Mario Balotelli. Yes, just do it for the LOL’s. He would be an absolute sensation off the field. It would be 100% show biz. He probably could bang in a few goals in the ALeague but he stopped running years ago(apart from the police)
His scoring record last season was honestly very solid, 7 goals and 1 assist in 939 mins. Looks like he missed a big chunk in the middle of the season with a knee surgery.
Mario Balotelli. Yes, just do it for the LOL’s. He would be an absolute sensation off the field. It would be 100% show biz. He probably could bang in a few goals in the ALeague but he stopped running years ago(apart from the police)
His scoring record last season was honestly very solid, 7 goals and 1 assist in 939 mins. Looks like he missed a big chunk in the middle of the season with a knee surgery.
Dunno if it's the on field production that would be the red flag with him.
Also revealed was Auckland FC’s first home kit, to be worn during the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season. Go Media have signed on as a kit sponsor for the away shirt after becoming a foundation media partner.
The kit is inspired by Auckland’s iconic volcanic landscape. “With over 50 dormant volcanoes shaping the city’s terrain, the kit reflects the natural beauty and power that defines the city,” the club said.
Fornaroli, a forward who is about to begin his 10th campaign in Australasia with Melbourne Victory after previously playing for Melbourne City and Perth Glory, has set the benchmark for Uruguayan visa signings in A-League Men, scoring 107 times in 187 appearances as well as becoming an Australian international.
He also had a stint at Danubio as a youngster and arrived in A-League Men as a 28-year-old having scored 28 goals in 129 senior league matches. May, by comparison, has scored 21 in 123 and is 18 months younger.
The forward will be one of two attacking visa players deployed by Auckland in their first season, with the other, a winger, signed but still to be announced.
I really thought they would have targeted at least one ex EPL (even ex Championship) player as Auckland as a city seems to have plenty of Euro/EPL snobs.
Also as of yet zero linkage between the visa signings made and the Foley Group of clubs. Though of course yes, is Paulsen on loan.
No chance for Perisic. I think he's linked with PSV anyway but regardless that's never happening. I think Chadli would be underwhelming if you're an Auckland fan. Dude is getting on a bit and no goals for Westerlo last season. If WSW are getting Juan Mata under the cap, how much do you pay Chadli realistically (and sensibly). Could be wrong, but it reeks of Nani performance but without the pedigree and hype
This would be the perfect signing in terms of age, calibre and profile. You’re right though, there doesn’t appear to be many other free agents who would be considered a marquee level signing.
No chance for Perisic. I think he's linked with PSV anyway but regardless that's never happening. I think Chadli would be underwhelming if you're an Auckland fan. Dude is getting on a bit and no goals for Westerlo last season. If WSW are getting Juan Mata under the cap, how much do you pay Chadli realistically (and sensibly). Could be wrong, but it reeks of Nani performance but without the pedigree and hype
Some great comments about Chadli's play and his apparently fantastic character/work ethic from Westerlo fans though. Could do worse than him, especially with the experience he brings. Going off these comments, he seems like the guy that would actually give a shark coming to this league
No chance for Perisic. I think he's linked with PSV anyway but regardless that's never happening. I think Chadli would be underwhelming if you're an Auckland fan. Dude is getting on a bit and no goals for Westerlo last season. If WSW are getting Juan Mata under the cap, how much do you pay Chadli realistically (and sensibly). Could be wrong, but it reeks of Nani performance but without the pedigree and hype
Some great comments about Chadli's play and his apparently fantastic character/work ethic from Westerlo fans though. Could do worse than him, especially with the experience he brings. Going off these comments, he seems like the guy that would actually give a shark coming to this league
I quite liked him at West Brom. We massively overpaid for him but he was a solid player with a big engine, imposing frame and good attacking instincts. Naturally a LW but can play on the right so still a chance he’s Auckland’s man.
