I can't imagine there will be OlyWhites bolters, we have such great depth that everyone that goes will be expected/deserving. Sheridan may be the closest we will get to one.
Someone like Hughes might be considered a bolter for the All Whites. Maybe someone like Gray or Sims getting the third set of goalkeeper gloves if Sail isn't picked? Sutton or McGarry might get the backup LB spot, that'd be something of a surprise perhaps. Marto
A League season is done and dusted. AW time for the next couple of months.
Be interesting to see who the bolters are for the Nation's Cup and France.
Squad to do some acclimatisation in Fiji for a few days before flying to Vanuatu? - Given that's seemingly the only route into the country at the moment. Unless Air Vanuatu is still operating as a going concern after going into administration...
From memory Hudson's 2017 OFC Nations Cup squad did a little mini Aussie tour, prior the tourney in PNG. Played some QLD NPL club(s).
But yeah with Air Vanuatu in voluntary liquidation, travel options will be limited. The other non AWs pool (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti) has been moved to Fiji.
Any ideas when the squad will be announced and when training camp will begin?
Sounds like squad will be named Monday or Tuesday next week. You'd think the camp would almost begin straight away. Tourney kicks off 15th June. Garbett, Just & Wilkins will be the last to complete their Euro club seasons this weekend.
Note tourney is I understand outside an official FIFA window. When Wood planned his wedding last year, he made sure it was outside the official the window dates.
So likes of Bell, M Boxall and Tuiloma who are all in season maybe unavailable. They are likely not needed anyway.
Any ideas when the squad will be announced and when training camp will begin?
Sometime next week I expect. Not thinking they’ll have a camp until they arrive in Vanuatu the following week. Why fly guys all the way back to NZ for 2 days to then turn them Around on yet another long flight. No direct flights and looking at 8-12 hours depending on stopover. Better you take the Euro guys straight there.
Any ideas when the squad will be announced and when training camp will begin?
Sounds like squad will be named Monday or Tuesday next week. You'd think the camp would almost begin straight away. Tourney kicks off 15th June. Garbett, Just & Wilkins will be the last to complete their Euro club seasons this weekend.
Note tourney is I understand outside an official FIFA window. When Wood planned his wedding last year, he made sure it was outside the official the window dates.
So likes of Bell, M Boxall and Tuiloma who are all in season maybe unavailable. They are likely not needed anyway.
Hopefully Pijnaker doesn't recover from his injury in time to stop us getting a look at the Surman/Bindon partnership
I don't wish any ill will towards Pijnaker, and I hope he's coming along with his recovery, but to add to my comment above about the partnership between Surman and Bindon, it's the perfect time to give these guys a good run in the national team. It could be a fantastic CB partnership for the next 10-15 years barring injury or a serious drop off in form.
That, and I reckon Baze will want to see what his CB pairing for the Olympics will look like. All going to plan it could be the perfect prep for the Paris games.
As I wrote in the U23s thread, I think Bindon will be at RB in the Olympics. To me it makes sense not to use an overage spot on Payne (meh), and Sheridan is still incredibly green for such a big stage, against players potentially as good as Mbappe.
If Wood, Singh & Cacace are all available, you want them playing in France. A Surman & Hughes CB p/ship (played together in some big tough games at last year's U20 WC) with Libby plus Bindon on the flanks looks solid. Or even LK-H in as a 3rd CB (French match especially).
Of course if one of the big overage 3 is unavailable, then yeah I guess you pick Payne, and Bindon goes to CB. OVH another RB option.
Agree RB is not Bindon's position long term, but for the balance of this Olympics squad, I think it's where he should play.
If M Boxall & Tuiloma ain't released by their MLS clubs, Hughes and LK-H could both get call ups for the Nations Cup. Looks like Pijnaker will be out, and even Tommy Smith (Wood's best mate in the AWs) could be at the Greek Island wedding for a bit. LK-H of course got called up for the March games in Egypt.
Things get really desperate there are ex AWs Kyle Adams in the USL and Nikko Boxall at Eastern Suburbs.
This was the final 22 man squad for the March games (Egypt & Tunisia).
