Here from time to time there will appear interviews or statements from people to do with QPR or the Wellington Phoenix or some worthy person/cause. Whether they be fans, officials, players etc, who knows.
06 March 2008
Tony Pignata - Chief Executive Officer Wellington Phoenix.
Tony
Pignata has been with the Wellington Phoenix since its inception.
Currently the Chief Executive of the Wellington Phoenix, I was cheeky
enough to ask him for this interview. Throughout the course of this
interview I gained the impression here is a man who really is passionate
about football and football related issues. Loving it at the Phoenix but
also with a clear idea of what needs to be done to make the Phoenix a long
term success. I found him to be straight up, polite, the real deal.
Between Terry Serepisos, Ricki Herbert & Tony Pignata, the Phoenix
have been born from the ashes of other attempts by New Zealand clubs.
Other parties were also involved in this evolution but ask any Phoenix fan
and these three names will keep on repeating.
1. With travelling to Europe, which countries and what positional targets did Ricki have in mind or was this a “take a look at anyone and we’ll see” approach?
Tony] Based in England, we were looking for a striker and defender. Some agents from within Europe were in contact, for example in Holland. The Jon McKain transfer was one result of that.
2. Have you seen in some
players over there attributes that were not on the shopping list but
grabbed the attention?
Tony] We saw some
Premier League to League Two games and saw some players of potential. But
the overall standard of play in some divisions was not up to A-League
standard. They also tend to play different style of game to the
A-League.
3. What a season we’ve all just experienced. Disappointing to finish last but the club showed everyone that the Phoenix are in this for the long-haul and are to be taken seriously. The team didn’t really get any real thrashings and off the field there were a few teething issues such as the Season Ticket & their issuing problems with Ticketc. Your opinions?
Tony] Early problems with Ticketek have been ironed out. We’ve already started the process for next season. Obviously season ticket prices will depend on the number of home games we get should the expansion go through. We are also thinking of introducing some new initiatives for away games, where fans travelling to Australia for a game may get a ticket as reward for travelling, or even fans travelling to Wellington from farther away in New Zealand coming and attending a game. It would be a one-off reward for making the effort.
4. I see there’s going to be a family zone where younger fans can watch with their parents. Which Aisle are you looking at for that?
Tony] We’re hoping to introduce a Family Zone near about aisle 30-31, toward the northern end of the Ring of Fire. It’d be alcohol-free, place where families can take their children and enjoy the games. Of course they can choose to buy their tickets where they want, but they will know the family zone is a safe, fun environment for the younger fans.
5. Brilliant to have two screens now at the Stadium. Every seat should have an awesome view now. Your opinion?
Tony] It’s one of the best stadiums in the A-League. It has a good layout, it’s safe and there are good views wherever you’re seated.
6. Have you been pleased with the crowd attendances and the general behaviour of the crowds?
Tony] Crowds been great, averaging near 12,000. We’re absolutely rapt with that in our inaugural season. There’s been only one minor incident at the stadium itself in 10 games, which speaks well for fans’ behaviour. The fans have been brilliant.
7. Getting Sony on board as a principle sponsor was a real coup and helps increase the clubs profile. Have all the sponsors expressed how they feel about the product after this first season and if so can you give an example of their feedback?
Tony] All the club’s
sponsors have been rapt with the season and are very much looking forward
to next season.
8. The Beckham game. Did it live up to your own
expectations or surpass them and has the suggestion of a return fixture
taken a turn to something happening?
Tony] The game surpassed all expectations and put club on the map globally. It showed that small clubs can put on a big event and attract big numbers of fans – in our case it was a record-breaking crowd for a football match in New Zealand of almost 34,000. It shows there massive interest in football in New Zealand.
9. Is the club looking at bringing a different team here?
Tony] The A-League is our main priority. To bring another team here, it’d have to be a team the likes of the Manchester United, for example. Obviously to bring a big club here costs a lot of money and these considerations have to be dealt with first and foremost.
10. You enjoy walking out of the player’s entrance before games and looking around seeing what sort of crowd is building and the interactions you have with various fans?
Tony] I love the fan interaction and getting to hear what they have to say. I’m happy to listen. It’s reat to see people enjoying the pre-game entertainment as well as the game.
11. With Cleberson & Paladini gone, The club now knows the minimum level required to play competitively at A League level. Obviously some signings will be good and other prove less successful. Overall an excellent learning curve in the clubs first season, any comment?