No chance for Perisic. I think he's linked with PSV anyway but regardless that's never happening. I think Chadli would be underwhelming if you're an Auckland fan. Dude is getting on a bit and no goals for Westerlo last season. If WSW are getting Juan Mata under the cap, how much do you pay Chadli realistically (and sensibly). Could be wrong, but it reeks of Nani performance but without the pedigree and hype
Some great comments about Chadli's play and his apparently fantastic character/work ethic from Westerlo fans though. Could do worse than him, especially with the experience he brings. Going off these comments, he seems like the guy that would actually give a shark coming to this league
I quite liked him at West Brom. We massively overpaid for him but he was a solid player with a big engine, imposing frame and good attacking instincts. Naturally a LW but can play on the right so still a chance he’s Auckland’s man.
You’re a baggie? Curious to know whether you are from there or just happened to pick them as a team to support?
Don’t find many baggies in NZ is all. I only know of one other and he happens to be my best mate.
No chance for Perisic. I think he's linked with PSV anyway but regardless that's never happening. I think Chadli would be underwhelming if you're an Auckland fan. Dude is getting on a bit and no goals for Westerlo last season. If WSW are getting Juan Mata under the cap, how much do you pay Chadli realistically (and sensibly). Could be wrong, but it reeks of Nani performance but without the pedigree and hype
Some great comments about Chadli's play and his apparently fantastic character/work ethic from Westerlo fans though. Could do worse than him, especially with the experience he brings. Going off these comments, he seems like the guy that would actually give a shark coming to this league
I quite liked him at West Brom. We massively overpaid for him but he was a solid player with a big engine, imposing frame and good attacking instincts. Naturally a LW but can play on the right so still a chance he’s Auckland’s man.
You’re a baggie? Curious to know whether you are from there or just happened to pick them as a team to support?
Don’t find many baggies in NZ is all. I only know of one other and he happens to be my best mate.
Originally from Worcester so picked them as the closest Premier League club at the time. Later found out that lots of my family support Villa but I was far too invested to switch at that point.
No chance for Perisic. I think he's linked with PSV anyway but regardless that's never happening. I think Chadli would be underwhelming if you're an Auckland fan. Dude is getting on a bit and no goals for Westerlo last season. If WSW are getting Juan Mata under the cap, how much do you pay Chadli realistically (and sensibly). Could be wrong, but it reeks of Nani performance but without the pedigree and hype
Some great comments about Chadli's play and his apparently fantastic character/work ethic from Westerlo fans though. Could do worse than him, especially with the experience he brings. Going off these comments, he seems like the guy that would actually give a shark coming to this league
I quite liked him at West Brom. We massively overpaid for him but he was a solid player with a big engine, imposing frame and good attacking instincts. Naturally a LW but can play on the right so still a chance he’s Auckland’s man.
You’re a baggie? Curious to know whether you are from there or just happened to pick them as a team to support?
Don’t find many baggies in NZ is all. I only know of one other and he happens to be my best mate.
Did you know Terry, 'the blind ref'? Little guy who wore thick specs & was always at Kiwitea St. Still reffing into his 70's. Used to go back to UK annually to watch his beloved baggies. Died suddenly a coupla seasons ago.
Still on contract but may be the kind of profile they are looking at
Transfer window is closed, it's free agents or amateurs only until it re-opens.
Is it possible they've confirmed the signing and have everything registered with the APL but are waiting a bit to announce it? Not sure if they're allowed to do that or not.
Obv doesn't apply if he is a free agent, whoever it is
Still on contract but may be the kind of profile they are looking at
Transfer window is closed, it's free agents or amateurs only until it re-opens.
Is it possible they've confirmed the signing and have everything registered with the APL but are waiting a bit to announce it? Not sure if they're allowed to do that or not.
Obv doesn't apply if he is a free agent, whoever it is
As long as it was registered before the window shut, that is all that matters.
New Zealand Football and Wellington Phoenix have today announced a significant talent development partnership to support the growth and progression of the next generation of Kiwi players.
New Zealand Football are also in discussions on a talent development partnership with Auckland FC that would further strengthen talent development across the country.
“With two A-League clubs now in New Zealand, there is an opportunity to ensure our professional academies are accessible and present the best opportunities towards a professional pathway for talented young players in Aotearoa.