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Oli Sail
Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Dane Ingham, Lukas Kelly-Heald, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman
Midfielders: Matt Garbett, Clayton Lewis, Callum McCowatt, Ben Old, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Alex Rufer (injury replacement)
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Elijah Just, Max Mata, Ben Waine
Tim Payne, Joe Bell & Chris Wood all pulled out of the initial selection due to injury. Rufer added in
A guess at the OFC Nations Cup squad 24 man Squad
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Henry Gray
Defenders: Matt Sheridan,Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Bill Tuiloma, Finn Surman, Issac Hughes, Lukas Kelly-Heald, Liberato Cacace
Midfielders: Matt Dibley-Dias, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Alex Rufer, Fin Conchie
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Eli Just, Ben Waine, Max Mata, Oscar Van Hattum
So changes from March - Ins - Gray, Payne, Tuiloma, Hughes, Sheridan, Dibley-Dias, Conchie, OVH Outs - Sail, M Boxall, Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Ingham, Lewis Not available club commitments - M Boxall, Bell & Kees Sims Others who's availability could be uncertain - Crocombe (a long L1 season), Cacace (Empoli may say Nations Cup or Olympics not both), Tuiloma, Dibley-Dias, Singh (see Cacace)
After initially agruing the AWs should pick the strongest squad available I've come around to the idea, of bringing in alot of the U23 guys, who will likely go to France. So treating this tourney as prep for Paris. I was wrong, others were right.
Though I was very tempted to bring in, the in form Andre de Jong instead of OVH. But it's already a pretty experienced forward line, so room for a youngster.
Tuiloma I've just guessed that Charlotte will agree to release him, as barring CB injuries he doesn't really seem part of their plans. If he's unavailable maybe you bring in another attacker like Greive or ADJ. The Jets' Lachlan Bayliss an option as I reckon he's in the Olympics mix.
Jay Herdman I've decided to leave with Vancouver, as he seems close to a full MLS deal. If Dibley-Dias doesn't want to be cap tied at this tourney (or is a bit afraid of reinjuring his knee on a dodgy Vanuatu field), speak to the Whitecaps and maybe call up Herdman (who of course had his own ACL injury last year). Who knows Joe Bell might want to play. Still a long way to go in the Norwegian season.
Picking green Matt Sheridan seems like cheapening the AWs shirt abit (same Gray, Conchie & OVH), but RB continues to be a problem at all levels of NZ mens football it seems. And from what I can see he's never been to big world stages (U17 or U20 World Cups), so he goes for the development experience. So when he gets to the Olympics he won't be completely overwhelmed. Train, watch & learn. He does look highly promising.
But yeah wouldn't surprise if someone like Ingham or Roux went instead. Payne & Bindon (as above) you'd expect to play RB.
Only chosen Gray as 3rd GK ahead of Sims, as Sims is in season in Sweden. Either could be Paulsen's backup in France. It's hardly important as one will be in the 18 man squad, the other there anyway as a travelling reserve.
If Jack Iredale is ever eligible I'd love to see him get a callup, as that left footed CB that Hay & now Baze seem to love.
Hopefully it's no Horror in Honiara, or nervous Port Moresby final win on pens. Libby & Rufer as match day captains.
As I wrote in the U23s thread, I think Bindon will be at RB in the Olympics. To me it makes sense not to use an overage spot on Payne (meh), and Sheridan is still incredibly green for such a big stage, against players potentially as good as Mbappe.
If Wood, Singh & Cacace are all available, you want them playing in France. A Surman & Hughes CB p/ship (played together in some big tough games at last year's U20 WC) with Libby plus Bindon on the flanks looks solid. Or even LK-H in as a 3rd CB (French match especially).
Of course if one of the big overage 3 is unavailable, then yeah I guess you pick Payne, and Bindon goes to CB. OVH another RB option.
Agree RB is not Bindon's position long term, but for the balance of this Olympics squad, I think it's where he should play.
If M Boxall & Tuiloma ain't released by their MLS clubs, Hughes and LK-H could both get call ups for the Nations Cup. Looks like Pijnaker will be out, and even Tommy Smith (Wood's best mate in the AWs) could be at the Greek Island wedding for a bit. LK-H of course got called up for the March games in Egypt.
Things get really desperate there are ex AWs Kyle Adams in the USL and Nikko Boxall at Eastern Suburbs.
Not at all keen on the idea of Bindon at RB. Much rather have him concentrate on his long term AW CB position instead.
Payne should have the RB slot this year for AWs and OlyWhites. Yes he's average, but can play at RB, CB, RW and CM so adds a lot of versatility to both sides.
