The WaiBOP United Thread

Same old problems it was, very well passing it around with ease but still gotta score goals. Was impressed with Jesse Edge in the first half, and there was a few interesting faces playing, such as Rory Turner which could be promising for the season, and assuming guys like Adam Thomas will be playing then there are a few more options. 

It is only pre-season, but plenty of progress to be made

whispers have jordan vale, sam margetts and matt upton at waikato this season

any other news?

Oh yeah, forgot to mention Margetts was playing, handy pickup, Waikato definitely need someone who can find the back of the net. Sam Jasper was also around, most of the others were Declan's lads.

Rory Turner was also playing at the Ngaruawahia match. And a couple of Chileans from Onehunga. And some Birko lads. Edge appeared to rest his better players. No Thomas, Lissette, Mayne, Kramer, and took Ryan Thomas off early. Was mostly just trialling the fringe players, both visitors and his own kids, couldn't get too excited about it.

This is all on the transfer page, but to sum up: Two Chileans have been signed, as has Turner, Margetts, Hobson-McVeigh, Upton, Jasper, Parkinson, plus all the regulars

 who's parkinson?

 David Parkinson Leftback for Birko

Did Waikato have a pre season match today? 

They did, last night against Auckland under 17's. Not sure about the score as of yet.

Few Wanderers guys signed too - from memory I think it was Shaw, Luque, How and Vlad Frank

Waikato won 2 - 1. Did anybody see the match? 

 Have only played indoor against him. Ask Buffy he will know

Waitak won 3-1.  ..   Still few players missing for waitakere notably Krishna  ,de vries....

Was  pretty even  game.    Waikato still bit leaky at the back but lot stronger than last season in midfield and up front..

Waitakere will obviously be challenging.. With Wellington...

You know who got the goal for Waikato? There's a few pre-season matches this weekend closer to home so I'll probably wander out to have a watch

Didn't see the goal. ,,Margetts I think

Can anyone tell me if Waikato have a pre season match this weekend? 

There in taupo playing young heart I think...waitakere also playing at same venue v h.b.u..

Yup in Taupo today, tomorrow playing a Federation team, unsure which location, somewhere in Waikato, guessing Ngaura

Heard on the radio they are playing in Matamata tomorrow? 

So hardly the home grown side WFC has been demanding the last few years? Maybe at last they have realised Hamilton doesn't have the players required to foot it in this league? BUT players unwanted by ACFC or WUFC are unlikely to be much of an improvement! Even I am starting to wonder if its worth Waikato having an ASB team....?

Playing Auckland at St Peters today, 2pm I think If anyone is keen to watch

2-2, very impressive performance, both goals to Rory Turner who looks like he'll be in the Nikolic mould and be easily the top scorer.

Ryan Thomas was again impressive when he came on in the second half, wonder if the Phoenix approached him or not, he certainly is a talent. The other Thomas, Adam, was also very very good, such a great athlete, so fast, got around the back on numerous occasions, still feel like he can be used better than in his current position at right back, he can really control a game.

Also thought Wallis and Greene played well, and all the Birko guys did well off the bench.

I want to confirm the kick off time for our ASB Premiership game against Hawkes Bay.

The game is on Sunday 4th November at 12.00pm at Porritt Stadium

Brendon Coker

Waikato FC Chair 

Photos of WFC v HBU Sunday 4 November 

Here's the new Waikato FC website 

 - Waikato FC coach Darren Edge wants more protection for his players as they head into the second round of the ASB Premiership with a game against champions Waitakere United.

Edge found positives despite a 2-0 home defeat by Hawkes Bay United in the first round last Sunday at Porritt Park.

 “We’ve just looked at the statistics and I was happy with what I saw. We had 60 per cent possession and, even though we lost our way a bit in the second half, we completed 700 passes.

 “We play a game based on possession and all the rules need to be applied. We’re not asking to be treated differently just that the officials follow the rules set by FIFA, who say professional fouls need to be stopped quickly.

“I don’t mind if people don’t like me or Waikato. The way we play is different, not necessarily better, but we do need protection.”
 
Edge conceded that while possession was important, it was goals that counted and his team had not capitalised on some opportunities.
 
“There was penetration and we got around the back of them but we didn’t do the final piece.”

Please help us seems a continuation from last year.  The only thing that matters is the score Declan

He is playing schoolboys against men. He is actually asking for favourism. This is national league football, no Saturday morning 1st XI league.

 Not looking good Declan.....  Stop blaming everyone else....

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/7980016/Waikato-FC-coach-in-trouble-for-criticising-refs

It was only a matter of time really. Its funny how his team always dominates possession but never win because of the referees. I think that's been his match summary for the last 18 months...

If the football style was really that good, the fans would be flocking there in droves.

Interesting in the Waitakere Vs Waikato game in the first half Wakiato gave away more freekicks. So i think it should be other team crying out for more protection. Waikato have been Mickey Mouse for many years and i have no sympathy for the people making decisions there.

Probably Steve Williams to get the job again! Not too many Waikato teams to hand-pick coaches from, I assume there would be many Auckland coaches eager if that scenario were to happen - Willy Gerdsen did a good job with the team so they wouldn't be afraid to hire from out of the region.

But having said that I don't see either situation occurring during the season, Declan's job is safe until the end of the year at the worst.

Declan's ego fits nicely in Waikato....  Please stay there....

Word on the street he gone at Xmas..., 

Is there a transfer window at Xmas? 

Last season the transfer window was after Round 8 and before Round 9.