Football Kingz chairman, Chris Turner, still has reservations.

"Sure, we were happy with the crowd of between 10,000-12,000 - with 8200 as the official paid attendance - but in my opinion there should have been another 5000," Turner said. "The real disappointment was that it was soccer people who stayed away.

"These are the people who have been saying for years the game is not helping itself, yet here we have New Zealand's first professional team playing in a league of a really high standard and these people are not prepared to get off their backsides and support us.

"We could survive with crowds like we had but the Kingz deserve better. In both the team's preparation and the club in general, our opening game came about three weeks early. It was obvious we hadn't played games of that standard in our lead-up.

"We are confident things will fit into place quickly," Turner said. "We also know our credibility is at stake."

Of any additions to the squad, he said: "We are always looking to improve but we are knocking on the door of the players' budget."

The Kingz have 23 players on their books. Somewhat surprisingly, player/coach Wynton Rufer was allowed to name only a starting Xl and three substitutes for the league opener against Carlton at North Harbour Stadium.

"That surprised me," Turner said. "In all my time in soccer I have understood up to six or seven substitutes could be named with any three to play."

That is just one matter Turner will consider at today's debrief.

He will also be looking at a free-to-air television partner and plans to show Kingz away games in New Zealand.

The Kingz will also make a decision on when to play their third-round home game against defending champions South Melbourne to avoid a Friday night clash with the rugby league international and a likely Saturday clash with the NPC rugby semifinals.

"It looks like we will go for Sunday afternoon," Turner said. "We are also looking at the game set to be played here during November's world under-17 championships. That seems certain to go to Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

"We will also be taking a hard look at what we did well and where we can improve, but the bottom line is that soccer people need to stop moaning and get out and give us their support."

Of the decision to opt for a smaller-than-usual playing pitch and for Rufer to play at the heart of the Kingz defence against Carlton, Turner said: "Those are his calls. It is not something I or the club has any say in."

Not in the meantime anyway.