Soccer: Manawatu put house in order for spot bid

YoungHeart Manawatu will need to stave off challenges from three Auckland-based franchises and Gisborne City to retain their spot in the New Zealand Football Championship.

Told by New Zealand Soccer this year that they would have to pick up their game off, rather than on, the field to win a renewal of their licence through to the end of the 2009-2010 season, Manawatu have moved quickly.

They have had a cleanout at board level and are tackling the financial issues raised by NZS.

Manawatu finished second last season and were fourth in the Oceania Club Championship. And, under new coach Shane Rufer, they have begun well this season with a 2-1 away win over fancied Team Wellington last Sunday.

But NZS chief executive Graham Seatter said it would not simply be a case of Manawatu meeting the criteria and having their licence extended. They would be judged against the other applicants.

Of suggestions the NZFC might be extended to nine or 10 teams, Seatter said it would probably stay at eight.

"I am yet to be convinced that we have the 250 or so players of the quality we would need for 10 teams," said Seatter.

He denied any suggestion that the North Shore-based franchise, who would use the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health as their home ground, had been given a "wink and nod".

"Nothing has been decided. The geographical spread remains a key component. Some say a third Auckland team would be a disaster but three teams from a population of more than a million might be favoured ahead of say a second team from the eastern part of the North Island."

The successful applicant would be informed by the end of next month. It has also been suggested that the national under-20 squad should be part of the NZFC.

A third team from Greater Auckland would put pressure on incumbents Auckland City and Waitakere United and could lead to an unsavoury bidding war for quality players.

This would appear to be the reason behind the withdrawal of the Porirua-based Ole Madrids from the initial list of seven bidders. With a second Wellington team unlikely to be added, Dave Wilson, head of the Porirua bid, opted instead to support Team Wellington.

The Gisborne City bid will attract some interest. The innovative club have the facilities and apparently the finance to meet the criteria. In naming Kevin Fallon as coach they also meet that required standard.

The decision will be made by the New Zealand Soccer board although all bids may not be subject to a physical appraisal.

"If we feel one bid stands out ... we might just go with that," said Seatter. "[But] If we feel two or more meet our requirements, we could ask for a presentation."


IN THE RUNNING

Applicants for the vacant spot in the 2007-10 NZ Football Championship:

MANUKAU UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

* Proposed ground: Mangere Centre Park.
* Bid chief: Noel Robinson.

AUCKLAND-MANUKAU UNITED

* Proposed ground: Manukau Sports Bowl/Auckland Greyhound Racing Club.
* Bid chiefs: Tom Street/Peter Gresson.

NORTHERN UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

* Proposed ground: Millennium Institute of Sport and Health.
* Bid chiefs: Jeff Johnson/Ken Pyne.

GISBORNE CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

* Proposed ground: Childers Rd Reserve.
* Bid chief: Kevin Whitley.

YOUNGHEART MANAWATU
* Proposed ground: FMG Stadium.