Football Ferns

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theprof
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coochiee
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130918195/football-ferns-coach-jitka-klimkov-confirms-former-captain-abby-erceg-has-retired

Huge jump from NZ National League to playing the world champs!! But wonder if any of the NL players stand out, the Nix ALW side could sign them to short term season ending deal(s). They have a pretty skinny squad.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130888917/football-ferns-squad-to-face-united-states-weakened-by-clashes-with-club-commitments

Football Ferns v United States
Football Ferns squad

Goalkeepers: Lily Alfeld, Erin Nayler, Murphy Sheaff

Defenders: Liz Anton, Mackenzie Barry, Ally Green, Anna Green, Rebecca Lake, Grace Neville, Ali Riley, Ashleigh Ward

Midfielders: Hannah Blake, Olivia Chance, Daisy Cleverley, Betsy Hassett, Deven Jackson, Aniela Jensen, Jana Radosavljević, Grace Wisnewski

Forwards: Ava Collins, Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale, Tayla O’Brien, Gabi Rennie, Emma Rolston, Paige Satchell


so does that keeper list make Alfied or Nayler #1? I'm assuming Sheaff is there for the experience? I was kind of hoping that Nayler had seen her last NZ squad given her performances have not been that flash.

January 07, 2023 10:22 · Edited January 07, 2023 10:22
Feverish
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Ranix
The only positive I can see in this squad is the opportunity for some national league players and other fringe players to get a go in the Ferns environment.
Biggest worry for me is looking at our defenders. Sounds like Ally Riley is not good for 90 minutes. Anton and Barry won't start the first game as they are playing in Perth just days before. Take those three players out and the starting line up at the back is very likely to be a combination of players that have never played together before. Against a USA attack that are out to prove they are worthy of a place in a World Cup squad. Hope I'm wrong, but we could potentially get torn apart here. 

We have been going extreme fringe already in recent games
January 07, 2023 10:28
Showtime Nixie
WeeNix
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Surprised to see Naylor there as she hasn't been up to standard for many years now and I'm not sure i see the point in continuing selection. I guess she's available and some others are not due to clubs holding them. Would like to see Sheaff get a game, only way to gain experience is by playing and a friendly is a good time too. What happened to that other keepers like Nadia Olla and Anna Leat?

It's a pretty weak squad we could be in for a long 180 minutes. Do we know if USA are sending a decent squad? i see purple hair is out, anyone else?
January 07, 2023 10:40
Ranix
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Showtime Nixie
Surprised to see Naylor there as she hasn't been up to standard for many years now and I'm not sure i see the point in continuing selection. I guess she's available and some others are not due to clubs holding them. Would like to see Sheaff get a game, only way to gain experience is by playing and a friendly is a good time too. What happened to that other keepers like Nadia Olla and Anna Leat?

It's a pretty weak squad we could be in for a long 180 minutes. Do we know if USA are sending a decent squad? i see purple hair is out, anyone else?
USA are full strength bar two omissions. Rapone and Smith. They even have Horan in, who plays in Europe for Lyon.
I think Naylor gets a bit of a rough time on this forum. She just got a new pro contract in Sweden top tier so has been continuously playing at a high level. She is not our number 1 anymore but I think she deserves her place in a squad with 3 keepers. She is a better keeper than Alfeld for me. I would expect Naylor will start. But these next two games are going to be tough for any keeper.
January 07, 2023 10:51
lthomas20
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Showtime Nixie
Surprised to see Naylor there as she hasn't been up to standard for many years now and I'm not sure i see the point in continuing selection. I guess she's available and some others are not due to clubs holding them. Would like to see Sheaff get a game, only way to gain experience is by playing and a friendly is a good time too. What happened to that other keepers like Nadia Olla and Anna Leat?

It's a pretty weak squad we could be in for a long 180 minutes. Do we know if USA are sending a decent squad? i see purple hair is out, anyone else?
USA are full strength bar two omissions. Rapone and Smith. They even have Horan in, who plays in Europe for Lyon.
I think Naylor gets a bit of a rough time on this forum. She just got a new pro contract in Sweden top tier so has been continuously playing at a high level. She is not our number 1 anymore but I think she deserves her place in a squad with 3 keepers. She is a better keeper than Alfeld for me. I would expect Naylor will start. But these next two games are going to be tough for any keeper.
Hopefully Alfeld will get her debut though. Because wasn't it ridiculous when they took her away from Nix for the SheBelieves Cup last year only for her not to play a single minute...
January 07, 2023 11:11
Ranix
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Real shame about Abbey Erceg.
Was reported in media she was committing to club rather than country that's where her passion is, being club captain and all that.
Seems her club haven't reciprocated the feeling.
image.png 42.43 KB

That's the way it goes in USA. Players have no control or say in transfers. 
January 24, 2023 07:40 · Edited January 24, 2023 07:43
watching_from_far
WeeNix
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That's hilarious! Hopefully she becomes as passionate about her new team...

