Did you see his contributions to the Dragon game?
Auckland City FC - Thanks a Trillion
The guy's had one semi-decent season in HNL (around 2008, or 2009, think he was pretty much a regular with Slaven back then). Some of those clubs you've listed are basically pub teams (Dilj, Nehaj, are you serious? I could play for them).
He's also played in the Bosnian Second Division, and in Albania. But if you still want to think this is some sort of a gun player from Croatia, feel free.
Being a football supporter is all about having dreams and hoping they'll be fulfilled, el grap. Or have you forgotten?
To be fair he would of seen plenty of Donkeys playing for Ph*enix so will be a good judge of a carthorse
To be fair he would of seen plenty of Donkeys playing for Ph*enix so will be a good judge of a carthorse
Zing!
Oh my aching sides.
Oh my aching sides.
Always knew you were a good sport HN.
To be fair, we probably have seen our fair share of donkeys!
To be fair, we probably have seen our fair share of donkeys!
Ain't we all mate, ain't we all. But it's nice to see an elegant donkey once in a while even if still a donkey. Even better if he can score a goal or three.
The guy's had one semi-decent season in HNL (around 2008, or 2009, think he was pretty much a regular with Slaven back then). Some of those clubs you've listed are basically pub teams (Dilj, Nehaj, are you serious? I could play for them).
He's also played in the Bosnian Second Division, and in Albania. But if you still want to think this is some sort of a gun player from Croatia, feel free.
Being a football supporter is all about having dreams and hoping they'll be fulfilled, el grap. Or have you forgotten?
I have nothing against dreams. I do have something against portraying such dreams as reality.
To be fair he would of seen plenty of Donkeys playing for Ph*enix so will be a good judge of a carthorse
Yeah. And I've never been shy to call a Phoenix donkey a donkey. Don't get the impression the same feeling exists in Kiwitea Street.
To be fair he would of seen plenty of Donkeys playing for Ph*enix so will be a good judge of a carthorse
Yeah. And I've never been shy to call a Phoenix donkey a donkey. Don't get the impression the same feeling exists in Kiwitea Street.
Too the contrary Jeremy Christie has played at Kiwitea St many times
Another knitting circle employee joins to spread the propaganda....
Another knitting circle employee joins to spread the propaganda....
Apologies Mr Christie Snr
You talk about donkeys at the Phoenix and fair enough. No one hides from that cause we have had some rank awful footballers. We also don't stick our heads in the sand and pretend our club is in great shape from a football perspective. What have your players done this season? How is that record against Waitakere?
Some legitimate questions for you:
If your imports are so flash, why have they not cleaned up the ASB Premiership?
If your imports are so flash, why are they in 3rd place in the O League going into the last round.
If your club and team is that flash, surely you would attract the best NZ players around and would have zero need to start 7 imports, right?
Answers on the back of a postage stamp to True Blue.
Some legitimate questions for you:
If your imports are so flash, why have they not cleaned up the ASB Premiership?
If your imports are so flash, why are they in 3rd place in the O League going into the last round.
If your club and team is that flash, surely you would attract the best NZ players around and would have zero need to start 7 imports, right?
Answers on the back of a postage stamp to True Blue.
Aren't they 2nd? Or do you mean overall, not just in group?
Should be third after today's match between the two island teams.
Aren't fans of a pro club always going to be more
critical of their 'donkeys' and the state of the club in general
than fans of a (nominally) amateur club? Not sure I've seen any City fans on here going on about how flash their imports are, pretty sure most would agree that there are too many at the moment and would like to see more Kiwis in the starting line up. Will be interesting to see if / how the current situation changes if / when City fail to win the O League this year, surely they would struggle to sustain the number of imports without the money and allure of the CWC.
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Should be third after today's match between the two island teams.
Ha fair enough. I'd put a fiver on Souto for golden boot if he played a full season and would be curious to see Riera at A League level (suspect would look v ordinary and pick up a lot of cards) but yeah. Surely if they really were good enough for the A League there are dozens of leagues of a higher standard to the ASBP out there these guys could be playing in as Berlanga is doing now.
What if instead of internationals City recruited all the best players from other ASBP franchises?
I personally don't care what they do to be honest. I come here to refute the continuous windups and bullshit that gets perpetuated. It fills a little hole in my day when I get bored.
All valid points Jeff Vader, well-reasoned and thoughtful. But Waitakere are just too boss. No shame there, what is it lads, four titles in a row?
All valid points Jeff Vader, well-reasoned and thoughtful. But Waitakere are just too boss. No shame there, what is it lads, four titles in a row?
Holy Moly! Is that a Kumeu supporter?... and you, with a Spanish name n'all.
Indeed. Don't flatter yourselves, a few imports doesn't make a country ;) Get fairly restricted game time these days with work though, unfortunately. So left to read about it with Terry Maddaford's wonderuflly balanced articles.
I personally don't care what they do to be honest. I come here to refute the continuous windups and bullshit that gets perpetuated. It fills a little hole in my day when I get bored.
Pie-hole?
I personally don't care what they do to be honest. I come here to refute the continuous windups and bullshit that gets perpetuated. It fills a little hole in my day when I get bored.
