2014/15 Transfer Speculation

There's also the fact that releasing a player would incur a termination fee and lost resources in terms of development. We also don't know what kind of money and playing time Payne (or his agent) is asking for.

The Krishna signing was odd, mostly because pretty much the moment he signed the new contract Ernie stopped playing him even though he'd looked a lot better than Brockie who came in. If he had stayed starting and maintained the same performance level until the end of the season less people would probably be questioning using an import slot on him. As it is, it's hard to judge what Ernie's plan for him is and why he was signed.

I don't get this assumption that because I player got released by a Championship youth team they're the solution to our midfield options.

The reality is we have enough 'development' options in this space and we need proven quality. Yes he's an All White. Whoop. But let's stop assuming he's genuinely a better player than what we have in Riera, Gorrin, and Lia.

Exactly, RR, I knew we had stated we wanted another box to box mid after we signed Gorrin

So Gorrin is (apparently)  box to box attacking midfielder with a strong defensive game. Going by reports. Wow.

Payne is miles and miles and miles better than Lia.  For instance, Payne can get from one end of the pitch in less than a day and and half.

would rather have payne than ridenton.

Krishna- a low cost not terrible option with pace that Ernie likes, so that there is cap to approach Gorrin, Wee Mac etc etc. And I think it's been said about Gorrin that he's not a DM, or at least not solely a DM.

Please can ACFC keep Tade, he's the best striker in the country right now. If you witnessed his goal celebration when he scored the winner in the O League final on Sunday you'd appreciate how much he loves the club. Let him become another ACFC legend like the late KJordan.

As for Krishna, he's been in the country for over five years so surely he must be a citizen soon and no longer taking up an A League import slot. I also rate him above Brockie.

I think a two year contract for Hicks was clearly a mistake, even if he is cheap

So what you are saying if a form All White who was one of our best and most threatening players in our last WC campaign was off contract in an area we are looking for...?

Based on a few observations and other conversations, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see us move to a more traditional 451 /433 formation. In fact we saw Ernie try it in our final game against victory when Kenny was wide right and Boyd was on the left.

I was fortunate to get a take on Ernie's personal views of Krishna. He mentioned that he thinks with a full preseason under his belt then he will be quite a dangerous player for us. He also noted that he was impressed with him in the wing role i mentioned earlier in the game against victory. Quote: "I actually thought he did a decent job for us there with a bit more defensive duties, and Roy has never been asked to defend before in his life".

So it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Roy as a cutting in winger next year.

I think he is an import for this upcoming season, but a local in the final season of his deal. Kind of like using up an import spot now, so we can effectively gain one later. 

I would've seriously looked at Payne. He's an upgrade on all those back ups and if he'd strengthen the squad then why wouldn't you look at him? Especially as a non-import.

If it pushes Hicks and Rufer further down pecking order then that's a great result - they're still around to develop but I think in a squad of 23 you can carry players who won't get much game time. Look at that guy who scored for Roar against us. I think that was the only game he played all season.

I do not understand the mentality of "we've got enough players in that position or age group". If he's better than your other options get amongst and strengthen the squad. The others then have to get better or more versatile.

Of course if he pulls out three amazing signings then fair play to him but until then I sceptical it's the right call.

I picked up Payne on FM14 and he hasn't really stood out for us.

Ernie decided Riera was good enough for this league and that has come up trumps.

Now Ernie has had one look at Krishna, who's come from the same level and team, and decided he's worth a 2 year deal instantly, that for me is exciting. If Ernie decides this guy gets a deal quicker than Riera did then he must see something very decent in there. I've only seen him play for the phoenix and I saw nothing but excitement. Based on that alone I'm waiting in anticipation to see what this guy can give us next season.

I don't think anything should be read into the fact he was benched after his first couple of starts, the step up in physical fitness is obviously a large one, he was always destined to be managed somewhat until he gets up to speed with a full pre-season.