Soccer: Now or never for the Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The football Kingz kick off their fourth NSL season on Sunday with what is seen as their last chance to prove themselves a credible contender.

The team were regarded at times last season as a joke as their vain attempts to right the many off and on-field wrongs failed. This year, new boss/chief executive Chris Turner and his playing/coaching staff must get it right or face another season of ridicule.

There is no doubt new coach Ken Dugdale and assistant Stu Jacobs have the credentials. But they will not be in the thick of the on-field action.

Too many players came up short last season. There can be no more of that half-hearted stuff.

The New Zealand Warriors have been down the same tortuous track before finally blossoming as a worthy contender. The Kingz do not have the same time frame to get it right.

Their Fifa-backed licence is due for renewal some time next season. Unless there is a dramatic improvement, Turner and the rest can forget a long-term future across the Tasman, where clubs have already protested long and loud in opposing the Auckland-based franchise.

The win by the All Whites over the Socceroos in this year's Nations Cup showed the gap is not that great. The results last season did not support that.

With a dozen internationals, Dugdale has the players to do the job but only if they give 100 per cent. The Kingz have long-suffering fans who deserve better. If they do not get it, they will again vote with their feet. New Zealand soccer is on a high. The Football Kingz have to do their bit.