The fact she hasn't come out and said anything about her retirement bugs me, least she could do is make a statement.
January 24, 2023 07:53 · Edited January 24, 2023 07:55
Doloras
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Opinion Privileges revoked
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The worst I can say about Erin Nayler is that I bought her book on goalkeeping and it's a bunch of platitudes which taught me nothing
January 24, 2023 10:11
Feverish
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Ranix
Real shame about Abbey Erceg.
Was reported in media she was committing to club rather than country that's where her passion is, being club captain and all that.
Seems her club haven't reciprocated the feeling.
image.png 42.43 KB

That's the way it goes in USA. Players have no control or say in transfers. 

Classic

Erceg — formerly the Courage’s captain — said in a statement on social media she is “shocked and disappointed.”
“The intention to see out my career with a club in which I have so many fantastic memories comes to an end, as that intention is unfortunately not a shared one,” Erceg wrote. “Now, I look forward to investing my efforts into a club with whom I already have a shared vision.”
January 24, 2023 11:00
coochiee
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That is amusing. A 3rd (or would it be a 4th?), Ferns comeback now? Unlikely I imagine, and probably a wry smile from likes of Riley & Bowen.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2023/1/23/football-ferns-vs-usa-record-crowds-amp-brewing-hype
January 24, 2023 12:19 · Edited January 24, 2023 12:36
coochiee
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/300791003/shocked-and-disappointed-abby-erceg-traded-away-from-north-carolina-courage

And in some other news Percival who I think is back training after his bad injury, re-signs with Spurs.

January 24, 2023 15:00 · Edited January 24, 2023 20:59
Marto
Starting XI
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watching_from_far
That's hilarious! Hopefully she becomes as passionate about her new team...

The fact she hasn't come out and said anything about her retirement bugs me, least she could do is make a statement.

Karma.
January 24, 2023 20:06
coochiee
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January 25, 2023 20:03
Ted Striker
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Doloras
The worst I can say about Erin Nayler is that I bought her book on goalkeeping and it's a bunch of platitudes which taught me nothing
Did it contain any full stops?
January 26, 2023 08:04
Doloras
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Opinion Privileges revoked
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Ted Striker
Doloras
The worst I can say about Erin Nayler is that I bought her book on goalkeeping and it's a bunch of platitudes which taught me nothing
Did it contain any full stops?
Well, this is probably the vital key to the whole work:
Screenshot (141).png 77.7 KB
January 26, 2023 08:54
watching_from_far
WeeNix
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Anna Green just retired??? Seems odd or has she picked up an injury that's ruled her out of the world cup?? Anyway classy little message on social media to announce it... something her former captain never did.
January 28, 2023 12:17
Showtime Nixie
WeeNix
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I think the USA series was a reminder she's probably now a bit past her best, she was really struggling out there to keep up. She's been a great servant for Ferns and wore her heart on her sleeve. She deserved those two games for what's she's done in that environment. Brave to call it before a WC but that speaks volumes of her character. I hope she stays involve in some capacity as i think she is a great role model for the younger players...in fact the older ones could do with Greenys advice too right now.
January 28, 2023 15:29
coochiee
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3rd experienced Fern (after White & Erceg) to retire close to a once in a lifetime home WWC. Bit odd

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/131088367/football-fern-anna-green-makes-surprise-retirement-announcement-after-us-series

Green spoke after the Auckland defeat about the lengths she had gone to in order to keep her home World Cup dream alive, taking a sabbatical from her job as an accountant in Wellington and moving to Australia to play professionally for Sydney FC in the A-League Women.

However, her game time has been limited to just one start and one brief substitute appearance at the Sky Blues.

While Klimková's praise would have offered renewed hope of a World Cup spot, Green was set to be one of several defenders fighting for one or two places in the final 23-strong squad.

January 28, 2023 16:25
Bananas
Starting XI
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The tough part with woman's football paying fudge all, it's a big gamble for little money if she has a career as an Accountant that probably pays well.