RB has been a weak link in kiwi men's football for 20+ years now. Hopefully with AFC joining the ranks, along with the Nix and other kiwi clubs/academies, we'll get those men (and women) come through.
Such an interesting time to be a NZ football fan. It is very hard to predict the sort of squad we will get with the sheer numbers we have playing at decent levels around the world. Will be interesting to see if the following players are called up for the first time/for the first time in a long time this window. All are realistic call ups and would be noteworthy:
De Jong Rojas Roux Wilkins McGarry Sheridan Hughes Kirwan Dyer Bevan van Hattum
Such an interesting time to be a NZ football fan. It is very hard to predict the sort of squad we will get with the sheer numbers we have playing at decent levels around the world. Will be interesting to see if the following players are called up for the first time/for the first time in a long time this window. All are realistic call ups and would be noteworthy:
De Jong Rojas Roux Wilkins McGarry Sheridan Hughes Kirwan Dyer Bevan van Hattum
The only one that I wouldn't select off that list would be Bevan. Sitting out for his Canadian club side for personal reasons.
Kirwan I read in his thread that he is injured. Rojas is probably short of a gallop too.
Sheridan and Hughes would be interesting, if perhaps a little premature to the NT setup.
Don't underestimate how tough the Island teams will be in their own conditions. Time & time again it's shown to be far tougher than playing them in NZ. First 2 pool games, New Caledonia & Solomons KO time is 12pm, local Vanuatu time. OFC haven't done that by accident. It will be uncomfortably toasty hot & humid.
No accident that last week in Tahiti, ACFC's best result came in the final and later evening KO, compared to the earlier games.
If it takes a couple of ginding 1-0 or 2-0 type wins in the pool to start things off, so be it. Most of the AW players will be coming out of coolish NZ or European winter/spring. https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-mens-nations-cup-2024/
Midday is better than 2 or 3pm. I'm quite confident the boys will get the job done with some ease. Hudson being an awful coach and Herbert being past it are the reasons for our 2010s struggles.
Midday is better than 2 or 3pm. I'm quite confident the boys will get the job done with some ease. Hudson being an awful coach and Herbert being past it are the reasons for our 2010s struggles.
I'm not so sure. There are some very good players in the Pacific. Rough as hell, but have the potential no less (see Kaltak, Krishna etc).
As much as I'd enjoy some AB style results to boost the confidence of players like Waine, I think we'll be lucky to win by more then 2 goals especially as we know the gaffer is out of his depth at this level.
Such an interesting time to be a NZ football fan. It is very hard to predict the sort of squad we will get with the sheer numbers we have playing at decent levels around the world. Will be interesting to see if the following players are called up for the first time/for the first time in a long time this window. All are realistic call ups and would be noteworthy:
De Jong Rojas Roux Wilkins McGarry Sheridan Hughes Kirwan Dyer Bevan van Hattum
Three of the quartet have already played for the All Whites, while the Herald understands Wellington-born winger Jesse Randall is a strong contender to be called up by national coach Darren Bazeley for the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu next month.
I mean that tells you right there that this squad is going to be a shadow OlyWhites squad. There is no way that Jesse Randall warrants a call up to the All Whites right now.
I mean that tells you right there that this squad is going to be a shadow OlyWhites squad. There is no way that Jesse Randall warrants a call up to the All Whites right now.
I mean that tells you right there that this squad is going to be a shadow OlyWhites squad. There is no way that Jesse Randall warrants a call up to the All Whites right now.
Is he good enough for the U23s?
My forwards for the Olympics would be Wood, Waine, Old, Singh, Herdman and Van Hattum. Jesse misses out but is next cab off the rank.
When did Macca gain a Fijian passport? Am guessing the England and Wales cricket team are not happy their coach is about to play football in the Pacific!
Will be interesting to see Roy play and see if he still "has it".
Played against AWs in 2022 in Qatar, in a deeper role, I guess to try have him get more touches on the ball. But he was largely anonymous.
I'd imagine 2 years later it will be much the same, presuming he is still easily Fiji's best player, with limited support. Fiji in the different pool to NZ.
Will be interesting to see Roy play and see if he still "has it".
Played against AWs in 2022 in Qatar, in a deeper role, I guess to try have him get more touches on the ball. But he was largely anonymous.
I'd imagine 2 years later it will be much the same, presuming he is still easily Fiji's best player, with limited support. Fiji in the different pool to NZ.
He struggled to make any sort of impact against CCM in the AFC Cup as well.
