Soccer Trend Criticised

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31769, 28 August 1968, Page 18

Soccer Trend Criticised

The Canterbury Football Association is disturbed at the number of senior soccer players moving down into lower grades sides. Reporting to the management committee last evening, Mr R. Storer said he was very perturbed at the trend. He suggested that senior players moving to second or third division games could represent "pot-hunting” by clubs. “We should be able to do something if regular players are being stood down,” said Mr K. Hendy. Clubs’ Honesty

“This is a matter of concern that clubs are doing this,” the chairman (Mr T. C. Gottermeyer) said. “A loophole was created for clubs,

but we relied on their honesty.”

Mr F. Ford said it was not the first time this had happened. The committee had power to act against clubs “stacking” sides. It was also reported that some team sheets had possibly been incorrectly completed and strong action will be taken against offenders. Mr Storer also mentioned that there had been 18 defaults so far this season.

Referees* Complaint The Referees’ Association is also “greatly disappointed” at some clubs. Mr G. H. Royce, reporting from the referees, said a meeting with club delegates on Monday evening had been attended by only seven men from four clubs —Christchurch City, • New Brighton. Halswel! United, and Western.

The clubs present also expressed their disappointment, said Mr Royce, and added that the meeting was conducted in a friendly atmosphere. Cautioned.—Four players had

their names entered in the caution book as a result of the Christchurch City v. Shamrock game on Saturday. J. Logue (offensive language), W. McKenna (elbowing an opponent) and F. M. Madrussen—all City players—and T. Mann were the penalised players. the latter two were cautioned by Mr W. F. Robinson for ungentlemanly conduct —arguing with each other.

Commendation. —Mr K. Armstrong, coach of the Auckland Junior National Cup team which beat Canterbury in the national Anal, complimented the Canterbury side. It was the best allround Canterbury team he had seen in his three years of coaching the Auckland side, said Mr Armstrong.

Manager.—The secretary (Mr K. Roberts) was appointed manager of the Canterbury senior and under-20 teams to play Otago in Dunedin.

Welcome.—Mr I. Leslie, a new member of the management committee, was welcomed to the meeting.