I'd say
Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)
(---)
I guess as it stands the above is:
Gulley (backup: Fenton) - Fox - Durante - Doyle (backup: Danaskos)
and I look forward to be corrected!
2015/16 Transfer Speculation
great signing - Roly was the most fouled player as anything good we did was likely via him. Having 2 skilled creators will make opposition have to do more than mark/foul Roly - could really free him up
Riera
Kosta Roly Finkler WeeMac
Striker !
So Riera to do 100% of the defensive work then eh?
No way you can leave Krishna out either.
I'd say
Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)
Riera A-Rod
Roly
Gui
Kosta Krishna
No weemac?
I wouldn't start him ahead of anyone there.
great signing - Roly was the most fouled player as anything good we did was likely via him. Having 2 skilled creators will make opposition have to do more than mark/foul Roly - could really free him up
Riera
Kosta Roly Finkler WeeMac
Striker !
So Riera to do 100% of the defensive work then eh?
No way you can leave Krishna out either.
I'd say
Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)-Defender (TBA)
Riera A-Rod
Roly
Gui
Kosta Krishna
Riera Roly
Kosta Finkler McGlinchey
Krishna
Or something similar
looks good to me
That's a nice formation and could work very well. I actually think that was what earnie had in mind with his two Melbourne signings.
But therein lies the folly of signing a-rod again. At best he is made a makeshift centre back (which I don't actually think he is up to doing) while more likely he is on the bench awaiting an injury to Roly or Reira.
A waste of an import spot.
Just thinking about our striker situation, and how some people still want us to sign a striker.
I was having a look at both Krishna and Powell and how they've gone this season. Turns out that they've now played almost identical minutes but Powell has played a lot more games. If you compare their goals to minutes ratio Powell is getting one about every 140 minutes whereas Krishna is one every 180. One of Krishna's goals was a penalty too, whereas Powell's have all been from open play. Krishna has 3 assists, Powell has 2.
Watson obviously hasn't played many games so his sample size is small but he's got a goal every 129 minutes and 3 assists as well.
Add Kosta to that and I really don't think we need another striker. Between those 4 guys in the squad there should be plenty of goals and assists. And we have 2 wide, fast small guys, a goalbox poacher, and a targetman. I actually think that our attacking stocks look really promising. Especially with a genuine playmaker behind them, which don't really have in the current squad.
The perception that we need to add a strikers to our squad is based on the time before we signed Watson and Kosta. And when you consider we are already struggling to work out how we get all our best attackers and mids on the pitch at once, does adding another striker make any sense?
Add a couple of starting defenders to this squad though, and I think we could actually be title challengers. Exciting times!
I agree with the above and would like us to think about a possible backup for Dura / Fox.
I would prefer to look at a seasoned CB to help Fox out if Dura is injured, unless we can use one of Doyle - Danaskos FBs to fill in as a makeshift CB, in a way that Manny did when Siggy got injured.
Just thinking about our striker situation, and how some people still want us to sign a striker.
I was having a look at both Krishna and Powell and how they've gone this season. Turns out that they've now played almost identical minutes but Powell has played a lot more games. If you compare their goals to minutes ratio Powell is getting one about every 140 minutes whereas Krishna is one every 180. One of Krishna's goals was a penalty too, whereas Powell's have all been from open play. Krishna has 3 assists, Powell has 2.
Watson obviously hasn't played many games so his sample size is small but he's got a goal every 129 minutes and 3 assists as well.
Add Kosta to that and I really don't think we need another striker. Between those 4 guys in the squad there should be plenty of goals and assists. And we have 2 wide, fast small guys, a goalbox poacher, and a targetman. I actually think that our attacking stocks look really promising. Especially with a genuine playmaker behind them, which don't really have in the current squad.
The perception that we need to add a strikers to our squad is based on the time before we signed Watson and Kosta. And when you consider we are already struggling to work out how we get all our best attackers and mids on the pitch at once, does adding another striker make any sense?
Add a couple of starting defenders to this squad though, and I think we could actually be title challengers. Exciting times!
If you score a goal every 140 minutes and play 90 minutes in all 27 games then you bang in 17 goals. This is why I think we need to start Powell next season. This is also why I feel Finkler is a bit surplus because picking Finkler means you don't have room for Powell. I suppose the mark against Powell is that 4 of his goals did come in just the one game. Still I believe he can score 13-14 goals in a season. Krishna could score 10 and Barbarouses could get 6 or 7. That gives you enough of a base with other people chipping in.
I would go:
Riera------- A-Rod
Barbarouses--Finkler--Krishna
Powell
If I were to pick Roly it would be ahead of Finkler or A-Rod. I think Krishna and Finkler aren't so good at tracking back so leaving Riera with Roly alongside him would not be ideal. I don't see how McGlinchey would make the team if we don't need his set pieces.
