KEY POINTS:
A-League chief executive Matt Carroll says Knights chairman Anthony Lee should step up or step away if the ailing club is to turn things around.
The Knights have performed dreadfully on and off the pitch since the A-League started last year, with many in Australia saying they should be kicked out. Lee has also come under fire for his handling of the club and Carroll says it might be time for him to step aside.
"The chairman of the club has to take responsibility," Carroll told the Herald on Sunday. "He's an investor and has put in $1 million of his own money but for the sake of the club, it needs a new image and to build credibility back with the fans, players and commercial partners. People like to see change."
Although the club is officially owned by Lee, Brian Katzen and Maurice Cox, who each hold 30 per cent of the club, Carroll argued that the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) can expect to have a major say in the running of the Knights, considering they contribute A$1.5 million to each of the eight clubs.
"We have probably put in the most money of anyone this season."
New Zealand Soccer would support the replacement of Lee as chairman and see him as a major stumbling block to turning the Knights into the truly New Zealand club the FFA want them to be.
Lee says he would be prepared to step aside if a viable alternative came along.
"I have heard a lot of people criticise me but no one is prepared to put their hand in their pockets. I think I am doing a good job."
Carroll believes it's quite clear what the Knights need to do to turn things around. The FFA back the retention of the club, saying it's easier to fix an ailing club than to set up a new one. The only way they would be kicked out is if they became insolvent or if they broke the law, Carroll said.
"But it's going to need $2 million to $3 million invested in the club, a good CEO, a strong and skilled board and the recruitment of a competitive team. They need to reconnect with the football community in New Zealand and to do that, they need a strong New Zealand flavour and that means a core of New Zealand players. This would build the credibility they need to attract the public and sponsors."
Alan Ball is expected to meet Katzen in London this month to discuss the possibility of becoming the club's manager next season.
The 1966 England World Cup winner and former Portsmouth and Manchester City boss has expressed an interest in managing the beleaguered club, saying he has unfinished business in football.
He's likely to meet Katzen this month and, if the talks go well, hopes to travel to New Zealand in the Christmas period to talk with Lee and to check the facilities.
In the meantime, the Knights have pledged their support for manager Paul Nevin.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
