i've probably only seen him play a couple of times on tv for Aws and he looked comfortable (can't recall opposition)
my (albeit limited) impression is that he's done something to annoy someone in AWs set up and/or he is inconsistent
Chris James (Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat)
After a good performance in Europa league, KuPs were trashed 6-0 at home by Inter Turku! James played the last 30 minutes and the team was already losing 3-0
2 goals for james in a 4-1 away win. Now Kups are 7 points away from relegation
Not a bad season for james as he played more than 1300 minutes and scored 4 goals as a midfielder. KuPs succeeded to stay in the Veikkausliga contrary to Bright side Haka who has been relegated
A video of James in finland
Having watched that, I must say the standard isn't particularly great. Can understand why he's miles away from the AWs (ignoring potential rifts with Ricki/NZF).
Former All Whites midfielder Chris James has rejoined Kuopion Palloseura on a short term deal. The 25-year-old was included in the match day KuPS squad that defeated Haka 2-1 in extra time of the quarter finals of the Suomen Cup. James’ played 19 matches last season, scoring four goals and has signed a deal until June with an option to extend through to July.
Finnish Suomen Cup (Quarter Finals) | Haka 1-2 KuPS
Two full games for Chris the last five days (very nice highlights clips from Finnish TV with always squad lists at beginning) :
Chris James' KuPS in last Thursday night's 0-0 league game away vs JJK (Chris is no. 26 in the black strip):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq_90v1kGzE
Weekend's 1-2 home loss to Honka:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3vLUIh6Nqo
Various KuPS games from this season: http://www.youtube.com/user/playerslehti/videos
Stats for Chris this season: http://int.soccerway.com/players/chris-james/31491/
Already played 12 games this season with kuopion palloseura
Chris James was the hero for Kuopion Palloseura as he scored the winning goal to send them through to the Suomen Cup Final.
Match Report: JJK 0 -1 Kuopion Palloseura
Many will be happy to see Chris James given a go by Ricki again. Seems very settled and playing well in Finland, a regular starter for KuPS.
Interestingly, Kris Bright and Chris James played against eachother on the weekend, a 3-2 win for Chris James' KuPS against Mariehamn.
Their relative value is perhaps summed up by the fact James played the full 90, while Bright only got 17 mins as a sub...
Good English site for reports on Finnish football: http://www.escapetosuomi.com/
Bright v James back in June (extended highlights): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1OLHjIq8Q4
18 starts (played nearly every game) since returning to action 24/5/13 and missing first five weeks of season.
Chris James stats: http://int.soccerway.com/players/chris-james/31491/
KuPS seventh in league (Bright's Mariehamn fifth) and in the Finnish cup final.Finnish Veikkausliiga winds up October 26.
Good to see James has been given another chance. Always thought he had a lot to offer and was one of the better players we had seen play for NZ.
He might also suit the NZ team more now than in the past with the team beginning to show a willingness to keep possession.
glad to see him back in the mix, always like him!
if he can force his way back into the side, we going to look like land of the midgets, james, rojas, kosta, and wee mac running around.
LOL. might be midgets, but a force to be reckoned with.
Herberts comments on him today spoke of it being more than football which was why he was not picked. Effectively he basically said James was immature.
" He's always been a player that's technically very good and from a maturity point of view, time's ticked on...."
Herberts comments on him today spoke of it being more than football which was why he was not picked. Effectively he basically said James was immature.
" He's always been a player that's technically very good and from a maturity point of view, time's ticked on...."
We all knew that though didn't we Jeff. I was expecting him to be called up in the first squad named following Herbert's departure.
I agree with you Marto.
Has appeared in one of KuPS's two games since returning from All Whites duty - full 90 in 1-1 home draw with TPS last weekend:
and not in the squad for the 2-1 away loss to VPS a couple of days ago due to suspension (too many yellows after yellow card in previous match):
KuPS now in freefall to tenth on 12 team table (but safe at 11 points away from single relegation spot).
League of three rounds like A-League (33 matches) finishes October 27 (five games left).
