The final 26 Panel for WC. PEOPLE'S PICK

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4. 

Voerman has reported before that there was interest from both Iredale and NZ. I reckon he plays CB for us whether it’s a back 5 or 4. 

I’m just waiting for the 21 year premier league right back starter, who no one knew had a kiwi mother, coming out of the closet

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4. 

Voerman has reported before that there was interest from both Iredale and NZ. I reckon he plays CB for us whether it’s a back 5 or 4. 

There was, but he is unable to meet the requirements to play international football for New Zealand.

AucklandPhoenix

I’m just waiting for the 21 year premier league right back starter, who no one knew had a kiwi mother, coming out of the closet

What ?   It's just a right back ,    my aunt could play right back too and she is 70 ,  everyone could play right back with aplomb 

JAVIER16

AucklandPhoenix

I’m just waiting for the 21 year premier league right back starter, who no one knew had a kiwi mother, coming out of the closet

What ?   It's just a right back ,    my aunt could play right back too and she is 70 ,  everyone could play right back with aplomb 

Corban Piper is reportedly receiving intensive 24/7 skills training by a coalition of the optimistic & the willing.

Javier’s aunt could be a bolter, she can play right back

andrewvoerman

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4. 

Voerman has reported before that there was interest from both Iredale and NZ. I reckon he plays CB for us whether it’s a back 5 or 4. 

There was, but he is unable to meet the requirements to play international football for New Zealand.

And yet, Australia get players into their system with much flimsier links to that country.....it's all about applying to FIFA to make an exception

There is a cool little yarn of Iredale being about 4 yrs old and being sideline at the Sydney Olympics watching his mum compete for NZ in judo 

Andrew Pragnell was also a judoka and knew his mum. So I’m sure NZF have tried

ballane

Elemenop

Rusty Dunks

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

 I think we can all pick about 80% of the squad today and get it mostly right. It'll just be those players you mention there. I can't see the young phoenix striker making it etc. They need experience at this world cup.

I hope those selecting the team arnt as close minded to selecting players as you seem to be. If some young player comes out of the woodwork and has a breakout season demanding selection would much rather he get chosen than some of the older guys. Just because they are young dosnt mean they cant be effective at a World Cup. There have been any number of young footballers who have taken the chance given to them at a World Cup no reason at all to say why a Kiwi couldnt do the same thing.

Not closed minded. Just realistic. We have a good solid core. And then another dozen that make up a tidy 24.

Beyond that I can't see any young kids jumping into contention. A shock would be baylsis, gibson and Thomas. That's about it.. 

100% agree with Elemenop here. Bazely will have a bulk of the squad pencilled with maybe 5 spots either open or with multiple options. Obviously if one of the 18 guaranteed to attend are injured they'll be replaced from the large pool available. But there are probably only 2/3 spots open to "bolters".

Personally I want the squad to be well thought out and decided well before the tournament, so we can get most if not all of them involved in as many games before the tourney as possible. Surprise selections at this stage do not help with cohesion and tactics.

AucklandPhoenix

I think it may be a step too far for Boxall - but can’t see him starting afterwards for the two footer

Yes true, a bit older than i had been thinking, 36 now and round 38 at WC time. Cant see need for him and Smith at 36 both going, maybe 1 in the mentor/senior capacity but, if he is still playing top notch, maybe still and option. If a quality bolter appears, maybe like an Iredale, then Boxall may miss out. It wont be current quality or performance that keeps him out of my squad, simply age and how it is for him in 15 months time

Rusty Dunks

andrewvoerman

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4. 

Voerman has reported before that there was interest from both Iredale and NZ. I reckon he plays CB for us whether it’s a back 5 or 4. 

There was, but he is unable to meet the requirements to play international football for New Zealand.

And yet, Australia get players into their system with much flimsier links to that country.....it's all about applying to FIFA to make an exception

Such as?

dick le roc returns

AucklandPhoenix

I think it may be a step too far for Boxall - but can’t see him starting afterwards for the two footer

Yes true, a bit older than i had been thinking, 36 now and round 38 at WC time. Cant see need for him and Smith at 36 both going, maybe 1 in the mentor/senior capacity but, if he is still playing top notch, maybe still and option. If a quality bolter appears, maybe like an Iredale, then Boxall may miss out. It wont be current quality or performance that keeps him out of my squad, simply age and how it is for him in 15 months time

Boxall really looks after his body. He returns to NZ each summer, and puts himself through Coach Sunz's tailored brutal boot camps in Auckland. Sunz is the AWs fitness trainer.

