Waikato grief
Waikato grief
Che Bunce has pulled out of the Waikato squad, effectively
announcing his retirement. as I have not spoken with Che i will not
presume to supply his reasons.
Worse, i believe other key withdrawals from waikato may
become apparent in the next 48 hours.
At least you have a squad Bruce. No idea what's going on
here. All sorts of rumours.
Hopefully the TW gaffers will reveal all today.
Hopefully the TW gaffers will reveal all today.
it's a real pity. the fella's a good player and would have lifted the standard of the league considerably.
keep us informed of the other departures bruce; what is going
on?
There are others who visit here who may be better placed to
comment than me.
Matt Williams, Waikato FC's skipper last season, has withdrawn from
the squad.
Ironically Williams had the first half of the winter season
off as part of his preparations for the summer.
Waikato have now effectively lost their two most senior
players.
Very tough times for Waikato. Don't see them recovering from this blow. Is there any reason why these two have pulled out. Also I think these two players may free up a bit of spending money. Any chance of a big signing??
Bunce blamed work commitments.
will he move to another franchise or is he retiring?
Will we see him in Auckland or Waitakere?
Will we see him in Auckland or Waitakere?
Williams ?
Reckon he'd like to move to Wellington Bruce ?
Reckon he'd like to move to Wellington Bruce ?
Bruce, i'm available as Team Wellington didn't even give me a
trial..... 
Sux that Bunce isn't playing - but dues to him he has done a lot for NZ Football and been a pretty decent example to a lot of young guys i'd imagine.
Sux that Bunce isn't playing - but dues to him he has done a lot for NZ Football and been a pretty decent example to a lot of young guys i'd imagine.
There may be another Waikato pull-out yet. All Waikato's
money has gone on dale williams and Rob Gill. One for the price of
two.
its a pity these guys have waited till one week out before doing this? surely work commitments should have been considered well in advance given the fact bunce is in real estate and open homes are in the weekends ???? williams i cant comment as he is a good lad and maybe just personal probs...he would give his all for waikato so its something definately not right there?
maybe waikato need jeff sole back?
michael mayne? hes in perth but m sure he aint hit
120kgs yet so lets get him back?
i reckon this could give boomer a chance to shine...possibly
luke finlay in midfield..thers a couple of players outthere who
missed out originally james amphlett mark christensen...also chris
wood is he availiable till he goes to west brom?
josh billman?
possibly paul caton?? may need a xxxl shirt for him tho
TOP 3 finish for waikato !!
According to the radio this morning, Bunce isn't retiring he's just
taking some time out to settle into his new job. Said he's planning
to be back next season.
sole, caton, how about flowerday?
sounds like matt williams has left too. has was named by
the waikato times this morning as a likely successor to bunce as
captain. the times also mentioned that a replacement is on
his way from auckland.
reg222007-10-26 14:09:38
don't stop there reg22 Cossy, Fellows
nixon, edge, hayes...
Luke Findley was today announced the new Waikato FC captain after
the departure of former All White Che Bunce.
Findley, a 23 year old from Wolverhampton admitted he
had some big shoes to fill but said he is more then up for the
task
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of leading the lads into
the new season," he said.
"The lads respect me and I hope I can carry this team through
to the championship."
Findley has not started any pre season games for Waikato after
being plagued by injuries but is hopeful to be fit for the first
game of the season.
"With or without me the lads are gonna pull out a victory
against Otago (in their first NZFC match), obviously with me it
will be a little bit easier."
Findley was something of a surprise selection for those
outside of the Waikato camp, but those in it have been impressed by
his leadership qualities.
"He's just a very organised, clear and concise leader, and so
dangerous on the left flank," said Teammate and roomate Boomer
Kotchin.
"I expect big things from Luke this year"
reuters
all i know is that there seems to be something bubbling under in
the waikato...general intolerance of bullying tatics from
management i hear
even of more concern is where is Aaron Scott in this squad - if
both he and bunce out the best two defenders in the waikato
out....anutha defection
I cant believe that Waikato FC have got Luke Finlay as their
captain. They could have given it to one of their key players, or
main squad members for that matter! Is Byron Harris in the
squad? I thought Roger would have given it too his son,
he may not be a great leader but he is his son!
Also Dr. Quack are you a ref in the NZFC? If so I think that
you probably shouldnt post on here, especially if it is about
players in the same league that you ref in. Im sure that NZ
Football wont be too happy about this.
I would also just like to add that you cant commit to a team
and then pull out at the last minute. They should have went for
some younger players at the start and this wouldnt have been a
problemn i.e Cole Tinkler is a Waikato native, im sure he would
have rather went to waikato than wellington - why couldnt they get
him instead of Buncey???
feedback2007-10-26 19:49:13
Does anyone know the fate of Matty Williams?
We're stuffed now!
waikato shud get ross mckenzia.. i heard hes a great left
back... and his football is crap at the moe shudd come and get
fit and do somet useful with his life wanderblue2007-10-26 22:16:44
Anyone know who's Vice Captain!?
I hear one of the foriegn players in waikato FC has been stood down
to deal with a serious gambling addiction. Boomer Kotchin? or the
new Captain Luke Finlay??? will waikato be able to field a decent
team?
Waikato FC had a training match of sorts yesterday, beating a
Whoever They Could Find XI about 8-0. Highlights? jackub Sinkora
scored a nice solo goal, Aaron Scott played for the final 40
minutes, Rob Gill and Dale Williams scored a couple each. Dave
Samson played at centreback.
