The Dropkicks - 2007 - Episode 01

Yes, we're back, better, badder, and, thanks to various technical hitches and non-related work deadlines, later than ever.

This week: some Super 14 pre-season analysis, A1GP, Australian Open Tennis, Dakar Rally, World Record Distance Skateboarding, Beleaguered NZ Knights season review, and other bits and pieces...

Download Episode 37.

Beleaguered Resurgent NZ Knights

Dropkicks correspondent Livs suggests that, in light of their new management, coach, and two wins on the trot (one over reigning champions, Sydney FC), that our favourite under-performing soccer team - the Beleaguered NZ Knights - be renamed to better reflect their newfound game-winning ability.

It shall be so. From henceforth, until they become beleaguered again, the team shall be known as...

The Resurgent NZ Knights.

Auckland City v. Al Ahly - World Club Championships 2006: video highlights

As mentioned the other day, NZ's football champs Auckland City (not to be confused with the Beleaguered NZ Knights, who play in Australia's A-League), were the Oceania representatives at this year's FIFA Club World Cup. Here's the goal highlights from their match against African champs Al Ahly...

The Dropkicks - Episode 36

The Dropkicks penultimate show of 2006 in which they discuss: Sevens, the Fiji Coup, the 1st Cricket Test NZ v. Sri Lanka and the ensuing runout controversy, cheerleaders, Willie Mason and the NY Jets!?, and we announce the winner of the Movember competition.

Download Episode 36 (right-click, save as...)

Beleaguered New Zealand Knights 'embarrassing'

Now even the NZ Herald is calling them the "Beleaguered New Zealand Knights"! Brilliant.

In the latest twist in the tale of our favourite under-performing football club (won 3, drawn 6 and lost 28 of their 37 matches since the A-League commenced last year) it seems their license is to be revoked (license to shoot? never really had one to start with, did they?), and that the Football Federation of Australia looks likely to hand over running of the club to New Zealand Soccer in the short-to-medium term while new owners for the club were found. From the Herald story...

Speculation is mounting that the FFA snatch back ownership of the Knights' licence with five weeks remaining in the A-League season, as they did with the Perth franchise in March.

The Sydney Morning Herald today said the FFA's patience with the ownership and direction of the under-performing Knights had run out. It would make its move to give potential new owners as much time as possible to bid for the franchise next season.

NZS chief executive Graham Seatter had no idea when or if the FFA would claim back the licence but confirmed he had been asked less than a week ago if NZS would be prepared to assist in the running of the club until their final round match on January 21.

"Why wouldn't we?" Seatter told NZPA.

"At the end of the day it would be an embarrassment if a New Zealand team defaulted at the end of that competition.

"We're committed to make sure that doesn't happen."

Knights management were unavailable for comment this morning.

To the new owners: can we just get more kiwis playing in the side? If a bunch of 'technically limited' NZ amateurs can put on a semi-respectable show at the World Club Champs (losing 2-0 to African champs Al Ahly), then surely we can put together a mostly professional local team that can compete with some Aussie clubs? Surely?

The Dropkicks - Episode 35

The Dropkicks have lunch at Chow, and between miso soup and assorted rice dishes discuss: Sevens Rugby; South Africa v. World XV; Beleagured NZ Knights; Athlete and Dick of the Week; and more...

Download Episode 35.

The Dropkicks - Episode 34

The latest podcast is now up!

This week the Dropkicks come to you without preparation, without the internet, but with the usual unusual mix of aplomb and stupidity. Despite these handicaps, we manage to review another week of top-notch sports action and news: International rugby, including the All Blacks v. Wales game and enusing haka controversy; South Africa v. England; Ashes Test Cricket. Dick and Athlete of the Week. Corrections and Clarifications. The Tri-Nations League Final Kiwis v. Australia. And the Beleagured New Zealand Knights.

Episode 34 (right click, save target as...)

Own Goal scores again!

Real Madrid are through to the final 16 of the 2006 European Champions League, thanks to a 1-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest.

"Own Goals" - top scorer for the "Beleaguered New Zealand Knights" (their new, official title) - turned out recently for Steaua Bucharest in their clash against the Spanish football mega-club, and with the help of Steaua defender Banel Nicolita, scored the winning goal in the 70th minute with a deft back pass that went straight into the back of the net.

Here's the moment of horror...



We have but one question? Just what was the goalie doing? Praying to Mecca in the middle of a game?