2014/15 Transfer Speculation

a) Barbados

b) Premier League and Championship

c) Well known in the A-League as one of the better imports, hugely popular in Wellington

d) Probably one of the highest salaries at the Phoenix

Seems to meet most criteria :)

That's what I was going to say. Some media interest I guess: "the return of Paul Ifill"

'That's on our priority list at the moment. We have some good school of excellence boys who have been with us. We will look at them also but the idea would be to have a very good quality defensive type player that could play a range of positions in the backline and maybe even a defensive midfield,'' Merrick said.

Is McKain still unsigned? Would be great if we had someone to back up reira in dm, that was us greatest failing in the squad last season.

Yes must have backup for Riera or we will tank again

....or just....

Never   

If we are at or close to salary cap as many people believe then I would doubt there would be room for McKain.

I originally thought Gorrin was more of a defensive minded player and could do the Reira role but it seems like he will be used up the field more.

"A fleeting visit by Paul Ifill" ?

That's what a guest player is.

I would think if you need a good defensive player then there's one right under your nose - John Irvine at ACFC, a former Everton reserve. I don't want to lose him from Kiwitea Street but I do think he could step up to A League level. However he would be an import as he's been in the country for less than two years. That Scot Colin Marshall who was a rock for Amicale in their close run battle with ACFC in the O League final last season could also be worth a look. He looked very composed and useful. 

Who does that leave us for candidates then out of Aussies and kiwis who are off contract? And play more than one position across defence or midfield? From the comments in the press that seems to be what Ernie of looking for.

My understanding is that Ernie Merrick has stated publicly that all he's now seeking is a defensive player with one import slot left. Is that not right?

He has.

He's wrong, but he has stated that.  Not sure whether Tom Doyle's recent form has an impact on that though.

Ernie will probably leave the spot open and hope for a late addition to the squad once the season starts. I understand theres an international transfer window which opens up again at some stage?

January 14 to Feb 14 in Australia All of January in the UK

If we dont sign wee mac, I read somewhere a while back that ernie had a plan b... might the plan b, be a certain Chris james?

Chris James has signed for some 4th division French team. There's a article about it in the news section some where.

How about Clapham then? 

James is the New Clapham.

Here's the article. Sorry for double post. Happens on the app sometimes apparently.

I mean here the article http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/10299751/Kiwi-Chris-James-off-to-French-fourth-division-club

(note to self remember to paste.)

Fourth div. Wow

He's signed.

Piss off.

He'll be calling himself Hames these days no doubt.

You're right that we look light-ish up front, but I think we could possibly get away with it if we can concede less than 35 goals (don't see us scoring more than 35).  There's no way we do that with our current defence, so I do see the logic in strengthening.

Doyle was tidy. Surely he'll get a contract now?

Can we please sign a striker. Pretty please.

Gorrin will score all our goals.

I'm liking your illogical optimism

Assuming the McGlinchey deal goes through, Merrick also added his pre-season transfers are not done yet either.

"I still feel that I need another player that I can bring in who is very like Albert Riera. Albert continues to amaze me, he was quite outstanding."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/10303588/Merrick-nears-breaking-point-in-transfer-saga

Dear Lord, Really? *shaking Head and Face Palm Emoticon*

Jon McKain ring a bell?

Is he off contract? I wouldnt mind him back tbh

I'm pretty sure he still is although he was linked to someone ages ago, can't remember who. I suggested him but people seemed to think we wouldn't have enough cap space to sign him, presuming we get weemac.

There is some talk that Billy Celeski is looking to return to a-league. I would be quite keen to see him here, not sure we need another mid but if McGee didn't get through then wouldn't mind going after him. Still believe we need an established central striker.

I <3 Celeski

Our search fror a stirker is finished.

Is Doyle under contract yet? Lock him in for 3 I reckon.

Why for 3. give him 1 Initially.

Doyle did look better than Caira (who was a pointless signing).

Good that NZ is starting to develop some wing backs!