Off-season signings, and in particular three players' switching clubs, adds some spice to tomorrow's season-opening ASB Charity Cup match between long-time adversaries Waitakere United and Auckland City.
And, the changes do not end with last season's player of the year Chris Bale switching from United to City, and Chad Coombes and David Mulligan catching the bus in the other direction.
Paul Marshall, in a move that surprised some, has taken the coaching Waitakere job from Neil Emblen in what promises to be a much-scrutinised move by the defending ASB Premiership champions.
Marshall, who steered City to the title in 2007 after some rocky times at Kiwitea St, has brought in a number of new players including a handful from the Three Kings United side he coached in the winter.
Most interest, however, will centre on defender Brian Shelley who has joined Waitakere from Australian club Ballarat Red Devils where the League of Ireland XI representative was player/manager.
Marshall is happy with the build-up, which has included three wins over fellow premiership sides.
"We want to win every game," said Marshall. "But there are no points at stake in this one but there is a little bit of pride. We are eight weeks into our campaign and I'm happy with where we are at."
