Somehow the overall quality and competitiveness of the league has to be raised to generate a product that can be sold to television, which will have a host of positive effects including commercial.
At present, the national under-20 Wanderers are a huge 14 points behind Wellington - the powers that be feel the presence of an age-grade team benefits the game but is not good for the competition's integrity and should be discontinued.
The North Shore is the country's fastest growing area and should be properly represented. Auckland, with a population of over 1.5 million, can easily sustain three teams.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick is correct in calling for a more credible Phoenix reserve team in the league. The A-league club should be allowed six contracted players on the field at any one time.
As well as being a developmental team, this Phoenix reserve side's legitimate job should include helping injured or dropped first-team players get up to speed.
Kiwitea St would be buzzing if the Phoenix turned up with a half-decent team to play City. Auckland's form in Morocco showed they need fear no one in our premiership. So why not start off with a 10-team league with no promotion /relegation for a few years until a sustainable format can be thought out and agreed to by each federation.
A strong national league increases New Zealand's chances of winning the O-league, which ensures we not only continue to be represented at the Club World Cup but can succeed there - as Auckland City have done - with all the attendant benefits.
Success breeds success and if the standard of our premier domestic competition rises, a second A-league team based in Auckland is the next step. Yes, two such franchises have bombed in the city. But another major upside to the Auks' wonderful performances in Morocco is proving that Auckland does have people who know how to run football clubs.
4 Things about the game
Halberg contenders
Great news that Auckland City have been added to the Team of the Year at the Halberg Awards. Before Morocco, Auckland were NZ and Oceania champions, and a top three finish in the world's biggest sport should make them automatic candidates, and worthy favourites!
Phoenix shopping list
Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick's priority in the January transfer window has to be a left-footed wing back. It's no use having the fastest striker in the A-League in Roy Krishna if he can't get quality service. Merrick need look no further than Auckland City's Japanese fullback Takuya Iwata.
Phoenix expectations
Expectations for the Phoenix need to be realistic. Merrick has assembled the most balanced and best attacking team we have seen for many years. But the Sydney and Melbourne clubs have mega dollars compared to the Wellington outfit.
Goalkeepers on the move
Struggling Liverpool are desperate to sign Chelsea keeper Petr Cech in the January transfer window. Real Madrid are prepared to break the goalkeeping transfer record of $60m (Gianluigi Buffon in 2001) by buying Manchester United's David de Gea at the end of the season. Another tick for Sir Alex Ferguson, who copped it when he signed de Gea, 20, to replace Edwin van Der Sar in 2011.
