Soccer: Let the Kingz bed in

The off-field problems at the Football Kingz have been well documented.

Some of these issues have been addressed, but suggestions that the club might move again are bordering on the ridiculous.

The idea that they are even contemplating a move from Auckland to Wellington for the 2001/2002 season should be kicked straight into touch.

The Kingz management lost support when they moved the team from North Harbour Stadium to Ericsson Stadium after one season. To consider a third move in as many seasons is akin to suggesting Manchester United play their home games in London.

Kingz' general manager Chris Turner has long maintained they are a "New Zealand, not Auckland, team," even if he has failed to convince anyone in Australia of that.

Why would the club's owners, Auckland-based Sky Television network, want "their" team based in Wellington and playing at the WestpacTrust Stadium?

No matter how big the crowd for tonight's "home" game against Sydney United - there is a real hope of a good turnout - that cannot be used as the basis for any permanent switch.

Turner has said that dumping North Harbour for Ericsson was solely a financial decision. The deal offered by Ericsson was miles ahead of that from North Harbour, but surely the club is aware that Wellington's stadium will not come cheaply.

Turner says the Kingz have attracted about 6500 to matches this season. How many have actually been part of the walk-up paying crowd? How many season tickets have been sold? Are the fans getting value for money?

After all, there will, for one reason or another, be a five-week break between the Kingz' last and next games at Ericsson.

Rather than thinking about moving, Turner and club officials should be putting their efforts into getting a winning team on the park.

Nothing in business or sport succeeds like winning. Win and the fans come, lose and they stay away.

There is no doubt the Kingz enjoy a hardcore of supporters who are among the keenest and most devoted in the country. They deserve better than the erratic efforts the team have turned in this season.

After two draws and a win on the road, the Kingz crashed back to reality on Sunday when they were beaten 0-3 by leaders South Melbourne.

Why, the fans might well ask, did the Kingz travel without attacking cover? In Jonathan Perry, Gerard Davis and Che Bunce, the Kingz had two defenders and one midfield player on the bench.

At 0-2 and needing attacking options, the Kingz had none. Where were Aaron Silva and Tim Stevens, or Noah Hickey and Chris Jackson?

Winning is crucial. So is a base the players and fans can call home.

Moving from Auckland would be costly. Whether the Kingz management could ever recoup such costs is doubtful.

Turner says they are already looking at next season's playing staff, but just as important are other issues.

They must get things right or the greatest opportunity given to soccer players in this country will slip away. Just ask the Warriors what happens when a team do not deliver to their fans.