The WTCF XI fetaured Waiikato manager Mark Ball, asst coach
Mark Cossey, while referee Blair McConnell also played for the
final 30 minutes. It was not strong enough to make any conclusions
about how Waikato will fare in the post Bunce/Matt Williams
era.
Of the Waikato squad, those not present were Stanly Waita, Sam
Wilkinson, Nathan Holten, Stu Watene, Chris Wood. Steven Holloway
and Boomer Kotchin sat the day out with injuries, while forum
skipper Luke Findley appeared to be injuried but played anyway -
which is either great leadership or incredibly stupid. (You
choose).
where was this game Bruce - be good if Waikato actually advertised
there games so people interested could watch
It was played on the rear field at Porritt Stadium. I had
offered, via Mark Cossey, for them to use Gower Park No
1, given it had to be all marked out for the women's
national league matches there anyway, and the Porritt pitch is
quite rough.
This game was too low-key to publicise, but i must admit I'm
mystified to know why their website is not being used.
if i remember rightly gower park isnt fit for someone to walk there
dog on ......according to the gaffer or is my memory fading
No, you are quite correct, that is one of Roger's favoured lines.
But then he does seem to have an enduring phobia
about Melville that sometimes blinds him to good opportunities.
Gower Park is in very good nick, women's national league matches
being played there and the NZ U17 girls recently used it for three
matches.
Best pitch and atmosphere in the waikato in my opine, humble that
it is....
Oh well be interesting all this heat before derby matches next
year, maybe certain ex waikato players will be all rested up and
amping for those opportunities to prove a point...
Who was captain for the game at Porit Bruce? Was it Luke findlay?
Who was in goal? Was Byron Harris involved?
Its good too see that other people can score other than steve
holloway! I am hoping that Wilkinson and Kotchin get rid of
the injuies now before the season starts because those two need to
be fit for Waikato to come in at my prediction of 3rd.
I think that if Luke Findlay had a slight injury, he was
just showing Roger how good of a leader he was, and i
think that has cemented his place as the Waikato captain... I
initially tipped Sam to be the new captain but you cant
rely on a captain that is always injured - it is looking more
and more likely that Findlay will be our man.
So what will be Waikato's strongest lineup (barring injury) be
for the first game of the season vs the mug side of the league? Do
you think that Roger will include Byron Harris in his squad? He is
a very good keeper and will be exceptional for morale. One of
Byrons good friends is going to the first game - (Matty Lloyd) and
i think that he is expecting Byron to be there or there abouts in
the selection.
Assuming everyone was available, I'd start them like
this...
Dan Robinson
David Samson, Aaron Scott, Hone Fowler, Stu Watene
Shaun Van Rooyen, Jakub Sinkora, Sam Wilkinson, Stanley
Waita
Steven Holloway, Rob Gill,
Bench: Paul Stewart, Dale Williams, Luke Findley, Joe
Simpkins, Nathan Holten.
NB, Waikato have no reserve keeper, so don't count Byron
out.
Waikato suddenly look a bit thin without Matt Williams and Che
Bunce.
No Boomer Kotchin? I think that you must have forgotten about him
Bruce!
Also I have just heard from a friend of myne who is an agent
in Europe - apparently Waikato are desperatly trying to
land ex knights hitman Kris Bright. Bright (21) who has been
playing in Norway has been getting home sick and wants to head
home.
The rumour is his first stop may be Waikato stadium to
sign a contract with Waikato FC. I think that this is a possibility
because the money that has been left over from the departures of
Bunce and Williams may be enough to lure the young starlet. Bright
is just getting over a broken leg so he may not be ready for the
first game but he will be a big asset for Waikato's title challenge
and will help them through their re-building phase. I think with
Bright will help cure the hangover of Williams departure and all
Waikato need now is a replacement for Bunce.
Bruce with your in depth knowledge of the game i am shocked to see
that you have 1. left luke "The Peoples Champ" Findley out of the
starting squad and 2. you have also forgotten to include a member
of your melville family, boomer kotchin. I have witnessed the
constant growth in Waikato football in the past couple of
years. I am a bit disappointed to see that you have not
selected two of the more important players who have
helped put Waikato football back on the map.
it's just a matter of opinion fellas. feel free to select your
likely side...
I left Boomer out because it appears from my reading that he has
not been named in the 19-man Waikato squad - even though 24 players
are allowed. I couldn't see his name there anywhere. Personally I
think he's a better bet than some of the names that are there.
Luke might add something different from the bench and is quite
capable of making an impact.
But in my opinion he needs to simplfy his game. I think
Waikato lose a little bit of flow and rythym when Luke takes
10-12 touches when 1-2 wouild suffice. It makes it harder to
develop a team pattern.
Still, that's just my view. I have no doubt many here will see
it differently, and in all probability he will start, given his
background with Wanderers.
Bruce ,
Why are you stirring things up with the melville/wanderers thing???? there will be just as many melville players playing for waikato this season as wanderers and you know it!!!
If luke findley starts it is because he is the best left sided player in the squad not because he played for wanderers!!! Luke is the only out and out left winger in the squad and f waikato play a 4-4-2 he would be the natural option for left wnger (with possibly Watene as another option).
I think you know there is no bias towards wanderers players but like to stir up a bit of sympathy for melville whilst also making wanderers and waikato look bad. why would you use your position as a respected reporter to cause trouble????? you need to grow up!!!!
Dont know where you guys get your information from. I spoke with
Kris today, and yes, he has broken his leg, but he will not
be returning to play in the NZFC because he will be playing in
Norway again next season. But hes coming back for a month for rehab
and then going back to preseason. Hes gonna be able to play again
in February after his leg break.