If you score a goal every 140 minutes and play 90 minutes in all 27 games then you bang in 17 goals. This is why I think we need to start Powell next season. This is also why I feel Finkler is a bit surplus because picking Finkler means you don't have room for Powell. I suppose the mark against Powell is that 4 of his goals did come in just the one game. Still I believe he can score 13-14 goals in a season. Krishna could score 10 and Barbarouses could get 6 or 7. That gives you enough of a base with other people chipping in.
I would go:
Riera------- A-Rod
Barbarouses--Finkler--Krishna
Powell
If I were to pick Roly it would be ahead of Finkler or A-Rod. I think Krishna and Finkler aren't so good at tracking back so leaving Riera with Roly alongside him would not be ideal. I don't see how McGlinchey would make the team if we don't need his set pieces.
I quite like that formation. Assuming we have decent CB's I'd make a small tweak though and have only one of Riera and A-Rod playing and having Roly play slightly higher than the holding mid.
In terms of surplus players, its all about depth isn't it? People complain about not having depth and then complain when we look like we'll have it in spades. A-Rod can cover for Roly and Riera, AM and if needed CB. Weemac can cover for both wide positions, AM and striker if needed. Fenton can cover pretty much anywhere as can Ridenton. Watson is a little more restricted but he's our only targetman so covers Plan B. In most positions our bench is miles deep. I'm already a lot less worried about key injuries next season.
That's a nice formation and could work very well. I actually think that was what earnie had in mind with his two Melbourne signings.
But therein lies the folly of signing a-rod again. At best he is made a makeshift centre back (which I don't actually think he is up to doing) while more likely he is on the bench awaiting an injury to Roly or Reira.
A waste of an import spot.
Then you buggar that up by talking about the folly of signing A-Rod,i would imagine Ernie was well aware of the possibility of signing Finkler before he re-signed A-Rod so he must have a plan to use him. Dont agree with some that your imports have to be your best players frankly if Ernie thinks he cant get what A-Rod offers out of a local then no problem using an import slot to gain that cover.
If you score a goal every 140 minutes and play 90 minutes in all 27 games then you bang in 17 goals. This is why I think we need to start Powell next season. This is also why I feel Finkler is a bit surplus because picking Finkler means you don't have room for Powell. I suppose the mark against Powell is that 4 of his goals did come in just the one game. Still I believe he can score 13-14 goals in a season. Krishna could score 10 and Barbarouses could get 6 or 7. That gives you enough of a base with other people chipping in.
I would go:
Riera------- A-Rod
Barbarouses--Finkler--Krishna
Powell
If I were to pick Roly it would be ahead of Finkler or A-Rod. I think Krishna and Finkler aren't so good at tracking back so leaving Riera with Roly alongside him would not be ideal. I don't see how McGlinchey would make the team if we don't need his set pieces.
I quite like that formation. Assuming we have decent CB's I'd make a small tweak though and have only one of Riera and A-Rod playing and having Roly play slightly higher than the holding mid.
In terms of surplus players, its all about depth isn't it? People complain about not having depth and then complain when we look like we'll have it in spades. A-Rod can cover for Roly and Riera, AM and if needed CB. Weemac can cover for both wide positions, AM and striker if needed. Fenton can cover pretty much anywhere as can Ridenton. Watson is a little more restricted but he's our only targetman so covers Plan B. In most positions our bench is miles deep. I'm already a lot less worried about key injuries next season.
I suppose it depends. I think a lot of the angst around Finkler is that people feel that Finkler has been signed instead of a defender. Of course, we really have no way of knowing that. If we sign Finkler and an experienced centre back then there would be no cause for complaint. If we don't sign a good centre back then people may look back and think Finkler was a poor signing even if he does well.
we need more at the back than just an experienced centre back
No strikers, no defenders. How long does this go on before everyone agrees that Ernie has no idea on how to pick a team?
If you score a goal every 140 minutes and play 90 minutes in all 27 games then you bang in 17 goals. This is why I think we need to start Powell next season. This is also why I feel Finkler is a bit surplus because picking Finkler means you don't have room for Powell. I suppose the mark against Powell is that 4 of his goals did come in just the one game. Still I believe he can score 13-14 goals in a season. Krishna could score 10 and Barbarouses could get 6 or 7. That gives you enough of a base with other people chipping in.
I would go:
Riera------- A-Rod
Barbarouses--Finkler--Krishna
Powell
If I were to pick Roly it would be ahead of Finkler or A-Rod. I think Krishna and Finkler aren't so good at tracking back so leaving Riera with Roly alongside him would not be ideal. I don't see how McGlinchey would make the team if we don't need his set pieces.
