Samaras wouldn't fit ernies style of play I suspect.
Lita would be good.
2014/15 Transfer Speculation
McKain gone from Adelaide. Anyone else think that a second stint at the Nix alongside Riera in the midfield would work? Or are the two of them too similar?
I wouldn't play him in midfield but I would definitely be looking at getting him over as a third CB - he's quality
I agree that he could slot back into the centre of defense, at the expense of either Siggy or Dura, but we really need to spend money on a new striker as our front line will be very thin now that Stein is gone, Boyd is young, and Brockie is... well, Brockie.
I hope we ditch that formation and go back to a standard 4-2-3-1. That way we have more width in attack and don't get overlapped down the wings on defense. I think the only reason Ernie didn't play that formation last year is that we had no one who could play the 2nd DM role in it and no one who was suited to being a lone striker. I'm hoping Gorrin slots into the DM role besides Riera and we sign a striker to play at the pointy end. Between Kenny, Boyd, Krishna, Brockie, and Fenton we've got enough cover for the wings.
Ernie didn't play with width at the Victory, so can't see him doing the same here. I thought the formation was very fluid and was really effective with Riera, it was some of the best football we have played.With RR on this:
http://leopoldmethod.com.au/wellington-5-0-melbourne-victory/
No doubt that formation was the best way to play with the players available at the time, but will it still be next year? And if you're planning an approach for next year now, do you want to build a team with those tactics in mind or do you want to try to implement a new tactical plan and recruit players for it? And in terms of fluidity and adaptability, I think 4-2-3-1 is the way to go, which is largely the reason why it has become the dominant formation in global football in recent years - because it is an inherently flexible approach built around a solid core of 4 players - the CBs and DMs. If those players can provide a defensive cover and retain possession effectively the rest of the team can be very flexible in their shape and roles. For me the 4-3-1-2 is more limiting on the team.
I think there were 2 problems with how we played it at the end of the season. We kept our fullbacks high, even thought neither were really contributing in attack, and we started giving the ball away a lot more. Teams just sat back, waited for us to make a mistake and then attacked the spaces behind our fullbacks. Lia wasn't mobile enough to close down those spaces and we just got killed time and time again. Plus we completely stopped pressing high so when we lost the ball it was basically a free opportunity to attack
This pretty much sums it up for me.
Stein lost a bit of desire at the end there, same with Carlos, and Riera was missed terribly.
I don't think our defence needs huge improvement in terms of personnel, just staying fit as a unit, the forwards doing their job defensively, and Riera (hopefully Gorrin too) mopping up in the transition.
But I'd argue that our FBs were caught up the pitch because our midfield was too narrow. They were almost playing as wingbacks but we had 2 CBs not 3
But I'd argue that our FBs were caught up the pitch because our midfield was too narrow. They were almost playing as wingbacks but we had 2 CBs not 3
Just as an aside, this Scot Colin Marshall playing for Amicale in the O League looks a capable and composed center back. I gather he's ex-Aston Villa and a seasoned professional. Could be someone for the Nix to watch this weekend when Amicale play ACFC in the O League final second leg at Kiwitea Street.
Just as an aside, this Scot Colin Marshall playing for Amicale in the O League looks a capable and composed center back. I gather he's ex-Aston Villa and a seasoned professional. Could be someone for the Nix to watch this weekend when Amicale play ACFC in the O League final second leg at Kiwitea Street.
Just as an aside, this Scot Colin Marshall playing for Amicale in the O League looks a capable and composed center back. I gather he's ex-Aston Villa and a seasoned professional. Could be someone for the Nix to watch this weekend when Amicale play ACFC in the O League final second leg at Kiwitea Street.
Vellios would be a star here, strong in the air with a good touch and decent pace.
I'd expect a Championship side to get him though or a big Greek club will take him back. Still very young.
Some interesting names there... but who would be more likely a young pro looking to reestablish himself and get regular football or an older guy who probably realises the top is a bit out of reach so he can start to look at new and exciting opportunities.
