Season Review - New Zealand
Posted by Jasper Reed in A-League, New Zealand Knights | 7 March 2006
Nickname: Knights
Manager: John Adshead (English born New Zealander, coach NZ at the World Cup in 1982)
Home Strip: Black/Silver
Final League Position: 8th (from 8)
How did they finish? The Knights started rebuilding about midway through the first half of round 1. Its gone horribly for the Knights. One win, 6 points in total is all they have to show. Their first home point came against Sydney, of all teams, in round 16. Worst of all, they seem devoid of passion and quality on the pitch and were seriously outclassed on many occasions. Made up of mostly ex English lower league talent they have struggled with thier best team on the park, but they have also been beset by injuries and reported ‘mutiny’ among some players (skipper Danny Hay, once of Leeds, left before Christmas). The end couldnt come quickly enough.
Star Player: Jeremy Brockie (striker). Likely to be off to England for trials in the summer, this pacy deadlocked 18 year old has tried hard with little support.
You might also have heard of: Darren Bazeley (Watford), Sean Devine (Exeter) Danny Milosevic (Leeds, Plymouth), Neil Emblen (Millwall, Palace, Wolves)
What do they need? Apart from some spirit and unity, they really need a striker. Worryingly, whilst other managers are heading to Brazil or Asia, Adshead is off to trawl the lower leagues of England for talent. It seems that they haven't learned their lesson, and begs the question of why if, they casnt find a squad of local players, they were invited to take part in the A League in the first half....
Little known fact: They are partners with Charlton Athletic, and wear the CAFC badge on their shirts. This may be increasing awareness of Charlton over here in a less than positive way….
