With Winston Reid continuing to be a key member of an over achieving West Ham United side, New Zealand sports' fans of all varieties are keeping an eye on the English Premier League this season.
But the All Whites' captain aside, there are many other talking points for the beautiful game in the land of the long white cloud, going into the New Year.
Here are five wishes for New Zealand football in 2016.
1. All Whites to qualify for Russia 2018
It is incredibly important that New Zealand qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. To achieve this outcome, there will need to be a meaningful international programme presented by New Zealand Football CEO Andy Martin to head coach Anthony Hudson to provide the best possible platform.
The playoffs for the Confederations Cup in May and June will also provide the chance to present a minimum of three very competitive fixtures should the All Whites win the Oceania tournament. Meaningful games against top opposition that can reflect the challenges that they will face against the fifth placed South American team for automatic qualification to Russia are crucial. Forget friendlies versus lower ranked teams and also ensure that all players are in attendance. Both are necessary for New Zealand to have the best chance of success. And a high profile fixture at home is imperative to showcase the All Whites and to provide fans with a view of the team which they rarely get to see.
2. Develop a new, top overseas player
A number of young New Zealand players have been given unbelievable international opportunities over the past 18 months but who is going to be the next Winston Reid, Wynton Rufer of Ryan Nelsen? It is interesting that none of the trio who achieved so much on the English or European stages progressed through New Zealand football programmes, yet they were still able to stand out from the rest. Now we are waiting impatiently for the next homegrown superstar to follow in their footsteps. Plenty of youngsters have been given All Whites' caps but they have fallen short of matching the impressive achievements of Reid, Rufer and Nelsen.
It is imperative that this area is viewed as a crucial cog in the wheel of international success. Too many dreams are not fulfilled, with aspirants returning to their home shores after failing to breakthrough on the bigger playing fields overseas. The domestic league must be set up in such a way that players get the chance to compete against the best opponents on a regular basis.
3. Top four finish for Wellington Phoenix
Given the uncertainty surrounding Wellington Phoenix and their long term participation in the A-League, it would be hugely beneficial for them to finish in the top four as minimum requirement for the season ending in 2016. The involvement in the Australian competition is crucial to the football arena in New Zealand so we must ensure that it continues to happen. Expectations now need to be realised and fulfilled.
Crowds have generally been disappointing and only the rallying cry after a potential early exit from the A-League, gathered much needed support. Forget the self-interest and slanted comments of the Australian clubs to ensure a successful finals' series to eliminate any doubt about the competitiveness of the Nix. And the search for more New Zealand talent is needed to build depth for the club.
4. Rio Olympics semifinals for women's team
Having enjoyed a vast platform of support from New Zealand Football and funding agencies for a number of years, it is now time for the national women's team to deliver. A disappointing last place finish in their group at the 2015 Women's World Cup must now be overturned by a strong showing at the 2016 Olympics, with a medal as the target. The team have been given every opportunity to grow, with a range of high profile international fixtures and tournaments. The recent loss of funding for this team should be the catalyst to produce results this year.
5. Strengthen the national domestic competition
The expansion of the domestic league is great news. For too long, there has been a lack of depth in this competition and the lack of a relegation system has negated the need for franchises to improve. Auckland City have dominated for many years so the league needs a new injection of franchises and clubs who are willing to raise the bar across all facets of the game. Football is well supported across the country and fans would embrace a far more broad league than the current version, which has been average for many years. With a spot in the annual FIFA World Club Cup as the golden carrot, there must surely be a number of interested parties waiting for the chance to join the domestic league.