See Chris' Twitter account - always gives details on his matches: https://twitter.com/Chris26James
Chris James ?@Chris26James 16 Sep
@pingobangobongo My current favourite colour is yellow at the moment. Suspended for tonights game #cleanslatenow
Chris James ?@Chris26James 13 Sep
Thankfully a quick turn around for the lads with a game on Monday @VPS but I am suspended for this game. It was never a yellow in England
Chris James ?@Chris26James 13 Sep
What can I say...2 points dropped, frustrating day at the office. Should have killed the game off but 1-0 is never a safe scoreline!Chris
-
Game Day today vs TPS ? #Banzai Also up against a former Fulham teammate @Waynebrown2121 today...This will be an exciting game!
- More
-
Chris James ?@Chris26James12 Sep
@Waynebrown2121 finally after 6 years we rub shoulders in different shirts...see you soon! #FulhamDaysAgain
Disappointment for James as he misses the Finnish Cup Final for KuPS v RoPS on the weekend due to injury picked up in the previous weekend's match against the same opponent which he started but was subbed at half-time in 2-0 home win.
KuPS lost the Cup final 2-1 and with it, a chance of playing in Europe next season.
James always seems a little injury-prone - hope the injury's not serious and he's available for the All Whites.
http://int.soccerway.com/teams/finland/kuopion-palloseuraoy/
https://twitter.com/Chris26James
Disappointment for James as he misses the Finnish Cup Final for KuPS v RoPS on the weekend due to injury picked up in the previous weekend's match against the same opponent which he started but was subbed at half-time in 2-0 home win.
KuPS lost the Cup final 2-1 and with it, a chance of playing in Europe next season.
James always seems a little injury-prone - hope the injury's not serious and he's available for the All Whites.
http://int.soccerway.com/teams/finland/kuopion-palloseuraoy/
https://twitter.com/Chris26James
Thought he was suspended?
Disappointment for James as he misses the Finnish Cup Final for KuPS v RoPS on the weekend due to injury picked up in the previous weekend's match against the same opponent which he started but was subbed at half-time in 2-0 home win.
KuPS lost the Cup final 2-1 and with it, a chance of playing in Europe next season.
James always seems a little injury-prone - hope the injury's not serious and he's available for the All Whites.
http://int.soccerway.com/teams/finland/kuopion-palloseuraoy/
https://twitter.com/Chris26James
Thought he was suspended?
Served the suspension 16/9/13 v VPS, returned for the next game and got injured as mentioned above - hence missing the Cup Final...
No news on his Twitter on progress on his injury yet - only this:
Not looking good for James' participation in the All Whites friendlies - still missing due to injury from KuPS' s squad this morning in 4-2 away win v Honka:
He's missed their last three games now.
Played the second half in a 2-1 loss. Next week is the last in the veikkausliga
played 73 minutes in his last game off the season
Any word if he's re-signed?
Heard he's joined Unattached FC... rumours they have a new coach too, another Kiwi I believe...
I would've thought that his performance for the AWs might have helped him secure a club.
James interplay with Carlos and Manny would be good and he might chip in a few goals...really really sign him up!
I offered him a gig with the Upper Hutt third team in Cap 5 next season via Twitter.
Offer must be with his Lawyers as he has not yet responded.
Chris James still on cloud nine after scoring goals
"Fit again, he has since re-established his club career in Finland but has just come off contract with Kuopion Palloseura".
Sign him up Ricki. Cheers.
Sign him up Ricki. Cheers.
I think you mean Ernie....
Sign him up Ricki. Cheers.
Lol
Sign him up Ricki. Cheers.
Lol
where is he?
Chris James @Chris26James Nov 20
Any team need a CM? Who has recently scored 2 goals vs Mexico - I know someone who is available... #Beyourownagent
Chris James @Chris26James Jan 8
Things never simple when your needing a Visa, and who would have thought having dual-nationality only complicates matters. #sigh
That's all I got from his Twitter - he arrived back in England after the All Whites' games but no indication what he's up to. He says he's been training.
KuPs coach resigns....
Chris James @Chris26James
Possibly 1.5 yrs too late? Exciting opportunity for players to step up now, take responsibility. That's what players want
Chris James @Chris26James
Thinking about applying for the KuPS head coach position...how hard could it be? #startearly
Oh dear.