Interesting to hear they stayed in the same hotel as the All Whites over in Egypt and met with every single player. I thought there were rules around approaching players and only being allowed to do so in the final 6 months of their contract. I bet Italiano wasn't stoked to hear about that.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
Bazeley & Corica are mates from playing together back in the day at Walsall. Sounds like alot of their chatting to players was as much about Seasons 2 & 3 as this upcoming season.
Nix players in Egypt were Paulsen, Surman, L-KH, Old, Rufer & Barba. Payne was injured.
First four will leave the Nix for Europe over time. Bit doubful that Rufer or Kosta would ever seriously consider signing for AFC. Barba mentioned the attraction of his kids getting to know his parents (kids grand parents) in Welly, before them returning to Australia when he finishes up.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
Chief has been pretty clear that we're unlikely to be able to keep Kosta, Zawada,, and Kraev. He's also said that the league has a reality check coming and new restrictions that all teams have to live under. Saying that, he's also been more optimistic recently about keeping players.
But, the bulk of the squad are signed already so the team might be motivated to sell some players.
Chief has been pretty clear that we're unlikely to be able to keep Kosta, Zawada,, and Kraev. He's also said that the league has a reality check coming and new restrictions that all teams have to live under. Saying that, he's also been more optimistic recently about keeping players.
at least we have players on the books already, imagine having to sign players under a yet to be determined salary cap.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
Ryan
Chief has been pretty clear that we're unlikely to be able to keep Kosta, Zawada,, and Kraev. He's also said that the league has a reality check coming and new restrictions that all teams have to live under. Saying that, he's also been more optimistic recently about keeping players.
But, the bulk of the squad are signed already so the team might be motivated to sell some players.
Of course the Nix are going to be motivated to sell players. For the right price. All the clubs in the ALM will be, with a big $1M per club cut in their incomes coming.
Last season's 2 grand finalists CCM & Melb City each sold about 4-5 players in the last ossff season. Last off season across the whole ALM was easily a record year, for transfer fees.
So it's naive to think, some of Surman, Old & Paulsen won't be sold in the off season. It's gonna happen. But as the Mariners have shown it's possible to rebuild successfully.
— Between Two Beers Podcast (@BeersBetween) May 12, 2024
I struggle with Ali Williams and to a lesser degree, with the podcast. Does he say anything worth listening to or does he just cover what's already largely known?
Trying to work out if I need to subject myself to it or not.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
I listened to it.
He comes across better in many regards then I envisaged.
Saying that I still think he is a tool.
In terms of football, reading between the lines, rugby doesn’t want him involved and hence one of the reasons he is involved now in football. Planning it seems to do out of the box radical things but didn’t say what so lacking detail. That was the only take away football wise. A bit if praising Bill and a lot of praising his wife to be but nothing about players, staff etc.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
AucklandPhoenix
I listened to it.
He comes across better in many regards then I envisaged.
Saying that I still think he is a tool.
In terms of football, reading between the lines, rugby doesn’t want him involved and hence one of the reasons he is involved now in football. Planning it seems to do out of the box radical things but didn’t say what so lacking detail. That was the only take away football wise. A bit if praising Bill and a lot of praising his wife to be but nothing about players, staff etc.
Gotta be a little worried if you're AFC and one of their ideas people wasnt wanted by the code he gave so much of his life too? either Rugby NZ are blind or this guy is bad for business.
He comes across better in many regards then I envisaged.
Saying that I still think he is a tool.
In terms of football, reading between the lines, rugby doesn’t want him involved and hence one of the reasons he is involved now in football. Planning it seems to do out of the box radical things but didn’t say what so lacking detail. That was the only take away football wise. A bit if praising Bill and a lot of praising his wife to be but nothing about players, staff etc.
Gotta be a little worried if you're AFC and one of their ideas people wasnt wanted by the code he gave so much of his life too? either Rugby NZ are blind or this guy is bad for business.
Sounds like one to miss then.
I'm guessing the money he brings to the table helps calm AFC's fears.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
Williams played football up until age 17, and was a junior Auckland rep. Having an All Black involved ain't no bad thing for AFC's marketing. Rugby's corridors of power (dominated by the provincial unions) are still very conservative & traditional. Williams probably too out there for them.