N'Gog - played EPL for Liverpool, Bolton and Swansea and only 24. Looked rubbish for the limited amount I saw, and can't see him wanting to move to New Zealand to 'further' his career. Just aligned to Cameroon too, so if selected would miss January at the African Nations Cup.
Lita - has played EPL as well, the same age as Stein, so can;t see that happening either...
But I'd argue that our FBs were caught up the pitch because our midfield was too narrow. They were almost playing as wingbacks but we had 2 CBs not 3
Also need hard working pacey forwards. CCM have had success a narrow diamond, width provided with their FBs and forwards and just overall a good work ethic without the ball.
Ngog would be great. But I cant see it happening in this lifetime
Boro have released this lot..grab another north easterner!..
The club have released goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler, defenders Stuart Parnaby, Frazer Richardson, Lewis Sirrell and Birger Meling and midfielders Jake Fowler, Cameron Park and Matthew Waters
I am sure Ernie has his feelers out for anyone interesting while he is in UK.
Can someone please take Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Sean Wright-Phillips off the hands of QPR? A League quality personel. Nix?
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Can someone please take Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Sean Wright-Phillips off the hands of QPR? A League quality personel. Nix?
Either zamora or SWP would be nice
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
He's in New Zealand right now...
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
He's in New Zealand right now...
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
He's in New Zealand right now...
I think I heard that Greenacre is going up to Auckland for the AWs game in place of Ernie.
You heard right.
Joe Cole could be our 10 - he's said he's not worried about money just wants to play - a bit of a stretch I know but I reckon it's worth a conversation.
Rio Ferdinand seen talking to Dome in Kelson Dairy
5 roster spots left, 1 can be a visa player. So how about Wee Mac, Payne, Smeltz, Giannou and use the visa spot for Irvine at ACFC?
Shane Smeltz has quite Perth Glory. My balls my word. Sign him ?
Smeltz has had too many injuries and is getting on a bit now. Would be a gamble.
Maybe we should look at Emiliano Tade as an option for the striker role? I'm sure the ACFC fans will be happy to see him move to a bigger club :P
How much $ would he want? At the moment, we don't have a huge amount of options up front, not as though we can afford to be too picky
How much $ would he want? At the moment, we don't have a huge amount of options up front, not as though we can afford to be too picky
My understanding was that Mrs Smeltz did not like Wellington, hence the departure of him,
So why would he want to come back here??
My understanding was that Mrs Smeltz did not like Wellington, hence the departure of him,
So why would he want to come back here??
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
He's in New Zealand right now...
I think I heard that Greenacre is going up to Auckland for the AWs game in place of Ernie.
Ernie thinks that the tele is ok? Ernie is not that impressed with our national set up? Isn't that a bit of a worry that our only pro-team coach isn't going to watch the game? Or just an indication of how heavily Greenie is involved with signings?
Could get a nice boutique stadium at Kiwitea with a stand or two- why not just buy the club and move to Auckland? *waits for the massive surge of 'this's'ses'*
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
He's in New Zealand right now...
I think I heard that Greenacre is going up to Auckland for the AWs game in place of Ernie.
Ernie thinks that the tele is ok? Ernie is not that impressed with our national set up? Isn't that a bit of a worry that our only pro-team coach isn't going to watch the game? Or just an indication of how heavily Greenie is involved with signings?
Young Aussie Robert Paratore has been released by Leicester. Not sure we really need another young midfielder however.
Yep. Bring him home.
He's in New Zealand right now...
I think I heard that Greenacre is going up to Auckland for the AWs game in place of Ernie.
Ernie thinks that the tele is ok? Ernie is not that impressed with our national set up? Isn't that a bit of a worry that our only pro-team coach isn't going to watch the game? Or just an indication of how heavily Greenie is involved with signings?
More like Ernie is not in New Zealand when the game is on.
Perhaps Ernie read my post and is in West London talking to the three I recommended?
Rio Ferdinand seen talking to Dome in Kelson Dairy
FINALLY somebody using this thread properly!
lampard plz. phoenix owners pull vast swathes of money out of overseas bank accounts and bring him here plz . That is all