KEY POINTS:
Manawatu look certain to maintain their place in the NZFC after being threatened with losing their licence - but it could be in an expanded 10-team competition.
Manawatu were put on notice by New Zealand Soccer for their poor performance off the field and told they would have to reapply for another three-year licence to play in the NZFC beyond this season.
They have heeded the threats and restructured off the field, including appointing a new board and establishing a youth academy, and have continued to perform well on the field.
"We were very impressed with their application," NZS chief executive Graham Seatter said. "They have done a great job and risen to the challenge we laid down.
"Someone said to me they would be gutted if Manawatu missed out. I don't think they will be gutted. They are in reasonably good shape. The fact they are doing so well on the park only strengthens their case."
Four other bids - from Gisborne City, Manukau United FC, Auckland-Manukau United and North Shore based Northern United FC - have also applied for a place in the league.
NZS have since considered expanding the league and believe an under-20 side could be vital in preparing national youth sides for qualifying for world youth cups.
"It's an option that needs to be considered because we have a responsibility to develop the talent in this country," Seatter said.
"At the moment, NZFC franchises are intent on winning the US$1 million by qualifying for the World Club Champs and I have no problem with that but it means we have good young players not actually getting on the park."
Some will argue expanding the league to 10 teams will have a detrimental affect on its quality. But NZS have investigated reducing the size of each squad from 24 to either 18 or 20. The addition of an under-20 side could be alongside another from one of the other four bidders, with Northern United and Auckland-Manukau United the favourites.
The Northern United bid is a combined Northland-North Harbour one that would be based on the North Shore and is likely to be looked on favourably by NZS.
North Shore were one of the mainstays of the old National League.
Auckland-Manukau United would represent the eastern suburbs and south Auckland and they haven't ruled out merging with Manukau United FC if it helps strengthen their bid.
The NZS board will make a decision at their meeting on November 29.