[/quote]
I quite like that formation. Assuming we have decent CB's I'd make a small tweak though and have only one of Riera and A-Rod playing and having Roly play slightly higher than the holding mid.
In terms of surplus players, its all about depth isn't it? People complain about not having depth and then complain when we look like we'll have it in spades. A-Rod can cover for Roly and Riera, AM and if needed CB. Weemac can cover for both wide positions, AM and striker if needed. Fenton can cover pretty much anywhere as can Ridenton. Watson is a little more restricted but he's our only targetman so covers Plan B. In most positions our bench is miles deep. I'm already a lot less worried about key injuries next season.
The problem with leaving imports on the bench is a) it's a bit of a waste, especially if we struggle to find a good Aussie/NZ defender b) they are more likely to throw tantys. (imagine if we left Roly on the bench for Fink..) I also think Finkler is coming expecting to start every game. He threw a tantrum because he was left out of the ACL..
[quote=Doloras]
No strikers, no defenders. How long does this go on before everyone agrees that Ernie has no idea on how to pick a team?
I feel like next season is make or break with Ernie. There were some mitigating factors this year, but the truth is we've only had 1 good season under him.
The fact that no one can really figure out how to fit all of our attacking options into a starting line up that makes sense is what worries me.
The fact that no one can really figure out how to fit all of our attacking options into a starting line up that makes sense is what worries me.
that was sort of my point though, why do we need to fit *all* our attacking options into the starting line up? Isn't that just called depth/cover/plan b?
That's a nice formation and could work very well. I actually think that was what earnie had in mind with his two Melbourne signings.
But therein lies the folly of signing a-rod again. At best he is made a makeshift centre back (which I don't actually think he is up to doing) while more likely he is on the bench awaiting an injury to Roly or Reira.
A waste of an import spot.
Then you buggar that up by talking about the folly of signing A-Rod,i would imagine Ernie was well aware of the possibility of signing Finkler before he re-signed A-Rod so he must have a plan to use him. Dont agree with some that your imports have to be your best players frankly if Ernie thinks he cant get what A-Rod offers out of a local then no problem using an import slot to gain that cover.
I do like that formation and I do think that is what Ernie is thinking. I haven't however buggered anything up, Ernie has by signing A -rod. You appear to agree with him but I believe an import should be better then the majority of your local players (that's not that difficult in reality)
The fact that no one can really figure out how to fit all of our attacking options into a starting line up that makes sense is what worries me.
When did depth become such a bad thing? Or are we happy to have Appiah coming off the bench again?
That's a nice formation and could work very well. I actually think that was what earnie had in mind with his two Melbourne signings.
But therein lies the folly of signing a-rod again. At best he is made a makeshift centre back (which I don't actually think he is up to doing) while more likely he is on the bench awaiting an injury to Roly or Reira.
A waste of an import spot.
Then you buggar that up by talking about the folly of signing A-Rod,i would imagine Ernie was well aware of the possibility of signing Finkler before he re-signed A-Rod so he must have a plan to use him. Dont agree with some that your imports have to be your best players frankly if Ernie thinks he cant get what A-Rod offers out of a local then no problem using an import slot to gain that cover.
I do like that formation and I do think that is what Ernie is thinking. I haven't however buggered anything up, Ernie has by signing A -rod. You appear to agree with him but I believe an import should be better then the majority of your local players (that's not that difficult in reality)
Well he is better than Ridenton and Rufer. New Zealand isn't exactly blessed with midfielders who play centrally, so it's not surprised he's looked overseas to find them
No strikers, no defenders. How long does this go on before everyone agrees that Ernie has no idea on how to pick a team?
I'm gonna assume you're trolling. We did pretty well when we had no strikers last year. 45 goals in fact. As for defenders, you realise that this season hasn't even finished yet. How about you wait until the close of the next transfer window before judging the squad?
The fact that no one can really figure out how to fit all of our attacking options into a starting line up that makes sense is what worries me.
that was sort of my point though, why do we need to fit *all* our attacking options into the starting line up? Isn't that just called depth/cover/plan b?
Precisely! This reminds me of in recent games when we've been struggling (at home) and I've been looking at the bench thinking I wish we had some exciting/good attacker/s to bring on to change the game, but there's very little to choose from (Appiah anyone?). Next year this will hopefully never need to be the case ....
Man- it was just getting exciting in here. Krishna, Powell or Watson up front. Kosta, Krishna or McG out wide. Roly or Fink playmaking. Roly and Riera at the base or ARod and Riera. False nine McG or Fink.
How is any of these frankly very exciting possibilities bad?
I think we want to have a go to player. Which Burns was
None of these players are individually as dynamic as him, but the team sounds pretty damn good.
The fact that no one can really figure out how to fit all of our attacking options into a starting line up that makes sense is what worries me.
