Football Season Guide

It's always difficult to assess new franchises. They've done some decent business, Auckland FC, but nothing that seems particularly ground-breaking. The appointment of Steve Corica as their manager for the season suggests that they'd prefer some kind of stability and consistency over trying to prove themselves too. On the topic of Corica - it's hard to imagine he will stay in the role for long. A great former footballer, and an all-round nice guy - but not a good manager in the current game. His teams are generally too passive and too predictable; he wants individuals to carry the group rather than the group occasionally calling upon individuals to make the difference, and that's never an ideal long-term approach. Auckland FC ruffled a few feathers by acquiring Paulsen on loan though. A brilliant goalkeeper, but one that was transferred to Bournemouth by what is now their New Zealand rivals Wellington Phoenix. The Australian FA actually removed their 'Caceres law' (which could have prevented the loan) just so he could move back to New Zealand. It's a strange bit of business for Bournemouth but a great signing for this club; he's a very god goalkeeper. They look like they'll be better defensively than offensively with Sakai and Smith the stalwarts. Brimmer will run the show in midfield, and he is usually at his best when he knows he's the main man. Some interesting wildcard signings in Gallegos, May, and Champness, the latter of which is very capable but also seems to want to become a musician so his football career has never quite piqued as much as it could have. Likely to be a very combative and patient team that focuses on giving little away. Most obvious concern would be where the goals are going to come from as there's no proven goal-scorer in this squad. Should be hard to beat though, particularly at the start as they've everything to prove and nothing to lose, not forgetting that other teams are predominantly yet to see them play. Likely key players - Sakai, Paulsen, Brimmer, Smith.