An irreverent look back at the month in NZ Football
March
2nd
NZF CEO Andy Martin says fans can be
very confident that the game in NZ is in good hands. So that's OK
then!
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| Andy Martin - NZ Football in good hands? |
It appears that Russia wanted to play
New Zealand in the upcoming March international window, but NZF
turned it down because they were unwilling to break their current
plans for a training camp in Australia. Some fans believe Andy Martin should have gone to Siberia long ago!
Another day another Phoenix player
signs on for another 2 years,
this time it is Michael McGlinchley
Kelsey Kennard, who played for
FootballSouth in the Women's National League is banned for 6 months
for unintentionally taking a banned substance (Probenecid). The ban
was reduced from the standard 2 years to 6 months due to the tribunal
being satisfied she established no significant fault to the
violation. - They may also have looked at FootballSouth's record and
realised that in no way was the banned substance performance
enhancing!
March
3rd
The Football Ferns lose 1-0 to Brazil
in their 1st Algarve Cup match
Phoenix defender, the Maltese
Australian Manny Muscat, is heading back to Australia to be closer to
family and has signed for Melbourne City for next season
Ex NZ International Bob Morrison passes away
at the age of 90. Morrison made 20 appearances for New Zealand in the
1950's and played for the Brigadiers club in Southland.
March
4th
In their 2nd Algarve Cup
match, the Football Ferns are held to a 0-0 draw by Russia
March
5th
Adelaide United show why they are at
the top of the table and the Phoenix are near the bottom thrashing
them 4-0. Ernie Merrick blaming the lack of a winning mentality.
Canterbury United are unable to leave
Christchurch due to fog so their ASB Premiership Semi-Final against
Auckland City is postponed by a day.
March
6th
Auckland City get another win and
another final appearance beating Canterbury United 2-1
Team Wellington see off Hawke's Bay
United 3-1 in Napier.
The Football Ferns record their first
win at the Algarve Cup, beating hosts Portugal 1-0
March
7th
Kip Colvey is given a contract and
makes his debut for MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, coming off the
bench in a 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
March
8th
In a badly kept secret Wellington
Phoenix confirm the signing of Kosta Barbarouses from Melbourne
Victory on a 3 year deal.
March
9th
The Phoenix are set to get a new
training base, as the Wellington City Council agree to fund the
upgrade of 2 grounds at Martin Luckie Park to elite training level.
Meanwhile desperation in the South as
Southern United launch a Givealittle page to try and raise funds for
next season.
March
10th
The
Football Ferns, finish 4th
at the Algarve Cup, losing on penalties to Iceland after a 1-1 draw, ex NZ Coach John Herdman leads Canada to the Cup.
Team Wellington are the new National
League Champions beating Auckland City 4-2 at the Sandpit. They also
qualify for the 2017 Champions League
March
11th
The Papua New Guinea FA has been fined
$15 000 and warned by FIFA over their future conduct after
withdrawing from the 2nd leg of the Women's Oceania Olympic
Qualifying tie with New Zealand in January.
Ex All-White Gavin Wilkinson signs a
new long term contract with US MLS side Portland Timbers, the
contract better reflects the role he has within the club and gives
him the rather grand title of “President of Soccer”
March
12th
Wellington Phoenix continue their Jekyll & Hyde season comfortably beating Sydney FC 3-1 in Sydney
March
15th
New National League team, Tasman
United, release their new logo and also reveal All White Jeremy
Brockie will have a role as club adviser. His dad, Paul, is also on
the clubs board.
March
16th
The effect of the licence renewal is definitely being felt at the Phoenix with Dylan Fox (3 years), Matt
Ridenton (2 years), Lewis Italiano, Alex Rodriguez, Tom Doyle &
Blake Powell (all 1 year) all signing contract extensions.
March
17th
Another day another Phoenix signing
this time goal keeping coach, Des Buckingham, who will also become an
assistant coach to Ernie Merrick.
Also Roy Krishna and Albert Riera are
looking to obtain NZ citizenship which will free up two import spaces
on the Phoenix roster
March
18th
The Women's U20 world cup draw sees New
Zealand drawn with France, USA & Ghana
The 2016 winter season kicks off with
a Mainland Women's Premier League game between FC Twenty11 &
Parklands ending in a 0-0 draw.
March
19th
It is reported that Winston Reid &
Tommy Smith may not travel with NZ to the Oceania Nations Cup in PNG.
Anthony Hudson is apparently trying to tempt Andrew Durante out of
international retirement for the tournament.
March
20th
The Phoenix lose the “prestigious”
Long distance trophy going down 2-1 to Perth Glory
New Zealand's oldest pre-season competition in its 61st season, the Hilton-Petone Cup, is won by Lower Hutt City who beat Wellington Olympic 5-2
March
22nd
The Men may be struggling to get a
game, but the Women have no problem having organised an away friendly
against Netherlands on April 7th
March
24th
Wellington Phoenix continue their
quest to become Melbourne Victory with the signing of Victory's Brazillian
midfielder Gui Finkler.
While NZF struggle to organise an International game for the All White's, Samoa organise 3 in Wellington! They lose the first 7-0 to Lower Hutt City at Fraser Park.
Not NZ, but one of the best footballers the world has ever seen, Johann
Cruyff dies of lung cancer at the age of 68
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| Johann Cruyff 1947-2016 RIP |
March
25th
Bay of Plenty football identity, Dave
Cook, passes away
Samoa beat Stop Out 2-1 in their 2nd
game of their mini tour
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| Samoa scoring the winner in their game against Stop Out |
March
28th
Wellington Phoenix seem to be hanging out for the season to end and go down 3-0 to Melbourne City
March
29th
Samoa lose the last game of their mini
tour 5-1 to Western Suburbs, Head coach Scott Easthope says the
experience has been massive and the performances have improved put of
sight since game one.
March
31st
The All Whites appear to have
organised a game, against.....wait for it........Western Pride! Yes
an Australia 2nd tier side based in Ipswich. There is no truth in the rumours that bookies have
installed Western Pride as favourites!
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| The All White's next opponents? |
Are you sure Western Pride aren't the favourites?
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