Seems to work for Boxall. He's barely missed a game for Minny the last few seasons, and already made two TOTW MLS selections this season. Maybe helps his aging legs he's playing in the centre of 3 CBs at Minnesota.

He is a shoe in for the WC squad unless he gets injured. His knowlege of Nth America really handy next year, and it's his last chance to go to a World Cup, so that will keep him motivated to look after his body. He's always been quick for a CB, so won't be slowing down as much as Smith.

For sure Surman is already challenging him the RCB starter's role, but they both make next year's squad.


Speaking of older international players, Pablo Guerrero is still starting for Peru in WC qualifiers at age 41! Played 170+ mins in Peru's 2 qualifiers this window Bolivia (H) and Venezuela (A). He's Peru's striker legend who missed the playoffs against the AWs in 2017 with a positive cocaine test suspension.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/21/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/peru/bolivia/4191328/

coochiee

dick le roc returns

AucklandPhoenix

I think it may be a step too far for Boxall - but can’t see him starting afterwards for the two footer

Yes true, a bit older than i had been thinking, 36 now and round 38 at WC time. Cant see need for him and Smith at 36 both going, maybe 1 in the mentor/senior capacity but, if he is still playing top notch, maybe still and option. If a quality bolter appears, maybe like an Iredale, then Boxall may miss out. It wont be current quality or performance that keeps him out of my squad, simply age and how it is for him in 15 months time

Boxall really looks after his body. He returns to NZ each summer, and puts him through Coach Sunz's tailored brutal boot camps in Auckland. Sunz is the AWs fitness trainer.

Seems to work for Boxall. He's barely missed a game for Minny the last few seasons, and already made two TOTW MLS selections this season. Maybe helps his aging legs he's playing in the centre of 3 CBs at Minnesota.

He is a shoe in for the WC squad unless he gets injured. His knowlege of Nth America really handy next year, and it's his last chance to go to a World Cup, so that will keep him motivated to look after his body.


Speaking of older international players, Pablo Guerrero is still starting for Peru in WC qualifiers at age 41! Played 170+ mins in Peru's 2 qualifiers this window Bolivia (H) and Venezuela (A). He's Peru's striker legend who missed the playoffs against the AWs in 2017 with a positive cocaine test suspension.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/21/south-america/wc-qualifying-south-america/peru/bolivia/4191328/

Based on all of this, I'd take Boxall over Smith. If there is room for both then cook, but if Smith is unlikely to play I'd bring in someone else. Smith can go with them as a mentor without being in the 23.

AV picks JBS, Lachlan Bayliss, Dibley-Dias, Sheridan plus Sims - as potential WC bolters.

Swedish league starts this weekend. If Sims is in goal for GAIS then yeah he's a strong candidate to take Sail's spot.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360630174/five-uncapped-players-who-could-be-all-whites-world-cup-bolters


My bolter Ben Gibson. Only because I want to see some young 'Kiwi' striker come through over the next 12 months. Very much a longshot and not even playing for the Jets at the moment. Now 21 pity we didn't get to see him at the last U20 WC in Argentina.

https://newcastlejetsfc.com.au/videos/id/ben-gibson-boost-rising-star-round-8-isuzu-ute-a-league/6366061325112/

andrewvoerman

Rusty Dunks

andrewvoerman

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4. 

Voerman has reported before that there was interest from both Iredale and NZ. I reckon he plays CB for us whether it’s a back 5 or 4. 

There was, but he is unable to meet the requirements to play international football for New Zealand.

And yet, Australia get players into their system with much flimsier links to that country.....it's all about applying to FIFA to make an exception

Such as?

And I quote RR from two months ago in the "who do we want to see in a white shirt" thread; "However, NZF can apply for an exemption if they have spent 5 years in NZ under the age of 18 (which they didn't for Deklan Wynne back on 2015). This is how Aussie has been able to play the likes of Irankunda, Deng etc."

There is a major example in my mind, but do you think I can remember it right now? 

But if you look through the Australian rep teams (Socceroos, U23s, U20s), there are players in yellow who are very similar, without knowing grandparents birth, to Iredale and Lee. 