Yeah the B2B podcast can be a big hit & miss. For me, a touch sycophantic at times. Alot depends on the guest.
The episode with Tim Brown I throughly enjoyed. Hopefully Brown brings his business acumen back to NZ one day. Aotearoa needs more people like him. Episodes with Ryan Nelsen & Chris Wood were also quality.
Sounds like we might get another derby in the season too.
Let’s make sure that that first away derby is HUGE, with a massive away following, the likes of which NZ has never seen in domestic sport! Book out Waitangi weekend 2025 now!
Sounds like we might get another derby in the season too.
Let’s make sure that that first away derby is HUGE, with a massive away following, the likes of which NZ has never seen in domestic sport! Book out Waitangi weekend 2025 now!
Seeing as the Auckland home Derby appears to be first - Nix supporters will have an opportunity to steal Auckland's thunder with 'a massive away following, the likes of which NZ has never seen in domestic sport!' before Auckland gets a chance
Agree .Friday night games in Auckland are mad. Friday night games for the Kingz/Knights in Auckland were always difficult .Auckland traffic is getting worse by the day and the public transport system is no better
Agree .Friday night games in Auckland are mad. Friday night games for the Kingz/Knights in Auckland were always difficult .Auckland traffic is getting worse by the day and the public transport system is no better
Met Link hasn't covered themselves in glory this season. I'm surprised they have trains running this Saturday night.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
The Port chat to Devlin.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
I don't get the inclusive vibe from these doods. Could be wrong but a private facebook group they can gatekeep doesn't help ease that 'fear', nor does them going on The Platform. coochiee
The Port chat to Devlin.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
Early days though isn't it. I mean they basically started with a pub discussion a few months ago, and no doubt like everyone balance busy lives, jobs, families etc.
Need that highly valuable young football tragic student IT nerd, with lots of free time to be found. Then they can get off FB, and do it properly. Really that's where AFC could help them out in need, so that yeah fans of all backgrounds feel safe & welcomed.
almost 2 years ago· edited almost 2 years ago· History
coochiee
Early days though isn't it. I mean they basically started with a pub discussion a few months ago, and no doubt like everyone balance busy lives, jobs, families etc.
Need that highly valuable young football tragic student IT nerd, with lots of free time to be found. Then they can get off FB, and do it properly. Really that's where AFC could help them out in need, so that yeah fans of all backgrounds feel safe & welcomed.
Did YF start with this website straight away?
Yes, this website (an earlier version at least) was definitely up well before the first game. Possibly a couple of weeks after Terry said he was bringing the team to Welly.
I should add that Facebook wasn't much of thing at that point.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
Sounds like we might get another derby in the season too.
Let’s make sure that that first away derby is HUGE, with a massive away following, the likes of which NZ has never seen in domestic sport! Book out Waitangi weekend 2025 now!
Seeing as the Auckland home Derby appears to be first - Nix supporters will have an opportunity to steal Auckland's thunder with 'a massive away following, the likes of which NZ has never seen in domestic sport!' before Auckland gets a chance
Is Knights Nix actually going to be in Auckland on a Friday night? Surely it’s a Saturday not Friday
I don't get the inclusive vibe from these doods. Could be wrong but a private facebook group they can gatekeep doesn't help ease that 'fear', nor does them going on The Platform. coochiee
The Port chat to Devlin.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
In the interview it says the Port was created by a group of mates, who are Maori, Croatian, Kiwis etc. Also says they are open to everyone and that they don't consider themselves to be the only "fan group". They just want a great atmosphere at the stadium.
I don't get the inclusive vibe from these doods. Could be wrong but a private facebook group they can gatekeep doesn't help ease that 'fear', nor does them going on The Platform. coochiee
The Port chat to Devlin.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
In the interview it says the Port was created by a group of mates, who are Maori, Croatian, Kiwis etc. Also says they are open to everyone and that they don't consider themselves to be the only "fan group". They just want a great atmosphere at the stadium.