When did depth become such a bad thing? Or are we happy to have Appiah coming off the bench again?
Ra......*Must......Resist.......Arghhhhhh........*
The fact that no one can really figure out how to fit all of our attacking options into a starting line up that makes sense is what worries me.
When did depth become such a bad thing? Or are we happy to have Appiah coming off the bench again?
You'd probably get a yes from most on here
Having a strong bench is key to a successful season. We didn't have one this year and it cost us. We lost momentum and got caught in a rut.
Happy for A Rod to ride the pine and start when injuries and suspension hit.
Also, surely greater competition for a starting spot will help push the players to train and play harder. That can only be a good thing.
After watching the Fink and the Greek tonight in the Melba V V's Wanderers theres no reason to not start salivating over next season ,as long as Rolly hangs about and we sort out the back line (need a new centre back) things are looking great !
And as aside what a t#at Kevin Muscat is ,thee most objectionable person in the A League by far !
No strikers, no defenders. How long does this go on before everyone agrees that Ernie has no idea on how to pick a team?
I'm gonna assume you're trolling. We did pretty well when we had no strikers last year. 45 goals in fact. As for defenders, you realise that this season hasn't even finished yet. How about you wait until the close of the next transfer window before judging the squad?
Why, does anyone else?
Angsters gonna angst
As already mentioned - wait until the next transfer window.
However, If you look at the number of goal we have conceded this season it should be a major concern. We have the second worst record and although the two new signings are excellent we are not going to challenge for anything until we stop leaking goals. Successful sides lose fewer games, concede less goals and generally score more. Have a look at the 4 top European leagues at the moment and that tells me that we need to sign at least 3 class defenders. Have no idea where they are going to come from but good midfielders and strikers need the confidence to know that if play breaks down elsewhere on the pitch it is not necessarily going to cost us a goal.
It is the old story that if you don't concede goals you can't lose.
Successful sides lose fewer games, concede less goals and generally score more.
Though I do agree we need to sign a defender or two. If Fox has a breakout season we will be right up there, but would still need cover and competition for places.
Fox is the best thing to come out of this season. Still raw, but valuable experience for him.
Successful sides lose fewer games, concede less goals and generally score more.
Though I do agree we need to sign a defender or two. If Fox has a breakout season we will be right up there, but would still need cover and competition for places.
The fact that Ben has been injured and is flagging it at the end of the season I would have thought that (as we were not going anywhere) Fox should have played and given him more experience and also confidence.
For central defence I think we need to raid another A-League club of a mid-20s Australian and pay 'im good wages to convince them across the ditch. Sell them the 'Dura experience' as that's how we got him straight after he won a title.
So who could we get? From where? Perth? Adelaide? Wanderers?
For central defence I think we need to raid another A-League club of a mid-20s Australian and pay 'im good wages to convince them across the ditch. Sell them the 'Dura experience' as that's how we got him straight after he won a title.
So who could we get? From where? Perth? Adelaide? Wanderers?
Think of a club not many people would choose to stay at.
For example, if FFA does not manage to sell the Jets, there might be an option to pick up a player.
Or, make an offer to Storm Roux once he recovers, as he may no longer be a first option at CCM.
Successful sides lose fewer games, concede less goals and generally score more.
Though I do agree we need to sign a defender or two. If Fox has a breakout season we will be right up there, but would still need cover and competition for places.
The fact that Ben has been injured and is flagging it at the end of the season I would have thought that (as we were not going anywhere) Fox should have played and given him more experience and also confidence.
Yeah tricky one for Ernie. Sentiment vs getting Dura and Fox playing time together with next season in mind.
Plus last we still had a small chance of making top 6 and Siggy is still better than Fox.
Ernie said a couple of times that Siggy had to play as he was short of game time to be eligible for his bonus. Definitely taking the piss but also might have a nugget of truth. Of course the club probably would give him his bonus anyway.
A bonus ?? This season, for anyone ??
LOL
Plus last we still had a small chance of making top 6 and Siggy is still better than Fox.
I have seen milk turn quicker than Siggy.
For central defence I think we need to raid another A-League club of a mid-20s Australian and pay 'im good wages to convince them across the ditch. Sell them the 'Dura experience' as that's how we got him straight after he won a title.
So who could we get? From where? Perth? Adelaide? Wanderers?
Think of a club not many people would choose to stay at.
For example, if FFA does not manage to sell the Jets, there might be an option to pick up a player.
Or, make an offer to Storm Roux once he recovers, as he may no longer be a first option at CCM.
Nah, need a CB first and foremost.
Anyone know contract status of McGowan at Adelaide?
Bowles at Brisbane?
Lowry at Perth?
Clisby at City?
I say we go hard at one of them. Double their salary.