Look at Daniel Bennie, for instance. Born in Hong Kong. HK mum, Scottish da'. Moved to Aussie when 11 or so.....

I wish I could remember the obvious example.....

And no one can answer this so far; if Iredale isn't eligible for NZ, how is he eligible for a country he has no family links nor has he lived there as long as he did here. You can't have one, but not the other. 

Rusty Dunks

andrewvoerman

Rusty Dunks

andrewvoerman

Friar Tuck

Rusty Dunks

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4. 

Voerman has reported before that there was interest from both Iredale and NZ. I reckon he plays CB for us whether it’s a back 5 or 4. 

There was, but he is unable to meet the requirements to play international football for New Zealand.

And yet, Australia get players into their system with much flimsier links to that country.....it's all about applying to FIFA to make an exception

Such as?

And I quote RR from two months ago in the "who do we want to see in a white shirt" thread; "However, NZF can apply for an exemption if they have spent 5 years in NZ under the age of 18 (which they didn't for Deklan Wynne back on 2015). This is how Aussie has been able to play the likes of Irankunda, Deng etc."

There is a major example in my mind, but do you think I can remember it right now? 

But if you look through the Australian rep teams (Socceroos, U23s, U20s), there are players in yellow who are very similar, without knowing grandparents birth, to Iredale and Lee. 

Look at Daniel Bennie, for instance. Born in Hong Kong. HK mum, Scottish da'. Moved to Aussie when 11 or so.....

I wish I could remember the obvious example.....

And no one can answer this so far; if Iredale isn't eligible for NZ, how is he eligible for a country he has no family links nor has he lived there as long as he did here. You can't have one, but not the other. 

While he meets (or met) the FIFA residency requirements, Iredale doesn't have NZ citizenship/an NZ passport (which we know thanks to you) and has no pathway to getting them, having had no connection to NZ for two decades. That's where it ended, as far as I'm aware, potentially alongside him being more keen to keep the Socceroos door open. 

While he might not have lived in Australia as long as he did there, it would appear living there from 10-16 was enough to get him a FIFA exemption (before they codified the five years after age 10 requirement in 2020). It would also appear he was able an Australian passport so he could play the age-group internationals he did in 2012, whether by obtaining citizenship as a matter of course or by special decree (he was part of the AIS, the government-run sports academy, so probably pretty easily done). 

Bennie, Deng, Irankunda... all clear-cut cases of kids moving to Australia for non-football reasons, either meeting requirements or getting exemptions (which you can't call tenuous) and then playing for their new country.

Presumably his Scottish mum got a NZ passport to compete for Aotearoa at the Sydney Olympics, after they migrated as a family from the UK. Oversight by her and hubby not to gets their Scot born kids NZ passports?

Not necessarily an oversight. On occasions it is not possible to pass citizenship onto a child (it depends on how the parent acquired theirs if it can be passed on or not).

Think from what we have gathered we can cross him off the list and hope some other wild card appears. 

Cheers, Andrew. I appreciate the time to reply. 

Putting Iredale to one side, it's galling that Australia seem to be able to include players that require exemptions, yet we don't. 

It does leave the feeling, right or wrong, that NZF aren't pushing the boat/know the right people to get things over the line. 

Rusty Dunks

Cheers, Andrew. I appreciate the time to reply. 

Putting Iredale to one side, it's galling that Australia seem to be able to include players that require exemptions, yet we don't. 

It does leave the feeling, right or wrong, that NZF aren't pushing the boat/know the right people to get things over the line. 

Without wanting to start an argument, I would say it's wrong.

To the extent Australia was getting exemptions – a process which is now just part of the regulations, with the three years before 10/five years after bit – it's for teenagers in the natural course of them becoming old enough to represent age-group national teams, nothing to do with pushing the boat out or knowing the right people. The same happens in New Zealand every cycle.

If there are cases where extraordinary or early citizenship needs to be granted, it's probably an easier sell in those circumstances too, rather than 20 years later going, 'oh this guy lived here as a kid and technically is eligible for us, can you make him a citizen'.

Ryan Thomas with a full game today. That must be the first time he's made it to 90 in 4 plus years??

He's building nicely to be included in the next window...

Rusty Dunks

Cheers, Andrew. I appreciate the time to reply. 

Putting Iredale to one side, it's galling that Australia seem to be able to include players that require exemptions, yet we don't. 

