He's Big He's bad he wont be going to the WC?

 

I now think there is a real possiblity that Rory Fallon wont be selected in the all whites WC squad.

 

If he doesnt make himself avaiable for the Mexican game, I think Coach Herbert will have no choice, but not to have him in the WC squad.

 

 

i think herbet will tell him that though...

so hopefully he makes himself available

 

Fair enough, but as Ryan says in the interview in a world cup year the players just have to be available.  The "I'm just not a friendly kind of guy" wasn't the smartest call he's ever come up with

 

Probably got those foot in mouth skills from his agents.

 

And when your agent is also your megaphone-mouth father...

 

I'm not sure he understands the fans perspective.  We're all grown ups, we "get it", he's not the first person to be caught up in a club v country row.  The point is that this is not just an ordinary friendly, it is the beginning of our preparation for the World Cup.  No-ones made a big deal about Ryan and Killen missing games against the Islands or friendlies in the past due t club commitments.  But this isn't just a friendly, I basically consider this a competitive game and it's absolutely essential if we're going to be competitive at the WC, especially as we've had so little game time together.  We can't afford not to have the side together playing football.  I sympathise but he'll just have to make it work.

 

I don't think his Dad has anything to do with it, although let's be honest, Fallon snr isn't the most popular guy in NZ's "football family"

 

I think there's also a further point to be made here.  Some guys have made a lot of sacrfices and played in a lot of pretty $hit fixtures to even get the team in the position to play against Bahrain.  It's easy to say you're committed and play in the big games, but it's the unglamorous fixtures that are the hard ones.

 

Like I said, I understand his position, but I think he needs to realise how important all of these matches are and making statements like he's doing, some of which is quite patronising, isn't the best approach.  He'd be better pressed just to keep quiet and let his boss and Ricki talk it through

 

That's it, James.  That's where it will get sorted out, so why bother commenting?  The conversation between Mariner & Herbert will be an interesting one...  I can't really see Herbert giving much, as it's too important, but it's not a good idea to pick a fight with your players' managers - it comes back to bit you in the long run.

 

(When I say 'why bother commenting' I'm referring to Fallon of course, not you!)

100% agree with this. Its the problem with having people "change" allegance. I get the same idea with Tommy. Theyre only here to go to the WC. They dont give a stuff (maybe a bit harsh) about NZ football, they are there for them