2014/15 Transfer Speculation

Whatever happened with the whole Nicky Carle situation? Or is he a happy camper at the Bling now that Farina has been turfed out?

With ADP gone, he should be the #10 under Arnie unless the marquee they sign plays there. Haven't seen any rumours about him being shopped around.

http://mobile.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.php?c_id=4&objectid=11265441

The Herald talking up the chances of WeeMac joining us

Yep the story has been for a while that WeeMac wants to join us but that CCM is in the way.  With the loss of Arnold and Ibini you can't blame them wanting to hold onto someone.

Yeah the difference now is that they're saying it's probable, not just possible, whereas before Ernie had said there was only something like a 30% chance of it going through (although that Herald story doesn't quote anyone, so is likely just speculation anyway)

Wondering what the call is on Payne now...

< 50%

Wondering what the call is on Payne now...

< 50%

I know James has been discussed to death but does anyone have any evidence that he has not been picked up the Phoenix because he has an attitude problem? It seems to me, and forgive me if I'm wrong, that some people just think he has an attitude problem because he is unattached and we don't want him. Isn't it more likely he just doesn't fit into the club's plans. I don't know I just don't feel right criticising James for having a poor attitude if we don't know this as a fact and if other top players don't think it.

Mainly rumors dating back to at least the '09 Confeds Cup that were used to explain his absence from the All Whites up until last year.The way he carries himself on the pitch seems to back it up, having said that, if I was Ernie I'd have him in a heartbeat.

Seems to get involved though and tries to back up the attitude with action, unlike a certain other attacking midfielder who has just departed the nix.

He seemed to get on well with the other players on CGW.

Now Stuff are joining the Herald in saying McGlinchey is close to signing without offering anything remotely resembling proof. 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/10109489/Phoenix-edge-closer-to-clinching-McGlinchey

Apparently ccm can't fit WeeMac in under the salary cap, they are relying on their mid season a sell off to occur at the same time as his loan finishes... If

I read that yesterday and found it interesting. They haven't re-signed Matt Simon, lost out on Ibini, Sterjovski & Kwasnik have retired and they didn't sign Flores. Surely they have the cap to bring him back but maybe they don't have the cap to replace the players they have lost.

[Edit: they could always make him an international marquee as well. But the new owner is trying to cut costs, so makes that unlikely]

As others have said he seems to get on well with Brocks etc on that AW kick-about vid.  Clearly Ricki had issues with him.  He's definitely passionate and better then our other central midfielders (no comment on Gorrin).  He's not played a bad game for the AWs and given this was only his second game of 2014, his fitness didn't look too bad.  He needs a gig so I can't see him being too picky about money.  If Merrick was keen to put up with Carlos' shit I'm sure and issues that James MAY have he'd be able to easily control.

Part of football management is dealing with difficult characters.  If we were a very successful club I would say fine, don't upset the apple cart and rely more on assessment of character when signing players.  But we're not - so in the end we need to best players available and then it's Ernie's job to turn them into a team.  This idea of a "no cocks" policy to me is crazy.  Yes, it's a much easier job managing a team of nice guys, but in case anyone noticed our team is pretty shit and hardly anyone can be bothered turning up to watch. 

I think the concept of everyone in a professional team getting on and socialising off the pitch is a bit of a NZ/amateur sport idea. At this level it's work, there are always people you will like and won't like.  Whether the team all go boozing or their families meet up for a meal has nothing to do with it.  Some people are just weird!  In the end it's about what that group of players does on the pitch that counts.

I guess what I am saying is if Ernie doesn't think he's good enough then no problem although I don't agree because to me he really looks like a decent A-League level player.  If Ernie does, but isn't signing him because he has heard he doesn't have a good attitude, or the club is discouraging because of the same, then I think that's a cop out.

We also have such an odd fanbase - even though results and crowds have been heading one way over the past few years everyone still seems to have complete faith in everything that the management is doing.  I find it quite strange...

Perhaps it is that most live in the hope that things will get better or improve?

What are you suggesting that the fans do differently?????

Whine on this forum. That'll totally make Ernie and Welnix sit up and take notice!

Hey, it works for Worthington and Budgie!

Stop drinking the Kool-Aid

And This! all my critical comments 

He is also around the age group of players that if we were to sign anyone, I would be looking at. With the arrival of Gorrin, I believe we have enough youth in the team for a very good future. Most will develop in the next 2 years to show what they are capable of. Our weak spots could be ironed out with players around 24-28 years old, thus not handing out one last pay cheque but establishing a solid group of players. IMO anyway.

Lol. This has to be one of the most reasonable exchanges of views this forum has ever seen.

 

Wee Mac was linked to Bling - with Arnold there makes sense - I doubt we'll get him tbh

Perhaps some of us, I know I am, are still buzzing that we actually have a professional team to support. It is an outlet for us all, whether we get rid of frustrations or other things by singing, chanting, or just watching football.

How can you call this exchange reasonable? Thats just not on! There is no way this is even half reasonable.....

I like the way all the boxes look when there's quotes within quotes within quotes...

They just have to keep boxing on.

Super 8 stylez.

Lampard is available, Morgan can afford him.

That would be a coupe. For a season.

For half a season even, a short loan period.

Dreaming.