It does leave the feeling, right or wrong, that NZF aren't pushing the boat/know the right people to get things over the line. 

Football Australia, don't seem to know the right people to fast track Jakolis's eligibility.

https://aleagues.com.au/news/marin-jakolis-socceroos-eligibility-update-macarthur-bulls-unite-round-preview-latest-news-a-league/

Baze's comments about being willing to wait as long as it takes and leave the door open for as long as possible for Ryan indicates to me that there isn't a strong expectation he appears in the next window. With that one being in North America and there being rumblings of home matches in the window after that, the betting man would surely pick the October window in Europe for his triumphant return (should he stay fit, that is)

Elemenop

Ryan Thomas with a full game today. That must be the first time he's made it to 90 in 4 plus years??

He's building nicely to be included in the next window...

more a case of Baze not putting any pressure on IMO

Ryan Thomas played as #10 today in Holland again with another victory 

I truly believe that of Ryan Thomas is not selected as #10 or false 9 in the next window the off season window that means that he has called it a day about international football.  The time the double header in June,  if not that means that he is prolonging his club football Which is a sensible decision 

Like others I think it won’t be till the Oct window in Europe that Ryan puts himself forward for selection, hes basically got to survive injury free for the rest of the season so he can secure another contract for next season is well as get proper match fit….. but if he does meet those conditions but doesn’t put his name in the hat then maybe he’s called time?
I liked I think it was Coochie (apologies if spelt wrong) floated or suggested the idea of he joins the playing group just to get back into camp, learn the culture and train but maybe doesn’t play this next window even if in the squad

Not players, but both ‘top picks’ from the failed manager hunt - Des Buckingham and John Herdman - are free agents.

Des is in NZ at the moment, and Herdman just received a formal admonishment from Canada Soccer for his involvement in the drone scandal. Notably, he’s been handed no fine or suspension.

Baze might feel a bit hard done by if it happened, but surely NZF have to at least try to bring one of them in as head coach.

In my eyes, Baze has done a serviceable job with a very talented squad, but has failed to get them performing at the level they’re capable of. We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo, and could’ve played much better against Greece, USA, Mexico, Egypt, Australia and Sweden.

I just think if they’re both available, NZF would be negligent to not at least try their luck.

Yup I agree, Baze has done a job but can’t see him pushing the team to higher levels, of the two who would you prefer? I’d like to see what Des could do but I’m also hoping he’s here to be in the nix set up in some capacity (I know I’m dreaming g)

YellowAndBlack

Yup I agree, Baze has done a job but can’t see him pushing the team to higher levels, of the two who would you prefer? I’d like to see what Des could do but I’m also hoping he’s here to be in the nix set up in some capacity (I know I’m dreaming g)

Herdman is probably the better manager, Canada were absolutely flying under him and topped the CONCACAF qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

However, Des knows the squad better thanks to his time with the u20s + u23s.

My dream would be Herdman AWs and Des Nix, but I’m well aware that’s not particularly realistic hahaha.

Baze is contracted through the tournament. If I'd offered him the full-time contract when he was given it, I'd have had it expire after the qualification process, meaning he had to prove he had what it took to coach us at the world cup. As a coach who'd never had a senior job before, that's far from unacceptable terms. But that's not what happened. We don't have the money to pay him out and sign a more expensive manager, it simply won't happen. 

As for Herdman, he very transparently used NZF to leverage better terms from Canada. He mucked us around and made us look stupid. NZF should never have been as naiive as they were and got along with it like they did. But even so, that's what happened and I don't think NZF will ever go back to him now, even if he wanted the job.

Des being a free agent now would have been interesting had Baze's contract just expired. But that's not the case. Now, if Welnix were more ruthless, I'd have liked to see them go hard for Des now to replace Chiefy at the end of the season (wouldn't care if Chiefy was kept on in some capacity, would maybe be ideal, but I'm sure he probably wouldn't have gone along with that), with the carrot being there that Des could potentially also take on the national team job after the World Cup in a year's time. But I think it's pretty obvious right now that Chiefy will sign an extension, whether we like it or not. 

I am sure it is just BS, but the commentators at the end of the game said Dan Hall is eligible to play for Fiji, Ausi and NZ!!