Here is the very good TV One news report on Auckland FC's new signings plus Wellington Phoenix Women's promising new American signing from top team North Carolina Courage in the US league.
TV One news last night (32 minutes and 56 seconds into the video):
they rule out a big name marquee in that interview, said it's something they may look into in the future. Boring.Big Pete 65
If you missed it last night:
Here is the very good TV One news report on Auckland FC's new signings plus Wellington Phoenix Women's promising new American signing from top team North Carolina Courage in the US league.
TV One news last night (32 minutes and 56 seconds into the video):
they rule out a big name marquee in that interview, said it's something they may look into in the future. Boring.Big Pete 65
If you missed it last night:
Here is the very good TV One news report on Auckland FC's new signings plus Wellington Phoenix Women's promising new American signing from top team North Carolina Courage in the US league.
TV One news last night (32 minutes and 56 seconds into the video):
TV One continue to give really good coverage of Kiwi football.
That report has interviews with coach Corica plus Uruguayan striker May and Belgian midfielder Verstraete.
Plus a cheeky interview with Wynton Rufer about who he will be supporting - and his diplomatic reply..
Keep watching for the report on the Phoenix women's new American signing.
Was already a tough task trying to bring some of my Eurosnobbiest mates along to games. Was bigging up some marquee names as possibilities. Foley's got enough money to burn a hole in his pocket, surely he can spare a few marquee dollars?
I never thought that Auckland would sign big name marquees. The reality is that Auckland is Foleys fourth club and bottom of the tier. Surely Hibs and Lorient who are in much higher profile leagues would be in line first. The other side of the equation is the global market for football has exploded. The costs of any half decent player is huge now. Any old hack from the EPL can get a really good deal in the Middle East or Asia now. Personally I don’t like the idea of a bling signing just to get some marketing buzz. Better spend the money on building a solid team.Auckland will do ok with the squad they have IMO.
they rule out a big name marquee in that interview, said it's something they may look into in the future. Boring.Big Pete 65
If you missed it last night:
Here is the very good TV One news report on Auckland FC's new signings plus Wellington Phoenix Women's promising new American signing from top team North Carolina Courage in the US league.
TV One news last night (32 minutes and 56 seconds into the video):
TV One continue to give really good coverage of Kiwi football.
That report has interviews with coach Corica plus Uruguayan striker May and Belgian midfielder Verstraete.
Plus a cheeky interview with Wynton Rufer about who he will be supporting - and his diplomatic reply..
Keep watching for the report on the Phoenix women's new American signing.
Was already a tough task trying to bring some of my Eurosnobbiest mates along to games. Was bigging up some marquee names as possibilities. Foley's got enough money to burn a hole in his pocket, surely he can spare a few marquee dollars?
Mate that first sentence is horrifically relatable. Welcome to the pain
they rule out a big name marquee in that interview, said it's something they may look into in the future. Boring.Big Pete 65
If you missed it last night:
Here is the very good TV One news report on Auckland FC's new signings plus Wellington Phoenix Women's promising new American signing from top team North Carolina Courage in the US league.
TV One news last night (32 minutes and 56 seconds into the video):
TV One continue to give really good coverage of Kiwi football.
That report has interviews with coach Corica plus Uruguayan striker May and Belgian midfielder Verstraete.
Plus a cheeky interview with Wynton Rufer about who he will be supporting - and his diplomatic reply..
Keep watching for the report on the Phoenix women's new American signing.
Was already a tough task trying to bring some of my Eurosnobbiest mates along to games. Was bigging up some marquee names as possibilities. Foley's got enough money to burn a hole in his pocket, surely he can spare a few marquee dollars?
He's a smart business operator, he's not about to throw big cash to attract old stars from another league unless he absolutely knows it will pay off.
What has struck me is that the mums and dads on the Littlest Hooligan's 8th grade team are getting organised to go to AFC games together. That's real community buy-in, in addition to the young lads wearing AFC shirts I see on game day.
Of course I won't go with them because the T-AFC crew will need my help, lol