Don't blame her.
February 02, 2023 11:36
coochiee
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February 04, 2023 11:17
coochiee
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February 05, 2023 13:27
Ted Striker
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coochiee
I don't understand how Erin Naylor is "a lock" and Milly Clegg "a bolter". It should be the reverse. If I understand the definition of "bolter" as in outside chance. Milly Clegg is the only NZ player in either the Men or Women's team that looks confident in front of goal.
February 05, 2023 19:06
coochiee
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After this nicely paid little football gig, he could work with the WWC Ferns as a freebie 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/131158857/chelsea-hire-all-blacks-mental-skills-coach-gilbert-enoka
February 07, 2023 10:30 · Edited February 07, 2023 10:32
theprof
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no Clegg or Foster in the Ferns for the three homes game coming up.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/131176896/football-ferns-coach-resists-calls-to-select-impressive-wellington-phoenix-duo
If this is the squad Klimkova is gonna use in the WC we are not looking likely to score many goals.
February 09, 2023 11:06
coochiee
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Squad
Goalkeepers: Vic Esson, Anna Leat, Erin Nayler

Defenders: Liz Anton, Mackenzie Barry, CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Claudia Bunge, Meikayla Moore, Grace Neville, Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott, Kate Taylor

Midfielders: Olivia Chance, Daisy Cleverley, Betsy Hassett, Malia Steinmetz

Forwards: Ava Collins, Grace Jale, Gabi Rennie, Indiah-Paige Riley, Paige Satchell, Hannah Wilkinson

Training partner: Grace Wisnewski

Midfielders Ria Percival and Annalie Longo remain out with long-term knee injuries, while forward Jacqui Hand wasn’t considered as she recovers from a less serious knee injury.

The omission of Clegg had been signalled in advance, even as Ferns centurion Katie Duncan suggested the 17-year-old could provide the "killer instinct" the team had been lacking in front of goal.

Klimková had indicated she would not call Clegg up before she completed her first season of professional football in A-League Women.
February 09, 2023 13:45 · Edited February 09, 2023 17:32
coochiee
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February 10, 2023 12:45
Showtime Nixie
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No chance we can play Percival and Longo together at WC both coming off ACL repairs! get the wheelchairs out! You have to go into a tournament with fully fit players! I hope we don't get this so wrong. I know there is some doubt over current squad you just have to work with what you've got and improve in small parts. I personally don't believe Riley and Jitka will get it right...hopefully the home crowd can get us across the line in games.
February 10, 2023 18:47
coochiee
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Showtime Nixie
No chance we can play Percival and Longo together at WC both coming off ACL repairs! get the wheelchairs out! You have to go into a tournament with fully fit players! I hope we don't get this so wrong. I know there is some doubt over current squad you just have to work with what you've got and improve in small parts. I personally don't believe Riley and Jitka will get it right...hopefully the home crowd can get us across the line in games.

Percival did her ACL 10 months ago (April 2022), she is back on the training pitch at Spurs. WWC ain't until July-August. She's still a definite chance. She's also in a pro environment with Spurs and all the medical rehab support that comes with that.

Amateur Longo more a longshot having done her knee more recently in September 2022, only 5 months ago.


February 10, 2023 18:59 · Edited February 11, 2023 19:58
Unused sub
Phoenix Academy
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We could play for a nil all draw against the top ranked team in our group with a 442 line up of 
Esson
Barry Moore Bunge Anton
Bott Bowen Stott Riley
Satchell Wilkinson

That team would be hard to score against, with 8 listed as defenders in the current squad.

Would prefer to see 4231 of

Esson
Barry Bowen Bunge Biley 
Bott Chance
Satchel Hassett Clegg
Jale

Who are all on form at the moment. 

Would be a tragedy if they don’t bring Clegg into the next training camp to see how she compares to the current forwards. What’s wrong with having a trial game with probables versus possibles ? 

February 11, 2023 00:08
coochiee
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February 11, 2023 00:30
coochiee
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Ferns don't win at least 1, preferably 2 of 3 games - Klimkova will be seriously under some pressure.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2023/2/10/football-ferns-vs-portugalargentina-squad-yarns-amp-preview

That means three games in one week for the Fernies and they’re all against teams of a similar quality. The Ferns have met Portugal once in their history, winning 1-0 back in 2016 at the Algarve Cup that the Porties host. Amber Hearn scored the winner. They’ve also played Argentina twice, beating them 1-0 in 2008 (Hearn with the winner that day too) and quite recently beating them 2-0 at the Cup of Nations in Australia back in early 2019 with Katie Rood and CJ Bott doing the damage. You may remember that CJB golazo...



