Ufuk Talay - Ufuked off to Sydney FC

I'd like to preface this by saying I think Uffie is our GOAT manager thus far, and in the unlikely event he stays on for next season I'd be stoked. But I also do wonder if someone else coming in wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. There's been a lot of discourse within the fanbase regarding our mentality issues/struggles to see out games. I wondered if this is influenced by recent angst or if we have genuinely got worse in this regard. Obviously this is a fairly crude metric and doesn't account for context (red cards, injuries, etc) but I had a look at how this season stacks up against the three previous seasons (including finals) in terms of scoreline differences and dropped points in the second half:

2019-20 season - 10 games lost, 7 by 1 goal, 2 by 2 goals, 1 by 3+ goals. 9 points dropped in the second half.

2020-21 season - 8 games lost, 6 by 1 goal, 2 by 2 goals. 13 points dropped in the second half.

2021-2022 season - 12 games lost, 4 by 1 goal, 2 by 2 goals, 6 by 3+ goals. 9 points dropped in the second half.

2022-23 season so far - 8 games lost, 3 by 1 goal, 3 by 2 goals, 2 by 3+ goals. 18 points dropped in the second half. 

It's worth pointing out that in the 2021-22 season the second half points dropped was low because in a lot of the losses we were already getting trounced, and this season of the 18 second half points dropped a significant number of them were coughed up after the 80th minute. We're getting worse, and if Uffie stays I'd want him to focus almost entirely on defence in the off-season. 

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the improvement of our leaky defence one of the things that Rudan managed to achieve during his stint?  I wonder how the stats would compare with Talay's.

Mainland FC

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the improvement of our leaky defence one of the things that Rudan managed to achieve during his stint?  I wonder how the stats would compare with Talay's.

That was all Taylor I reckon. Our other CBs that year were an elderly Durante, Michal Kopczynski and Ryan Lowry - hardly inspiring stuff.

I mean Talay said the import recruitment is very important. Taylor was a match winner and a fan bringer. 

We’ve tried to go a bit younger with the aim of building a bit more continuity from our imports, but so far it seems as though the pieces haven’t been coming together. Though the next couple of years of Kraev and Zawada will be the proof of the pudding on that.

Taylor had a massive influence on our defence as well.

Not sure if it's Oskar's english (he seems to be pretty fluent) but he seems to imply that the playing group are pretty certain that we will have a new coach. Sounds like the writing is on the wall. 

Any speculations as to our new coach? Apart from possible promotion for Chiefy or others (I hope we can bring in someone).

anaveragestem

Not sure if it's Oskar's english (he seems to be pretty fluent) but he seems to imply that the playing group are pretty certain that we will have a new coach. Sounds like the writing is on the wall. 

Any speculations as to our new coach? Apart from possible promotion for Chiefy or others (I hope we can bring in someone).

Yeah I thought initially it was the language barrier that made it sound like Uffie was gone, but then they brought it up again and he answered in the same vein so, I guess they do expect a new coach.

It would have to be Chiefy or Greenacre as the most likely replacement - I'm not sure who else there is in Australia/NZ who would want to be here longterm but they better start making this team title contenders.

it's pretty clear that Uffie is currently looking for other roles outside the a-league. Dome said as much in his recent visit on the podcast, he said the club would gladly extendhis contract sholld he not find what he wants but they are not gonna wait long for Uffie to decide. If that means signing someone before Uffie has secured something then so be it.
It sounds like Uffie is definately wanting a new challenge and the club understand this - no surprise that the players are aware of this as well.

theprof

it's pretty clear that Uffie is currently looking for other roles outside the a-league. Dome said as much in his recent visit on the podcast, he said the club would gladly extendhis contract sholld he not find what he wants but they are not gonna wait long for Uffie to decide. If that means signing someone before Uffie has secured something then so be it.
It sounds like Uffie is definately wanting a new challenge and the club understand this - no surprise that the players are aware of this as well.

For me I really think if Uffie is basically saying ''I am looking around for better options and will leave if I can find one'' then I think we should try find someone else regardless of what happens with him. I would rather not have a coach who doesn't want to be with us anymore or if it's his 'second choice'. I'm sure Uffie is professional but theres always a lingering feeling like damn I wish I wasn't here and that offer had panned out etc.
 
I'd rather have someone hungry to make a difference and ready to make a step up. I feel like Uffie has reached the natural end his lifecycle in the A-League or at least at the Nix. He might be feeling that way too.

anaveragestem

theprof

it's pretty clear that Uffie is currently looking for other roles outside the a-league. Dome said as much in his recent visit on the podcast, he said the club would gladly extendhis contract sholld he not find what he wants but they are not gonna wait long for Uffie to decide. If that means signing someone before Uffie has secured something then so be it.
It sounds like Uffie is definately wanting a new challenge and the club understand this - no surprise that the players are aware of this as well.

For me I really think if Uffie is basically saying ''I am looking around for better options and will leave if I can find one'' then I think we should try find someone else regardless of what happens with him. I would rather not have a coach who doesn't want to be with us anymore or if it's his 'second choice'. I'm sure Uffie is professional but theres always a lingering feeling like damn I wish I wasn't here and that offer had panned out etc.
 
