GORDON LIGHTFOOT | Sport
THE AUCKLAND WAY
As Auckland FC continue their dream run in their first season of the A-League, Chairman Bill Foley is preparing for the absolute worst and most likely scenario.
Foley, who co-owns the club with Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams, says based on the general character of the average Aucklander, about three quarters of the club’s fans will vanish into thin air when they experience their first loss.
“Aucklanders are a cold-hearted bunch, very prone to losing interest in a sports team if they stop winning,” he said sagely.
“You only need to remember back to the New Zealand Knights or the Football Kingz to see what happens to Auckland football teams once they lose the plot.
“Any fan of a newly established Auckland franchise has a high chance of evaporation.”
The businessman, who also owns part of English club AFC Bournemouth, even pointed to the fluctuation in interest in the Auckland-based Blues Super Rugby team.
“Even the Blues can’t afford to be too shit, and they play New Zealand’s national sport! And I’m not sure how the Warriors have kept people coming to their games during the bad old days”
When asked about what the Wellington Phoenix was doing right as far as keeping fans interested, Foley looked at the situation from a practical angle.
“Auckland is New Zealand’s only major city and it has plenty to offer, lots of choices for people about how they spend their time. In contrast, when you live in a city as boring as Wellington, even a losing Phoenix team can seem exciting.
At this stage the co-owner is doing all he can to keep the team’s winning streak going.
“Just need to get the total fan base up to a really solid number before 75% of them spontaneously combust.”
More to come.
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