Soccer: Turnaround 'still possible' for Knights

Australian A-League soccer officials continue to voice concerns about the struggling New Zealand Knights but say a new chief executive and more home-grown young players can spark a turnaround.

The Knights crashed to their eighth consecutive loss, 0-4 to competition leaders Melbourne on Friday.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) head of operations Matt Carroll said majority stakeholder, businessman Brian Katzen, has spoken of his determination to make the business a success.

He was reported by Melbourne's Sunday Age newspaper to have lined up a new club boss and another investor prepared to sink A$1 million ($1.17 million).

"We have told him that we do need to see a turnaround, " said Carroll.

"Are we happy about their performance? Of course not. Are we concerned? Yes.

"But it is easier to get a club performing properly than it is to shut one down. It's critical that they sign New Zealand players.

"One of the important things is for them to forge better links with Soccer NZ and get Rikki Herbert involved."

The Knights are a clear last on the points table with a goal difference of minus-19.

Friday's match drew a crowd of 2357 to North Harbour Stadium but coach Paul Nevin insisted the team could still win back support this season.

- NZPA