Great that they are at least pursuing Hemed. I suspect that the amount we offer Tomer (and if he chooses to stay) will impact how much we can offer Taylor and Devlin.
Whilst it's disappointing that Devlin hasn't signed on, I guess he and his agent/s are testing the market to see what others are prepared to offer?
Also says they want to keep Steven Taylor. Cameron Devlin had an offer placed in front of him three months ago but is yet to sign. Says club is searching for other options in the mean time but hopeful he does sign. https://t.co/EZp1uDIxv9
In terms of getting an A-League quality DM/CM ofc. But getting a player with the same skillset and of the same level will be a lot harder tbh
But we also have import slots in hand if we can't find a quality replacement from the ranks of NZ and Australian players. I think even if we lose Devlin we're still in a good position with the squad we've signed and the flexibility that we have to replace him.
In terms of getting an A-League quality DM/CM ofc. But getting a player with the same skillset and of the same level will be a lot harder tbh
But we also have import slots in hand if we can't find a quality replacement from the ranks of NZ and Australian players. I think even if we lose Devlin we're still in a good position with the squad we've signed and the flexibility that we have to replace him.
I will be holding onto the thought that Steinmann hasn't ended up at the Roar yet. Steinmann and Lewis would be a great pairing. As much as he gets hate, Rufer is fantastic value for an injury/suspension replacement
Phil Rollo reporting on some Uffie statements including:
Nix want Stevie T to stay
Nix want Hemed to stay
Contract has been in front of Devlin for 3 months but unsigned as yet
Davila definitely gone, but Uffie is happy for him to play vs Bulls
Also that they are looking elsewhere to cover Devlin if he doesn't sign (they're still hopeful he does).
Edit: Hadn't realised I hadn't posted it, but yeah, as RR says.
Surely they are also looking at bringing in further midfield cover, as Ridenton will be let go. Maybe inviting young players like Oli Whyte & Trev Zwetsloot to trial. And yes I'm sure they have been in touch with Steinmann, esp if he's still a free agent.
Wonder if Cam Howieson ever casts a wishful eye at the Nix? Watching ex Handy Prem contemporaries like Payne & Lewis, play in front of crowds of 20K plus, whilst his lot is now Northern Region football.
Phil Rollo reporting on some Uffie statements including:
Nix want Stevie T to stay
Nix want Hemed to stay
Contract has been in front of Devlin for 3 months but unsigned as yet
Davila definitely gone, but Uffie is happy for him to play vs Bulls
Also that they are looking elsewhere to cover Devlin if he doesn't sign (they're still hopeful he does).
Edit: Hadn't realised I hadn't posted it, but yeah, as RR says.
Surely they are also looking at bringing in further midfield cover, as Ridenton will be let go. Maybe inviting young players like Oli Whyte & Trev Zwetsloot to trial. And yes I'm sure they have been in touch with Steinmann, esp if he's still a free agent.
Wonder if Cam Howieson ever casts a wishful eye at the Nix? Watching ex Handy Prem contemporaries like Payne & Lewis, play in front of crowds of 20K plus, whilst his lot is now Northern Region football.
Could’ve also had a miserable time with Darje. The Nix are a better option now, but Scott Galloway is an example of just how messed up some players felt.
Phil Rollo reporting on some Uffie statements including:
Nix want Stevie T to stay
Nix want Hemed to stay
Contract has been in front of Devlin for 3 months but unsigned as yet
Davila definitely gone, but Uffie is happy for him to play vs Bulls
Also that they are looking elsewhere to cover Devlin if he doesn't sign (they're still hopeful he does).
Edit: Hadn't realised I hadn't posted it, but yeah, as RR says.
Surely they are also looking at bringing in further midfield cover, as Ridenton will be let go. Maybe inviting young players like Oli Whyte & Trev Zwetsloot to trial. And yes I'm sure they have been in touch with Steinmann, esp if he's still a free agent.
Wonder if Cam Howieson ever casts a wishful eye at the Nix? Watching ex Handy Prem contemporaries like Payne & Lewis, play in front of crowds of 20K plus, whilst his lot is now Northern Region football.
I think he threw in his towel as a serious footballer some time ago. ⛴️
So with the 2020/21 season officially over I suppose it’s time to wildly speculate about how we’ll line up for 2021/22. This is what I’d like to see in the squad position by position and my preferred starting XI.
Goalkeeper:
Marinovic is confirmed to be gone, so Sail retains his starting spot and Handy Prem MVP Paulsen gets the call up as number 2.
Defence:
Injury woes and the emergence of CB Tim Payne see Luke DeVere leave us whilst TAHW, McGing and Laws keep their spots on the bench. Right back needs bolstering, and with a number of capable kiwis available I’d bring in either a returning Callan Elliot, Jack-Henry Sinclair or recently relegated Niko Kirwan. Personally reckon any of these three could start over Louis, but we only need one of them so I’d keep Louis around as solid competition.
Midfield:
Lewis keeps his starting spot with Devlin, but if Devlin goes then I’d love to bring back Steinmann. Ridenton can go and I’d bring in either James Musa (hopeful) or Trevor Zwetsloot (more realistic) to take his spot. Ollie Whyte possibly worth a punt as well as competition for Lewis and Rufer in that DM/CM spot. Up in the AM spots Reno and Jaushy keep their roles as starting and bench on the left, whilst on the right either a new import or Arzani would be needed to take Uli’s place. Ben Old gets the right AM bench spot at the expense of Muratovic, who despite scoring twice has been underwhelming and hasn’t seen game time in a fair while.