I'd rather have someone hungry to make a difference and ready to make a step up. I feel like Uffie has reached the natural end his lifecycle in the A-League or at least at the Nix. He might be feeling that way too.

I don’t think the club are waiting around tbh. But I agree with what you’re saying. Unfortunately I think all need change to freshen up. The passion hasn’t been there since the NZF fudge up.

I'd say the only thing NZF got right about the new AWs coach appointment was not giving it to Uffie. 

2 months can be a long time in club football - about the time it's gone from most Nix fans wanting Talay to stay, to it seems now a significant number now thinking he should leave. 

So NZF & Welnix trying to come to arrangement where Uffie coached both the AWs & the Nix though to mid 2026 (3 years away) giving Talay an almost unheard of 7 year stretch at one ALM club - would likely have all turned to custard at some point.

Though yes agree Talay was openly gutted about missing the AWs gig, and appears to have been seriously demotivated since then.

WanderingSheep

anaveragestem

theprof

it's pretty clear that Uffie is currently looking for other roles outside the a-league. Dome said as much in his recent visit on the podcast, he said the club would gladly extendhis contract sholld he not find what he wants but they are not gonna wait long for Uffie to decide. If that means signing someone before Uffie has secured something then so be it.
It sounds like Uffie is definately wanting a new challenge and the club understand this - no surprise that the players are aware of this as well.

For me I really think if Uffie is basically saying ''I am looking around for better options and will leave if I can find one'' then I think we should try find someone else regardless of what happens with him. I would rather not have a coach who doesn't want to be with us anymore or if it's his 'second choice'. I'm sure Uffie is professional but theres always a lingering feeling like damn I wish I wasn't here and that offer had panned out etc.
 
I'd rather have someone hungry to make a difference and ready to make a step up. I feel like Uffie has reached the natural end his lifecycle in the A-League or at least at the Nix. He might be feeling that way too.

I don’t think the club are waiting around tbh. But I agree with what you’re saying. Unfortunately I think all need change to freshen up. The passion hasn’t been there since the NZF fudge up.

Yep, it was Dome or Gill who said that the club want to have a coach signed before the end of the season, if it's Ufuk then great but if Ufuk is still looking for options overseas then it will be someone else. So the club is being proactive it would seem.

Think if Uffie had got the AWs gig that would have energized him and given everything some freshness. A WC is a great event to look forward to and a very good shop window. 

Perhaps the other way around- he’d put so much energy in, kept losing his stars to (dodgy?) cashed up clubs, moved his kids all over the shop for the team and NZF basically insulted him. Perhaps he lost a bit there too. 

It’s all speculation anyway, but seems like he’s leaving, but we don’t know what his final record will be. A couple of months to find out! Let’s go!

coochiee

I'd say the only thing NZF got right about the new AWs coach appointment was not giving it to Uffie. 

2 months can be a long time in club football - about the time it's gone from most Nix fans wanting Talay to stay, to it seems now a significant number now thinking he should leave. 

So NZF & Welnix trying to come to arrangement where Uffie coached both the AWs & the Nix though to mid 2026 (3 years away) giving Talay an almost unheard of 7 year stretch at one ALM club - would likely have all turned to custard at some point.

Though yes agree Talay was openly gutted about missing the AWs gig, and appears to have been seriously demotivated since then.

Guess I was more coming from how NZF handled it more than anything else. Agree with your point it would have undoubtedly turned to custard at some point then club and country suffer. He’s clearly taken a knock / gone in a huff since.

Yeah I think the way NZF have dealt with the new coach appointment really shafted everyone who applied - note we still havent had an announcement even though one was promised after the march window - Pragnell at his useless best.

This faff clearly annoyed Uffie and maybe set his mind on jobs off shore. I'd have loved him to stay with AW's and Nix, build something really special, but his heart is clearly now on finishing the season and moving elsewhere - seems that Sail is in the same boat too. At least Ugarkovic is still trying.

Dome has committed to having coaching sorted before the campaign ends.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/131766615/wellington-phoenix-close-to-resolving-mens-and-womens-coaching-situations

theprof

it's pretty clear that Uffie is currently looking for other roles outside the a-league. Dome said as much in his recent visit on the podcast, he said the club would gladly extendhis contract sholld he not find what he wants but they are not gonna wait long for Uffie to decide. If that means signing someone before Uffie has secured something then so be it.
It sounds like Uffie is definately wanting a new challenge and the club understand this - no surprise that the players are aware of this as well.

why is it pretty clear?

Hope Chiefy won't be as stubborn as Uffie.

Feverish

theprof

it's pretty clear that Uffie is currently looking for other roles outside the a-league. Dome said as much in his recent visit on the podcast, he said the club would gladly extendhis contract sholld he not find what he wants but they are not gonna wait long for Uffie to decide. If that means signing someone before Uffie has secured something then so be it.
It sounds like Uffie is definately wanting a new challenge and the club understand this - no surprise that the players are aware of this as well.

why is it pretty clear?

