We've been hearing for a while about the positives of the academy, the investment, playing in the ASBP, so a review of the the season seems to be in order with one game to go.
Cordwainer Bull commented on their game v Waibop, via Enzo Giordani's blog in-the-back-of-the.net.....As for the Phoenix, they can't defend for nuts and are essentially a bunch of kids with the addition of skipper Justin Gulley, who looks about as interested as a bored baby sitter.
But the Phoenix have some real talent when pushing forward, which is a nice variation on the usual theme, from a Kiwi perspective.
Goals for and against in the table below support this perspective.
The comments prompted thoughts on two fronts for me: 1) with one match remaining in their "sophomore" season at this level season how are people feeling about the WeeNix fielding "a bunch of kids" in the national mens league - on balance, it's the best thing we can do?; 2) which players show promise, which will be let go; which are "jury's out"; or is that a bit harsh given their young age, do they need another year or two to make that call; or would a fairer assessment be to judge them against Central League opposition, when they don Wellington United's colours?
Their 2 wins came against Southern and Waitakere. Thoughts?