Soccer: Six years on, Premiership about right

Crowds could improve, and prize money would help, but the manager of the ASB Premiership says the competition's on a firm footing. Photo / Getty Images

As the last round of the ASB Premiership regular season approaches, Terry Maddaford poses a few questions to New Zealand Football operations manager Glyn Taylor

After six seasons of the NZFC/ASB Premiership, are you convinced it's the best domestic competition?

The format is pretty close to correct. The game at large supports what we've done and are doing. We undertook a review at the end of 2009 and the franchises/clubs felt it was the best way to deliver domestic football.

Are you concerned about crowd numbers?

Everyone would like to see better attendances at matches but we have to accept there's more pressure on people's time these days.

Are there any plans to increase the number of teams?

No.

Or, conversely, decrease them?

No. Eight teams is about right. The number will increase when the quality so demands.

Are all franchises on a solid financial footing?

It's fair to say they all find meeting their costs a struggle. For all six years we've had the same eight teams. That was not the case when the old National League started in 1970, when teams went in and out over the years.

Some clubs struggle to pay the $65,000 entry fee. Are there any plans, in light of the World Cup money and ASB sponsorship, to decrease that?

No - the reality is that having teams the length and breadth of the country means it's not a cheap competition.

Has promotion/relegation been considered as a way to raise interest?

There will always be debate around promotion/relegation but now it's more about looking after the teams we have.

Or would that be unfair on the incumbents who've committed long-term to the league?

I don't think it's about what is fair. At the end of the season, we'll go through the whole process and look at the eight franchises. There's a clear performance criteria to be met - off and on the field.

Would you like to see an overlap of seasons to stop winter clubs paying silly money to players to play in often meaningless competitions?

There is a clear definition about the amateur game in New Zealand. All football in New Zealand is amateur.

How about Premiership teams playing in the Chatham Cup?

The game at large has said no to that. There are timing issues.

Why in these times, with apparently greater funding, is there still no prize money?

That's under review.

Are there any plans to revert to a three-round competition?

The duration of the league is dictated by budget. Also, in the early years we knew by the end of round two which teams would be in the top four [play-offs]. Maybe it's time to look at a meaningful pre-season, cup-type competition to give players more games. That's up for discussion but my feeling is that would be better than reverting to a 21-week format.

Has the standard of refereeing kept pace with the competition?

Not for me to comment on.

Are you disappointed more players have not been signed by the Wellington Phoenix?

Yes.

What is your reaction to the confirmation that two NZ teams will play in the O-League for the next four years and be kept apart in the group stage?

That has to be good news. New Zealand now has the potential to have both teams in the final which would guarantee their progression to the World Club Cup.

Any plans to further enhance/promote the Premiership?

Again, we're doing a review - what can be done to further encourage franchises to align themselves with the fans.

Is summer soccer here to stay?

Yes.

Are you happy with the playing surfaces around the country?

It's always a challenge when you take winter code and drop it in the middle of summer. That creates a challenge and generally it's been met.

How is progress on the English Park upgrade, including the laying of an artificial pitch, in Christchurch?

We got very close to starting work but it's now too soon to say when the project will begin. If it's not done by winter, there'll be a whole raft of problems but there are more pressing issues at present. The alternate ground at Linfield Park is a fantastic facility.

Are you encouraged by the standard of coaching across the league?

We have specific criteria across the league. Geographically, there isn't the depth we would like. There's room for improvement.

Teams from Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury have dominated the league. Is that a concern?

No. No more so than the way teams from North London, Manchester and Liverpool tend to dominate. In year two, Waitakere United finished sixth and YoungHeart Manawatu were second.