Pie-hole?
Should be third after today's match between the two island teams.
Well then...
Wow. How do you lose 12-2 then draw with the team just as good as them?
That has to be unheard of
Another knitting circle employee joins to spread the propaganda....
Gee I go away sailing on the Sea of Cotez for four days to return to JV in full Fox News paranoia mode. Are you sure you're not Bill O'Reilly in disguise?
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Dog and bone again JV.
You conveniently overlook the fact that ACFC has earned much of its income (and spread sizeable funding around the ASBP) by winning the O League three of the last four times and did a double reward with its 2009 heroics. That means 4x$700,000 = $2,800,000 went into ACFC and the ASBP (not forgetting NZF's snout in the trough) through it's own efforts on the field. Waitakere earned, let me see, oh that's right, they lost the O League in 2010 and earned zilch for NZ football. Still ACFC's 2009 double winnings papered over that crack.
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Dog and bone again JV.
You conveniently overlook the fact that ACFC has earned much of its income (and spread sizeable funding around the ASBP) by winning the O League three of the last four times and did a double reward with its 2009 heroics. That means 4x$700,000 = $2,800,000 went into ACFC and the ASBP (not forgetting NZF's snout in the trough) through it's own efforts on the field. Waitakere earned, let me see, oh that's right, they lost the O League in 2010 and earned zilch for NZ football. Still ACFC's 2009 double winnings papered over that crack.
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Dog and bone again JV.
You conveniently overlook the fact that ACFC has earned much of its income (and spread sizeable funding around the ASBP) by winning the O League three of the last four times and did a double reward with its 2009 heroics. That means 4x$700,000 = $2,800,000 went into ACFC and the ASBP (not forgetting NZF's snout in the trough) through it's own efforts on the field. Waitakere earned, let me see, oh that's right, they lost the O League in 2010 and earned zilch for NZ football. Still ACFC's 2009 double winnings papered over that crack.
Dear axe grinder - just trying to have some fun. It's a pretty impressive fact - nevertheless.
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Dog and bone again JV.
You conveniently overlook the fact that ACFC has earned much of its income (and spread sizeable funding around the ASBP) by winning the O League three of the last four times and did a double reward with its 2009 heroics. That means 4x$700,000 = $2,800,000 went into ACFC and the ASBP (not forgetting NZF's snout in the trough) through it's own efforts on the field. Waitakere earned, let me see, oh that's right, they lost the O League in 2010 and earned zilch for NZ football. Still ACFC's 2009 double winnings papered over that crack.
Dear axe grinder - just trying to have some fun. It's a pretty impressive fact - nevertheless.
The question I was asking is how do they get back to the top of the tree? Throwing more imports at it obviously is not working... This is where you show your football intellect and we have an intelligent conversation about it.
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Dog and bone again JV.
You conveniently overlook the fact that ACFC has earned much of its income (and spread sizeable funding around the ASBP) by winning the O League three of the last four times and did a double reward with its 2009 heroics. That means 4x$700,000 = $2,800,000 went into ACFC and the ASBP (not forgetting NZF's snout in the trough) through it's own efforts on the field. Waitakere earned, let me see, oh that's right, they lost the O League in 2010 and earned zilch for NZ football. Still ACFC's 2009 double winnings papered over that crack.
Dear axe grinder - just trying to have some fun. It's a pretty impressive fact - nevertheless.
The question I was asking is how do they get back to the top of the tree? Throwing more imports at it obviously is not working... This is where you show your football intellect and we have an intelligent conversation about it.
Throwing more imports at it is not the answer I agree (huge cheers all around) mainly because ACFC can't afford the kind of imports that would make a big difference. I have also long championed developing NZ players, both in the ASBP and at the Phoenix. I think the best 'import' ACFC has done in the past five years was bringing Ivan Vicelich back from Holland. I like Tade and Corrales and am pleased Tade will be back for the Dragon game. They aren't really imports as such because ACFC got them from TW. Likewise Bale was at Waitakere before coming to City. Exposito was a classy striker when he first arrived because he wanted to revive his professional career through the CWC and when that never happened he's faded. Gustavo is clearly a good striker and as you point out Berlanga was a good find. Riera is also a battler, like Dickinson. But I think NZ players like Thomas, Morgan, McGeoge could have been groomed to fill those roles. Hopefully the title winning ACFC youth squad will provide some good young NZ talent for the future.
I'm not sure about the top of the tree comment. ACFC have won silverware every season since 2008. For the club it's the O League that's the most important, not least for financial reasons. To that end they've somewhat allowed Waitakere to dominate the ASBP final for the last three years, except ACFC did finish minor premiership champions in 2011/12 which really is the true test as the actual final is a one off. The club primarily gears itself for the O League while Waitakere seems to now focus on domestic honours. The results seem to reflect that.
