World Cup Squad Discussion

Coombes ?

WTF ?  He scores one goal and should be playing for the All Whites ?  He's an over-aggressive little toe-rag who doesn't even stand out in the NZFC.

Ridiculous call, up there with Fallon for a Halberg.

You want an Auckland City player to name then surely it is Hayne, who is consistent, short on red mist and younger.

brockie > costa.

Never seen this Tommy Smith with an i play before, but is he good enough to start? obviously Reid at RB would be awesome. would like to hope Chris james is doing is all to get fit enough in time for the world cup, awesome player on his day.

Paston, Moss, Spoonley would be my 3 goalies.

I really don't know what to think about this Smith guy. Ricky has definitely done his homework in the past (see McGlinchey, Fallon) so if the lad is good we are going to need him. On the other hand I'm a big fan of "those who played a big part in the campaign, should go to the WC". But also, I'd rather have a dude whom I've never seen in my life who plays one level below the Premiership, than some seasoned players past their best from the NZFC. I'd only take Vicelich from the NZFC (and maybe Barron). Everyone else should be a full-time professional.
Anyhow, looking forward to find out more about Smith.

Don't forget Bannatyne - don't think we have any pro keepers anywhere in the world bar Moss and Paston.

U must be having a laff about christie. wheres he been playing since the nix dumped him again?

Pelter a right back ?  Since when ?

Havent seen him play in ages, was just wondering what hes been playing like.
From that I gather crap?

apologies, for some reason i thought that was were he was playing for sunderland reserves. After trawling wikipedia etc You are right. Another CB. Its winston or a part timer i guess

Those that saw him play central league mights have some questions as well.

not with you there?

I kind of think Tommy Smith might be more of a squadie with an eye to the future. Its great he is on board and it will only deepen the squad but at this stage of his career he is no John Terry(yet)

8 starts and 1 from the bench in this years championship. 1 carling cup game.

So can Smith play left-back?  If that's the case I'd love to see him there ahead of Lochhead.

Wouldn't mind a defensive line something like this (would depend on Reid, obviously):
                                 Nelsen
              Sigmund                         Vicelich
 Reid                                                                Smith

Playing the likes of Paraguay and Italy we'll need a strong defence.  Then Boyens could cover any of the center three, Lochhead could cover Smith and whoever we have for RB could cover Reid.

For a lad who was previously with a Premier League side many weren't sure he was even the best Centre Back at Wests, let alone in the Central league.

He would have played more last season but missed most of the season with an injury.

so another mulligan then?

Could he be the type of player who will usually play at the level they're surrounded in.  Kind've like Culina who some people have said dropped down to the level of the Gold Coast when he moved there.

I don't know, just scraping the bottom of the barrel hoping he'll turn out to be amazing and take a good league by storm one day.
loyalgunner2009-12-23 18:11:05

He played for Stevenage?

How time's have changed. Now we have a bit of choice, we don't have to thrash the same players several times over at the World Cup.edward l2009-12-23 19:09:35

Still I'd rather have superfit well rested players and a big enough choice to put out the right squad and I reckon what ACFC proved was the need for a large squad of outrageously fit players who can compete internationally for the full 90 minutes.

Can someone please confirm with me if Mulligan is dead set inclusion in the AW WC squad? because if he doesnt play a single game this season for the Nics then why should he be going to South Africa? He's had no game time. He's only trained. This surely is a concern. Ricki let me know whats happening.

I don't rate Mulligan, but I'd say he's there for injury cover more than much else.

I'd almost be better injury cover than Mulligan. Almost.

This is great new that he has said that he will play for the AW's.
A left sided defender.
That will the end of Lochy. Thank goodness.

I hear that, about time lochy had someone breathing down his neck!!! Hopefully it will improve his game.

Lochhead has been very fortunate indeed that there are no left-footed defenders at the Phoenix (or anywhere).  He was great in season 1 but the last two years he has been about as effective as a pile of faeces wearing a hat - that is bar one game against Newcastle.

Mulligan wouldn't be too bad cover for Brown/Elliot would he?  Still, no games for the mighty Nix is a worry of the highest order.

Smith will be great for our future campaigns. in 4 years time we will definitely need him. Fingers crossed for Reid. He might go for the Danish though as he is rated quite highly I think over there

Biggest question for me: Are we really going to take both Scott and Mulligan, neither of whom the coach has any confidence in now that we have a new quality defender available?

i , for the future, am glad to hear that smith has put his name forward, but,
i dont like the timing.
i may have missed a few conversations about it, but i am in favour of those who have put their guts into it, and have been on the pitch, getting nz to the world cup.
in saying that, scott and/or mulligan at a world cup? you are having a laugh.
i m just not a fan of the way he(smith) has timed it.(ie let all the others do the work)

You have to ask yourself, do you want to escape Group F?
If so, then new blood is part of that equation.
If you just want to play three games and go home, anyone will do. Romance really meets reality in South Africa.

Does anyone know his NZ background....how long was he here? who did he play for...NZ u17?

Born in Uk.  Move here when he was young.  went back to UK where he was in Ipswich's academy and represent Engalnd at U17 and U18 level.

I tried going through all the forum but lost interest!!!...what is the story with Daniel?? Is he eligible for the WC?

Tyler, no, not eligible till 2012 I believe - different rules apply to him (as someone having never repped for a country but gaining residency for a new one) than to the Fallons and Smiths (having repped as an U21).

Hes not eligible for us until 2012 im pretty sure

scribbler2009-12-24 12:01:30