Tony] Last season we definitely to put a squad together in such a short time we had to use some untried players. Some worked out, others didn’t. This season we have the time to build and get the team together properly, with the signings of Andrew Durante and Jon McKain leading the way. Other signings may be made as we prepare to improve on last season.
12. Does Terry Serepisos have much to do with the day-to-day running of the club (Despite his many other business interests) or does he just leave it up to you and Ricki and get a weekly briefing?
Tony] Terry likes to be kept updated weekly. He allows Ricki and me a free role, but at the end of the day we have to justify our actions.
13. We see you visiting the Yellow Fever website on occasions, do you know of anyone else from the club visiting the site and how do you find the feedback the site generates overall?
Tony] Most officials of the club look at the Yellow Fever site but I’m the only Phoenix management member allowed to respond on behalf of the club and its employees. This helps us communicate with Yellow Fever members while protecting the overall integrity and independence of the Phoenix organisation.
14. The YF have really taken the Nix to heart. The formation of the club has obviously touched a nerve of an untapped market. The YF have taken a pro-active involvement from the fans point of view culminating with the end of season YF awards at Four Kings, they club must be pleased that such involvement and activities. Any comment?
Tony] We’re absolutely over the moon with the input of Yellow Fever. I speak regularly with Adam and Michael. What the key people at Yellow Fever have done to support the Phoenix and football is very much appreciated and respected by everyone at the club. And Yellow Fever has also made a big impact in Australia. We hope to continue building on this.
15. Be honest, They’ve become a fashion statement and an icon firmly associated with the Wellington Phoenix, do you own a Retro Ricki? What about the man himself, does he?
Tony] I don’t have a Retro Ricki yet, possibly even Ricki doesn’t have one either. But I do know that Ricki’s wife, Raewyn, has one. A few of the staff in the office have them too. They’re a classic item. It’ll will be interesting to see what materialises for next season. Perhaps they’ll just change the 07 to 08? I’ll leave it up to Yellow Fever to decide and look forward to the result.
16. Before the Phoenix, did you follow any football team in particular?
Tony] I’m a BIG Napoli fan, due to my family origins. I have seen guys like Maradona playing in those years when Napoli were great. In the English Premier League I do admit to having a soft spot for Liverpool.
17. Did you ever play competitively in you younger years and if so what position and at what level?
Tony] I played as an out and out striker - number 9. I played Premier League in Victoria, Australia. I’m currently playing futsal and run with an over-35 team. (Give age but won’t quote it- ed)
18. Any interests outside of the Phoenix?
Tony] I love all sorts of sports. I particularly enjoy golf but have not been able to get out much. I’m currently concentrating on my family – my wife and kids attended the Yellow Fever Awards. I am also AFL fan – The Bombers.
19. Charities appeared to be of interest to the Phoenix, such as that Christmas event with terry and the lads delivering goodies. Any chance of a Phoenix club V fans golf tournament fundraiser for a worthy cause?
Tony] We are looking at a golf day where fans could pay to shoot a round with Phoenix players and raise some money for a charity.
20. Any chance of seeing you & Terry in the YF zone for one game next season?
Tony] Maybe one day you just might see us, who knows when that may happen…
04 March 2008
The Football Aid bidding period has certainly seen some fantastic end to end action from the first day until the last, with our dedicated fans battling it out to secure their favoured positions online. Friday the 29th saw scheduled bidding draw to a close, and you may have thought your chance for footballing glory this year had gone.....
However, fear not, you could still be in with a chance to secure your position (if you haven't already done so), as due to the usual footballing reasons - injury, suspension, partner selfishly booking a holiday for the same date as the match……limited positions have been extended for bidding until Tuesday the 4th March. So, check out your chosen team’s page at www.footballaid.com as within EVERY club, there is a chance positions could be available.
Please Note:
- 1st and 2nd half positions like the No 2 & 16 and the No 5 & 15 can be doubled up to make 90 mins.
- Selected positions in selected teams will remain available to Buy Now until Tuesday 4th March.
So there’s no excuse for getting left on the bench this year, bid now and take advantage of some of the fantastic offers available online at www.footballaid.com. If you need any help, please either reply by e-mail to info@footballaid.com or call us on 0131 220 5999. They thought it was all over, it will be on Tuesday….
Thanks again for your support and good luck!
The Football Aid Team
