Ufuk Talay (Western Sydney Wanderers | A-Leagues)

No overall policy? By the end of last season we had 6 Academy products in the first team squad, the club has the broadest youth program of any A-League club. We'd have had more if the club didn't believe that an education is important so prospects have gone to US Colleges. 

Last season they had - was it as many as 10 - Handy Prem players in and out during pre-season then some again during the season? They took a punt on Gulley who the season before was close to, if not the best player in the Handy Prem and he didn't cut it. Many of the people on here screaming for anyone who once played a Handy Prem being given a contract were the first to start shouting Gulley wasn't up to it.

I wasn't saying don't sign kiwi players. I was saying chucking players in their mid 20s a contract - particularly players who have in some cases failed to make it playing at a professional level previously or never proven themselves outside NZ without having them in to trial is foolish. They may not fit in Wellington, they may not be able to step up and if they are not willing to make the effort to try and make a mark in a trial what makes you think they would be motivated to spend the 12 months getting up to speed?

Patience. Once pre season training starts, some Handy Prem players will be invited in to trial. Hopefully the invite isn't via a group email.

If you are choosing between a Kiwi from Handy Prem or an Aussie from the NPL, neither with A League experience, well we all want the Kiwi signed.

However with such a small squad currently, and if an experienced A League player comes on the market, is motivated to come to Wellington, and seems a good fit culture wise - why not make an offer.

Tom Doyles not a bad left back if thats what someone wanted

Tom Doyle is an A-League experienced squad player who could play left back for us. 

Why let him go when he's not likely to be expensive?

some coaches don’t understand the dividends of giving youth a chance. I don’t necessarily do myself as a supporter but yeah - it is an approach which can pay pay off. We sign up shark young Aussies and perform averagely. Why not lean more there

Pretty sure it was on twitter that Doyle didn't get over his injury properly. Not sure if he is to continue playing at all. Perhaps he will go back to cooking.

Well he's off to trial in Newcastle, so can't be that bad.

So after reading about what’s going on in the ~other thread~ this makes me even more thankful for our new overlord, even though he hasn’t coached a game for us, thanks Uffie for not being nuts! ? (touch wood)

Sounds familiar...

Ufuk has confirmed we'll be playing a back 4.

Will be interesting to see how Fenton and Libby re-adapt as more defensive FBs. I think it suits Libby; not sure about Fenton.

I'm not sure that either of them would be super-comfortable as fullbacks. But a lot will depend on who will be in front of them, and what kind of shape we have in the middle of the park.

I would love to know the source please. 

One of my big criticisms to date has been that we don't know what shape Talay is looking to set them up with. If he has made his decision then I am happier (because then we can begin to appraise transfers, etc). But I am surprised that two of our better players last year (WB positions) may now be blunted.

Guessing the Piney interview with Ufuk from half an hour ago, though I didn't listen to it.

Yup Piney interview, he was asked if he would play with 3 CB's, he said no the Nix will be playing with a back four. 

and he said Stensness has turned down an offer

Cheers. So Stensness was the big name that rejected us ;-)

Not too worried about Stensness, had potential.

I hope Libby gets moved into the midfield. The has the engine, passing range and composure to do wonders in there. 

Plus, if you really think when a coach says I let them play 4:4:2 you know exactly how they play? If this would be that easy, I could be a coach. There are lot of moving parts and tactics, it would be crazy not let Fenton and Libby run down the sides if we are on attack.

I find his interviews refreshingly simple and honest... no waffle or double-speak; Piney asked if he'll be continuing a back 3 and his answer was "no", then a brief pause before clarifying he'll play four at the back. 

Listened to the interview live, he comes across well and appears to be getting along with business relatively quietly.  As others have said, it'll be interesting to see how Fenton and Libby cope with going to a back 4, and certainly explains the Durante decision. He was too old for that now.

Pleased that we've got waine signed up, certainly exciting and hopefully a big future ahead of him. Hope we use the import spots wisely. 

If Fenton doesn't fit in as a proper fullback, move him back to Right midfield where he started off at. He did pretty well there from memory. A goal in his first game.

would be fine with Fenton and Libby on either side of the 4 in midfield

Libby was a central defensive midfielder a few years back. Might be better there if the other kid works out

Not a bad chant for Uffie

Are you saying he could be the next Manny Muscat?

Here's the full TV news interview with Ufuk Talay

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/football/full-interview-new-phoenix-boss-ufuk-talay-sits-down-ahead-2019-20-season

Finally got round to watching the TVNZ interview. He certainly talks a good game and i've been impressed with how he's dealt with the press.  Look forward to seeing how the rest of this off season progresses and then the season, obviously.

what was that little quote about the number 6- almost saw him fire up- "footballers with the ball, bulldogs without it."

Despite the loss v Strikers; I thought we did not lack for effort. The likes of Ball worked their ass off.

Looking back at that game, there were several things I noticed, maybe you too. despite the 2-0 down, despite the pens, did anyone else see any heads drop? I didn't. You are right Valeo. They tried, they worked. No one was lazy. maybe a bit slow and caught out of position, but the attitude was not defeatest. I believe, this may well play an important role later in the main season.

Those are good observations guys. Like you I think these are good indicators for the coming season, it will just remain to see if we are good enough.

1994

Australia play NZ in an u-20 World Cup qualifier...

Australia feature two future Phoenix coaches, Talay and Rudan... 

Rudan scores the winner...

http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nz-u20-intres.html#94

U-20 World Cup Qualifiers Oct 3, Lautoka (Fiji) 

Australia 1-0 New Zealand (Mark Rudan 38') 

Australia: Clint Bolton, Ian Pollari, Joe Vrkic, Richard Plesa, Mark Rudan, Paul Bilokapic, Ufuk Talay, Robert Enes, Josip Skoko, Mark Viduka [c], Robbie Middleby (Nick Lazarevski). Coach: n/a New Zealand: n/a Referee: n/a

Robbie Middleby also played and went on to be a popular player at the Football Kingz in their early seasons, recruited by Wynton from Germany.

Skoko and Viduka of course went on to great things in Europe and for the Socceroos.

I think his primary skill set: beating players and crossing, is best suited to the wing or fullback role.  I do not see him as a spine player at A-League level.

His primary skill set is crossing because of the position he plays dictates that, not necessarily because that is what he is best at,

I don't know if anyone of us know his real level... I doubt many people would have realistically expected him to play as many minutes as he did last year, to the level he did, or dominate his opposites at the u20'S as easily as he did.

And what Singh has done, perhaps shows we don't perhaps quite realise the quality/potential we have in players.

I guess Libby could do well as a 10.  I don't think he is physical enough for the confrontations further back but is quick and skilled for attacking.

I'm not sure Sarpreet has yet shown himself at the next level.  I hope he can - all the better for the NZ teams.

On what planet, do we think a left back would make a good number 10? Lets stick Sail upfront as the 2nd striker while we are at it as well.

Jesus this forum is full of bollocks some times.

Libbey is plenty physical and more than happy to go shoulder to shoulder IMO.