As I said am sure it is BS,as I have never heard the NZ connection before 

I heard the Hall comment too. If its true i would take Hall 100%. Excellent defender and a lot younger than Boxall and Smith.
I would take Herdman first and Des next for the WC.Baze is a journeyman coach who has done an ok job in qualifying. Oceania is his level. But i dont think he is capable of taking an excellent squad to a higher level. Herdman has done very well at a high level. Wont happen, NZF will go for mediocrity. 

Respectfully, after the way Herdman used his interest in the role in the past, and his involvement with the drone spying scandal, we shouldn't even entertain him coming in anytime soon. Bazeley in

Friar Tuck

Not players, but both ‘top picks’ from the failed manager hunt - Des Buckingham and John Herdman - are free agents.

Des is in NZ at the moment, and Herdman just received a formal admonishment from Canada Soccer for his involvement in the drone scandal. Notably, he’s been handed no fine or suspension.

Baze might feel a bit hard done by if it happened, but surely NZF have to at least try to bring one of them in as head coach.

In my eyes, Baze has done a serviceable job with a very talented squad, but has failed to get them performing at the level they’re capable of. We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo, and could’ve played much better against Greece, USA, Mexico, Egypt, Australia and Sweden.

I just think if they’re both available, NZF would be negligent to not at least try their luck.

"We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo"

image.png 102.13 KB

LT01

Friar Tuck

Not players, but both ‘top picks’ from the failed manager hunt - Des Buckingham and John Herdman - are free agents.

Des is in NZ at the moment, and Herdman just received a formal admonishment from Canada Soccer for his involvement in the drone scandal. Notably, he’s been handed no fine or suspension.

Baze might feel a bit hard done by if it happened, but surely NZF have to at least try to bring one of them in as head coach.

In my eyes, Baze has done a serviceable job with a very talented squad, but has failed to get them performing at the level they’re capable of. We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo, and could’ve played much better against Greece, USA, Mexico, Egypt, Australia and Sweden.

I just think if they’re both available, NZF would be negligent to not at least try their luck.

"We simply should’ve beaten Ireland, Tunisia and DR Congo"

image.png 102.13 KB

Yeah think we are getting ahead of ourselves. Ireland are a quality side who play a lot of games together. 

But with our team all a few years older. We should be aiming to compete and beat with that level of team at the world cup.

AucklandPhoenix

I am sure it is just BS, but the commentators at the end of the game said Dan Hall is eligible to play for Fiji, Ausi and NZ!!

As I said am sure it is BS,as I have never heard the NZ connection before 

Yep would take him. Can he play RB?

Our results againts Ocenaia sides under Baze are as good as any coaches in recent times. I'm not a fan, but he got the job done.

People saying we should beat Ireland are living in a fantasy world - compare the respective squads, resources to quality of opposition etc, we simply dont match up. The whole, in a year we will better kind of forgets the fact other teams can improve as well.

We are, for NZ in a historically great place, but let's not kid ourselves... hell, half of us are begging for a guy who just played his first full 90mins in 4 years to come in and suddenly be this teams saviour/missing cog... that's our reality.

I would love to win some games, but I will happily settle for competative at the WC as that is realistically where we are at.

And people calling for Des to come in - tje under 20's was years ago - and there is no evidene to suggest he can replicate success at the junior level at the senior level. There is a reason he's unemployed (tough firing at Oxford) - if he i so great, why hasn't he landed another job yet... the come up pretty often in footy?!

MetalLegNZ

Our results againts Ocenaia sides under Baze are as good as any coaches in recent times. I'm not a fan, but he got the job done.

People saying we should beat Ireland are living in a fantasy world - compare the respective squads, resources to quality of opposition etc, we simply dont match up. The whole, in a year we will better kind of forgets the fact other teams can improve as well.

We are, for NZ in a historically great place, but let's not kid ourselves... hell, half of us are begging for a guy who just played his first full 90mins in 4 years to come in and suddenly be this teams saviour/missing cog... that's our reality.

I would love to win some games, but I will happily settle for competative at the WC as that is realistically where we are at.

And people calling for Des to come in - tje under 20's was years ago - and there is no evidene to suggest he can replicate success at the junior level at the senior level. There is a reason he's unemployed (tough firing at Oxford) - if he i so great, why hasn't he landed another job yet... the come up pretty often in footy?!

This - with our top XI we should be able to match it with any sides ranked 50+.  Under 50 we just need to stay in the game and take our chance - much like the last time we we were at a world cup. 
But we are very light outside that and need to be realistic as you say.