I disagree with this. Tade would be great in the A League, Exposito is the best import ever in NZ, this new Croatian chap is meant to be the dogs bollocks, Souto is a gun striker, Riera is a handy midfielder that the Phoenix should go after. All of the above have come from this forum from City fans. The reality is, taking aside Souto and this Croatian guy, those players could not win the ASB Premiership which is effectively and pretty much always has been, a 2 horse comp. In my opinion, only 1 of their imports would make it in the A League and that was Berlanga (and he has kicked on elsewhere) He was class and turned up every game.
As for the continued flow of imports - Pokie machine trust money rort. Every national league club based in Auckland does it (there is only one team in Auckland. That's the chant right....?) The money will be there for the imports regardless. Both Waitakere and Auckland have been paying their imports for a while so its just a con.
I'm not going to jinx ACFC's continued involvement in the O League because I want them to go through. I want 2 NZ teams in the last 4 and the money to stay in NZ.
Dog and bone again JV.
You conveniently overlook the fact that ACFC has earned much of its income (and spread sizeable funding around the ASBP) by winning the O League three of the last four times and did a double reward with its 2009 heroics. That means 4x$700,000 = $2,800,000 went into ACFC and the ASBP (not forgetting NZF's snout in the trough) through it's own efforts on the field. Waitakere earned, let me see, oh that's right, they lost the O League in 2010 and earned zilch for NZ football. Still ACFC's 2009 double winnings papered over that crack.
Dear axe grinder - just trying to have some fun. It's a pretty impressive fact - nevertheless.
The question I was asking is how do they get back to the top of the tree? Throwing more imports at it obviously is not working... This is where you show your football intellect and we have an intelligent conversation about it.
Throwing more imports at it is not the answer I agree (huge cheers all around) mainly because ACFC can't afford the kind of imports that would make a big difference. I have also long championed developing NZ players, both in the ASBP and at the Phoenix. I think the best 'import' ACFC has done in the past five years was bringing Ivan Vicelich back from Holland. I like Tade and Corrales and am pleased Tade will be back for the Dragon game. They aren't really imports as such because ACFC got them from TW. Likewise Bale was at Waitakere before coming to City. Exposito was a classy striker when he first arrived because he wanted to revive his professional career through the CWC and when that never happened he's faded. Gustavo is clearly a good striker and as you point out Berlanga was a good find. Riera is also a battler, like Dickinson. But I think NZ players like Thomas, Morgan, McGeoge could have been groomed to fill those roles. Hopefully the title winning ACFC youth squad will provide some good young NZ talent for the future.
I'm not sure about the top of the tree comment. ACFC have won silverware every season since 2008. For the club it's the O League that's the most important, not least for financial reasons. To that end they've somewhat allowed Waitakere to dominate the ASBP final for the last three years, except ACFC did finish minor premiership champions in 2011/12 which really is the true test as the actual final is a one off. The club primarily gears itself for the O League while Waitakere seems to now focus on domestic honours. The results seem to reflect that.
Reasoned discussion. V good. So you guys aren't Jack Lemon and Walter Mathau after all. Of course this could change after Sunday's game. Not to mention the final 2 matches should City get past Dragon...
To be fair he would of seen plenty of Donkeys playing for Ph*enix so will be a good judge of a carthorse
Yeah. And I've never been shy to call a Phoenix donkey a donkey. Don't get the impression the same feeling exists in Kiwitea Street.
Impressions... impressions... the same feeling... If you were to come along to Kiwitea you might be surprised at the amount of stick some of our players - and management get - from, yes, ACFC supporters, even members. It's all part of the fun on the day. And all forgotten in the clubhouse afterwards.
[/quote] and at what point have I ever denied that? In fact when has anyone ever denied that? The point remains, a team of 'superstar imports' have this far not been able to do it this year and Waitakere have largely had your number in a team that has contained far less imports (Robinson, Shelley and Krishna. Is there any others)
The question I was asking is how do they get back to the top of the tree? Throwing more imports at it obviously is not working...
Waitakerie has 2 new players, both Brits, seemingly brought in specifically to bolster their O-League squad. One Robson, started against ACFC. One could also call De Vries an import - I'd say Tade has been in NZ longer than he. So that makes for 5 Waitak imports who lined up last week against City's 7. (Figures approximate but nevertheless disprove your comments above, JV).
[/quote] and at what point have I ever denied that? In fact when has anyone ever denied that? The point remains, a team of 'superstar imports' have this far not been able to do it this year and Waitakere have largely had your number in a team that has contained far less imports (Robinson, Shelley and Krishna. Is there any others)
The question I was asking is how do they get back to the top of the tree? Throwing more imports at it obviously is not working...
Waitakerie has 2 new players, both Brits, seemingly brought in specifically to bolster their O-League squad. One Robson, started against ACFC. One could also call De Vries an import - I'd say Tade has been in NZ longer than he. So that makes for 5 Waitak imports who lined up last week against City's 7. (Figures approximate but nevertheless disprove your comments above, JV).
Not to mention that Chad's been accused of coming from another planet sometimes so that makes it six.
I'll still take the Jack Lemon comparison, interviewed him once, an amazing chap. Still think 'The Apartment' is one of the best films ever made. As for Shirley McLaine, don't get me started!
Sounds like she stood you up or had you blacklisted for not doing a soft interview. Which was it?