Both Domey and Uffie have said as much in recent interviews, Zawada hints at Uffie leaving. If he was going to Victory or another a-league club it would have been leaked by now.

He has wanted the Sydney FC job since he stopped playing so can see him in for Corica - maybe we could swap coaches?

Well uhhh, I guess we can all get to speculating lol. Just hope it doesn't end up being a promoted assistant.

In regards to Talay, its a real shame we never quite got the results we thought we might. The potential was always there and if there's anything you can say for that man is that he doesn't lack heart. Hope he finds another good team (not in the A-League) to be a menace on the sidelines for.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/04/football-wellington-phoenix-coach-ufuk-talay-confirms-departure-at-end-of-a-league-season.amp.html

Thanks uffie. You made us the greatest nearlyteam in the league. While I am sure his next step is overseas I have no doubt he will be back in aliga before too long. 

Hopefully this means the ink's dried on a nice contract somewhere overseas far from the clutches of the Jets, Victory or Sydney!

But in all honesty, he deserves the chance to have a crack overseas. Pretty sure he's said he wants to coach in Turkey - maybe he'll pop up over there?

Looks to be Italiano getting a promotion...

I would expect Greenie to be selected ahead of Chief if they replace from within. He has been there a long time, has achieved the proper qualification (i believe), has been caretaker before, and i kind of think the club will reward his loyalty.

I don’t mind appointing Grennie as long as he has different ideas for the team I’d hate for him to try keep the same tactics as Uffie feel like we need a refresh

He's been a fantastic coach. But after 4 years its time for a change. Looking forward to a new style. But not sure if we'll be a better team whoever comes in to take over.

Thanks for your service Uffie. 

You stuck it out with us through arguably the toughest period in our existence and stacked up a decent record despite facing a lot of obstacles and challenges along the way.

Best of luck for your future and good luck to you in your new role. Wherever that may be. 👏👏

Dome interviewed earlier today saying 'wheter it Uffie or not'

This afternoon Talay announces his departure

Anything in this?

Perhaps only that Dome was delusional if he still held any hope that Talay was staying

Ok fair he saw us through covid as did many coaches at clubs but give him a tick for that. But was never going to deliver us any success. Best for both parties he's off.

Would love to see us coached by a kiwi again. 

Bring on fresh beginnings!!!! 

"The Wellington Phoenix plan to announce the men’s new head coach next week." - a very pleasant surprise if true! 

Thanks for the memories, Uffie. Enjoyed watching the vast majority of your teams and wish you all the best (outside of the a-league). Gutted he doesn’t get one last one home game before he leaves, feels like a bit of a whimper more than the high we all expected at the start of the season ☹️ 

Step forward Mr Italiano

Reportsare

He has wanted the Sydney FC job since he stopped playing so can see him in for Corica - maybe we could swap coaches?

Where do you get that information from? All he's ever said is he's ambitious and wants to coach overseas but before then he wants to stay at one club and build his career.  I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at an Australian club but that's only if he can't find an opportunity overseas and because the club has forced his hand by not waiting for him to find that opportunity.

Napier Phoenix

I would expect Greenie to be selected ahead of Chief if they replace from within. He has been there a long time, has achieved the proper qualification (i believe), has been caretaker before, and i kind of think the club will reward his loyalty.

Both Greenie and Italiano have A licenses. I expect it to be Italiano.

Showtime Nixie

Ok fair he saw us through covid as did many coaches at clubs but give him a tick for that. But was never going to deliver us any success. Best for both parties he's off.

Would love to see us coached by a kiwi again. 

Bring on fresh beginnings!!!! 

New Zealand coaches hardly exist - none of the national teams have NZ head coaches and few of the clubs - and they'd have to have gone overseas to get a Pro Licence which they need to coach in the A League as a non-Australian. Herbert did his own at great expense going back and forth to England to get the UEFA Pro. OFC ran the first OFC Pro Licence course last month with 20 odd coaches so it could be a possibility in future, but not now - though that relies on the A League accepting an OFC Pro as equivalent to AFC Pro.

Serious question. Is Italiano, the slightly chubby chap who always seems to be about to assault the other teams bench? Or is that someone else?

carlind

Showtime Nixie

Ok fair he saw us through covid as did many coaches at clubs but give him a tick for that. But was never going to deliver us any success. Best for both parties he's off.

Would love to see us coached by a kiwi again. 

Bring on fresh beginnings!!!! 

New Zealand coaches hardly exist - none of the national teams have NZ head coaches and few of the clubs - and they'd have to have gone overseas to get a Pro Licence which they need to coach in the A League as a non-Australian. Herbert did his own at great expense going back and forth to England to get the UEFA Pro. OFC ran the first OFC Pro Licence course last month with 20 odd coaches so it could be a possibility in future, but not now - though that relies on the A League accepting an OFC Pro as equivalent to AFC Pro.

New Zealand also has one of the highest percentage of immigrants of any country in the world, so really anyone can be a "New Zealand" coach.