Soccer: Things looking up at cellar-dwelling Kingz

The Football Kingz may be bottom of the Australian NSL, but general manager Peter Cox reckons things are looking up for the club on several fronts.

Cox said the behind-the-scenes involvement of new majority shareholder Brian Katzen - a South African-born London businessman - and the arrival of former All Whites Danny Hay and Noah Hickey have had a significant impact ahead of their match against Sydney Olympic at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton tonight.


"We are already feeling the impact of Brian [Katzen] in the marketplace as we look to secure more commercial partners for next year," Cox said.

"There is a broad awareness out there that he is on board and that the processes within the club have lifted substantially.

"People are much more confident that the club has a future, and they are seeing our management strengthening all the time."

The Kingz have not yet formally registered their new ownership structure - it is only likely to come under public scrutiny if and when they receive a league licence for next season - but Katzen is expected to take a 45-49 per cent shareholding, with former chairman Chris Turner settling for 25-40 per cent, and Sky TV 10 per cent, according to Turner.

Cox said an informal agreement had already taken place between large shareholders.

He said the Kingz offered the best major sports sponsorship available.

"The naming rights on Super 12 and the All Blacks are taken up and there are not too many other major properties on the market for those wanting to get into big sports sponsorships."

Cox said defender Hay, signed on a two-year deal with the cash provided by club backers, had also brought a buzz to the club.

"There is now much stronger leadership throughout the squad. Danny's injection has brought out the best in the younger players.

"He has developed into a consummate professional."

- NZPA