The light at the end of the tunnel is starting to shine a little brighter for New Zealand Football chief executive Michael Glading and his board.
After four years of crippling losses, the national body, headed by new chairman Frank van Hattum, is set to announce a $360,000surplus for the past financial year.
That follows successive losses of $499,000 (2007), $189,000 (2006), $396,000 (2005) and $88,000 (2004). In the previous year, the last under former chief executive Bill MacGowan, there was a $394,000 surplus.
"We are not out of the hole," said Glading. "But it is a pleasing result. At least we have got to first base in what we see as a three-year recovery plan.
"We are certainly not spending above our means. I want to add a couple more staff, you have to do what you have to do," said Glading. "But it will certainly not be about big salaries and flash cars.
"With the changes in administration, we promised the game we would show transparency. I feel we have done that. There were staffing cuts and there has been close governance but it has all been for the good of the game."
NZF are already assured of a healthy Fifa payout after June's Confederations Cup with the US$1million payout likely to be considerably more if the exchange rate remains at current levels.
But, Glading warned, there will be a considerable cost this year in preparing the All Whites for crucial end of year World Cup play-offs which, if successful, would bring a windfall and put the association's finances back on a sound footing.
The association's finances have been boosted by a $1.5 million three-year loan from Kiwibank with Sparc assistance in meeting the interest costs. Neither amounts are included in the financial figures.
Glading hopes next week to confirm games in March for the All Whites at the start of their campaign aimed at the World Cup finals in 2010.