Yes, folks, these are actual legitimate winnable games of football on the horizon and exactly the type of fixtures that this team needs to be playing in preparation for that World Cup. As such, Jitka Klimková has named a 23-woman squad that looks about as strong as it could get right now (barring one or two injuries). This group will form the overwhelming bulk of the World Cup squad in July and it’s time for Klimková’s best eleven to finally get some proper reps together.
February 11, 2023 17:41 · Edited February 11, 2023 19:51
lthomas20
First Team Squad
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coochiee
Ferns don't win at least 1, preferably 2 of 3 games - Klimkova will be seriously under some pressure.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2023/2/10/football-ferns-vs-portugalargentina-squad-yarns-amp-preview

That means three games in one week for the Fernies and they’re all against teams of a similar quality. The Ferns have met Portugal once in their history, winning 1-0 back in 2016 at the Algarve Cup that the Porties host. Amber Hearn scored the winner. They’ve also played Argentina twice, beating them 1-0 in 2008 (Hearn with the winner that day too) and quite recently beating them 2-0 at the Cup of Nations in Australia back in early 2019 with Katie Rood and CJ Bott doing the damage. You may remember that CJB golazo...



Yes, folks, these are actual legitimate winnable games of football on the horizon and exactly the type of fixtures that this team needs to be playing in preparation for that World Cup. As such, Jitka Klimková has named a 23-woman squad that looks about as strong as it could get right now (barring one or two injuries). This group will form the overwhelming bulk of the World Cup squad in July and it’s time for Klimková’s best eleven to finally get some proper reps together.
Will she though? It's not like NZF are gonna sack her months before the World Cup. Knowing them they wouldn't even be able to appoint anyone in time. Not to mention her contract is a massive payout. 

The games against Mexico and Philippines last year we were lucky to win both, if they had gone worse than they did, she might have been out the door sooner than 2023 came around. But we did win both, and they used it as cause for thinking we had momentum when in fact we just edged tight victories against terrible opponents. 
February 11, 2023 21:17
coochiee
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Would it be a massive payout though really? She might be on $150K per year?
Hay was reportedly on about $250K.

Agree she's highly highly unlikely to sacked. But she will know now they need to start winning games. She hasn't experimented at all for this window, but then still says likes of Clegg and Foster could come in for some games before WWC.

Almost like she's feels herself the pressure to win some of these 3 games, so she's picked as close to full strength as possible, and gone low risk.
February 11, 2023 22:19 · Edited February 12, 2023 02:44
Ted Striker
Phoenix Academy
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coochiee
Would it be a massive payout though really? She might be on $150K per year?
Hay was reportedly on about $250K.

Agree she's highly highly unlikely to sacked. But she will know now they need to start winning games. She hasn't experimented at all for this window, but then still says likes of Clegg and Foster could come in for some games before WWC.

Almost like she's feels herself the pressure to win some of these 3 games, so she's picked as close to full strength as possible.
That's a good question, considering NZ football were broadcasting their equal pay for the players both men and women and yet not for the coaches?
I agree that there is no way they will sack her before this WC and she is contracted to the next WC in 2027 so maybe after this one they might be able to justify it. Although I think in the eyes of NZF a draw and win in first round will be enough to keep her on for another 4 years regardless of how terrible they play. 
February 12, 2023 00:12
lthomas20
First Team Squad
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Esson misses out due to injury...... Edwards called in. So it's Nayler, Edwards and Sheaff again. So basically we have to have three matches of Nayler... what a shambles. 
February 13, 2023 12:41
FernieFan
Trialist
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almost 3 years
Noooooo! Obviously a training injury for Esson..massive loss.. let'  hope it's nothing serious or long-term. 




February 13, 2023 13:00
theprof
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lthomas20
Esson misses out due to injury...... Edwards called in. So it's Nayler, Edwards and Sheaff again. So basically we have to have three matches of Nayler... what a shambles. 

Guess that means we might see Candy in goal for the Nix? Assuming Edwards is actually away with the Ferns for the fortnight.
February 13, 2023 13:07
Wusty Wab
WeeNix
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lthomas20
Esson misses out due to injury...... Edwards called in. So it's Nayler, Edwards and Sheaff again. So basically we have to have three matches of Nayler... what a shambles. 

And unfortunately Nayler will most likely be starting all 3 matches given she's the most experienced keeper we have right now. Having the likes of Bowen, Bott, and Stott back though is a welcome boost. Will be so nice to see Stott in a Ferns shirt again.
February 13, 2023 13:16
Wusty Wab
WeeNix
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Also Foster's been called up to the squad as Wisnewski has withdrawn for personal reasons, hope she's okay.
February 13, 2023 13:19
watching_from_far
WeeNix
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Why is Foster only a "training player"??? Just call her up properly! If she stands out at training is she not allowed to play? Stupid shark like this  does my nut.
February 13, 2023 13:19
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