Generator

It’s the club, and it’s a club that just doesn’t care about the A-League W team. No conspiracy; they just don’t care.

Note sure if this sits behind the paywall or not, but thought I’d share: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/don-t-let-violence-detract-from-australia-s-soccer-glory-20230430-p5d4cf.html - Editorial: Don’t let violence detract from Australia’s soccer glory Once again the sport is deemed the issue, rather than an unhinged individual, plenty of whom follow other sports and live out in the community, as everyone is aware. Frustrating coverage, but not at all surprising.

First live game since before the pandemic. Not surprised the result was a loss (I never have high hopes when it comes to the Wanderers), but I was definitely surprised at the quality of the game on the pitch, from both teams. In all honesty I am done with the Wanderers (I’m going all in on Canberra rather than splitting my allegiances across the two leagues), but I’m happy to see the team is performing well once again.

Woo, sanity prevails (and Sydney FC don’t get the points!) regarding Canberra’s points deduction: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8133853/justice-for-united-finals-dream-reignited-after-controversial-decision-overturned/

The clubs were charged with making the game financially sustainable. They did that. And now everyone is pissed. I’m not a big fan of the move, and definitely think the timing of the announcement is rubbish, but when faced with a multi-million dollar offer for the rights to host the grand finals for a few years, what did we expect the directors to do?

I wish I had known the team was playing in Wollongong at 5pm, me being in the Wollongong area for a Christmas lunch and all. I only realised the game was on when I turned on Paramount+ hoping that the replay from another game had already been uploaded, too. Some might say I’m a bad fan. Me, I just say that the team hasn’t yet won me back. Anyway, at least I’m watching the second half on Paramount+! Here’s to hoping it’s a more interesting 45 minutes than my other option for the afternoon (a post-lunch nap).

I don’t mind this Dub Zone approach on TenPlay. It caters to my need to be constantly distracted (much like the youth of today, I expect!). For those not watching, the Saturday Dub Zone broadcast follows three games with a live panel (so four quadrants running at the same time on the screen), occasionally focussing on specific pieces of action (ie goals) along with general commentary on the games and other live issues (ie responding to comments from social media). If you want to watch a single game, you can do that via the TenPlay app (or Paramount+). Definitely different, but so far I like it. I will switch back to the dedicated Canberra Utd vs Perth Glory stream for the second half, though, just because I do want to follow that specific game more closely.

The ride may be shifting when it comes to coverage of football fans in the media: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/why-a-league-crowds-are-better-behaved-than-nrl-afl-and-cricket-20221117-p5byz4.html

I’m glad this was on 10 Play, which was too much of a pain to properly set up / reconnect earlier this evening. Anyway, I guess I’ll check the squad thread in a few months, and preferably once the next season is already underway, before I decide whether or not to re-engage with this team.

Me being me, of course I tuned back into the game just in time to catch the moment of madness. I really don’t know why I bother anymore. For those who missed it:

There was a game last night? And it was a derby? So much for the clubs taking ownership of the league and coming up with a successful marketing plan - I follow the Wanderers and the league on Facebook but the game still didn’t register until now.

I just realised that what this game was missing, and for the better - no Slater to wander on to the pitch after the game, bend down, and, with mic in hand, wild eyes and spit frothing at the mouth, vent his frustrations at the site of the alleged crime (the overturned penalty). No Slater means less material for Squires, but that’s a small price to pay.

First game I have watched in some time (cool and miserable night, plus nothing new on Netflix). I have been mildly impressed with the team, and the game in general which has been genuinely entertaining.

Ange wanted a conversation about football. Until one happened, anyway. On Paramount+, I know the basic approach to the live broadcasting of games predates their acquisition of the A-Leagues rights, but I really hope Paramount introduces some functionality to allow viewers to time shift live games. Not being able to rewatch action on the pitch when at a game without a large screen really bugs me, as does being forced to watch streamed games live (what is this, 2015?!?).

Hmmm. Yesterday I was hoping for a sign to give the club one last chance, and now they appear to have given me more than enough reason to finally unsubscribe from their mailing list (the one lingering association I have since not renewing my membership, except for the odd visit to this site). It’s a shame, really. I might be back in the event another manager is appointed, and they manage to get the team performing well on a consistent basis. Maybe.