Forwards:
Up top I’d ideally have Waine and Hemed still starting together, with Bally unfortunately providing back-up and versatility on the bench. If Hemed goes then Krishna is the first man I’d call, otherwise a new import is needed. Lokoli-Ngoy says goodbye and the new spot on the bench can go to either Watson (3rd time’s the charm?), Oskar Van Hattum provided he’s physically recovered and ready to step up, or alternatively a different local player, be it kiwi or aussie.
If Devlin goes and is replaced with Steinmann, Hemed stays and we bring in an import Uli replacement then that’s all 5 import spots taken (Import AM, Steinmann, Hemed, Ball, Taylor), but if we were to hang on to Devlin and bring in Krishna and Arzani for Hemed and Uli then we’d still have 3 spots to play with. At the end of the day I imagine what will happen will be completely different to what I’ve envisioned, but damn is it nice to be feeling positive going into a new season.Screen Shot 2021-06-04 at 8.33.11 AM.png666.85 KB(Also credit to coochiee for the Zwetsloot and Whyte picks, both great shouts)
So with the 2020/21 season officially over I suppose it’s time to wildly speculate about how we’ll line up for 2021/22. This is what I’d like to see in the squad position by position and my preferred starting XI.
Goalkeeper:
Marinovic is confirmed to be gone, so Sail retains his starting spot and Handy Prem MVP Paulsen gets the call up as number 2.
Defence:
Injury woes and the emergence of CB Tim Payne see Luke DeVere leave us whilst TAHW, McGing and Laws keep their spots on the bench. Right back needs bolstering, and with a number of capable kiwis available I’d bring in either a returning Callan Elliot, Jack-Henry Sinclair or recently relegated Niko Kirwan. Personally reckon any of these three could start over Louis, but we only need one of them so I’d keep Louis around as solid competition.
Midfield:
Lewis keeps his starting spot with Devlin, but if Devlin goes then I’d love to bring back Steinmann. Ridenton can go and I’d bring in either James Musa (hopeful) or Trevor Zwetsloot (more realistic) to take his spot. Ollie Whyte possibly worth a punt as well as competition for Lewis and Rufer in that DM/CM spot. Up in the AM spots Reno and Jaushy keep their roles as starting and bench on the left, whilst on the right either a new import or Arzani would be needed to take Uli’s place. Ben Old gets the right AM bench spot at the expense of Muratovic, who despite scoring twice has been underwhelming and hasn’t seen game time in a fair while.
Forwards:
Up top I’d ideally have Waine and Hemed still starting together, with Bally unfortunately providing back-up and versatility on the bench. If Hemed goes then Krishna is the first man I’d call, otherwise a new import is needed. Lokoli-Ngoy says goodbye and the new spot on the bench can go to either Watson (3rd time’s the charm?), Oskar Van Hattum provided he’s physically recovered and ready to step up, or alternatively a different local player, be it kiwi or aussie.
If Devlin goes and is replaced with Steinmann, Hemed stays and we bring in an import Uli replacement then that’s all 5 import spots taken (Import AM, Steinmann, Hemed, Ball, Taylor), but if we were to hang on to Devlin and bring in Krishna and Arzani for Hemed and Uli then we’d still have 3 spots to play with. At the end of the day I imagine what will happen will be completely different to what I’ve envisioned, but damn is it nice to be feeling positive going into a new season.Screen Shot 2021-06-04 at 8.33.11 AM.png666.85 KB(Also credit to coochiee for the Zwetsloot and Whyte picks, both great shouts)
Agree with your shouts, but Oskar van Hattum might not be a striker anymore, he’s been playing right back in Central League, idk if that’s as injury cover or if they’re transitioning him there, similar to how McGarry shifted back
So with the 2020/21 season officially over I suppose it’s time to wildly speculate about how we’ll line up for 2021/22. This is what I’d like to see in the squad position by position and my preferred starting XI.
Goalkeeper:
Marinovic is confirmed to be gone, so Sail retains his starting spot and Handy Prem MVP Paulsen gets the call up as number 2.
Defence:
Injury woes and the emergence of CB Tim Payne see Luke DeVere leave us whilst TAHW, McGing and Laws keep their spots on the bench. Right back needs bolstering, and with a number of capable kiwis available I’d bring in either a returning Callan Elliot, Jack-Henry Sinclair or recently relegated Niko Kirwan. Personally reckon any of these three could start over Louis, but we only need one of them so I’d keep Louis around as solid competition.
Midfield:
Lewis keeps his starting spot with Devlin, but if Devlin goes then I’d love to bring back Steinmann. Ridenton can go and I’d bring in either James Musa (hopeful) or Trevor Zwetsloot (more realistic) to take his spot. Ollie Whyte possibly worth a punt as well as competition for Lewis and Rufer in that DM/CM spot. Up in the AM spots Reno and Jaushy keep their roles as starting and bench on the left, whilst on the right either a new import or Arzani would be needed to take Uli’s place. Ben Old gets the right AM bench spot at the expense of Muratovic, who despite scoring twice has been underwhelming and hasn’t seen game time in a fair while.
Forwards:
Up top I’d ideally have Waine and Hemed still starting together, with Bally unfortunately providing back-up and versatility on the bench. If Hemed goes then Krishna is the first man I’d call, otherwise a new import is needed. Lokoli-Ngoy says goodbye and the new spot on the bench can go to either Watson (3rd time’s the charm?), Oskar Van Hattum provided he’s physically recovered and ready to step up, or alternatively a different local player, be it kiwi or aussie.
If Devlin goes and is replaced with Steinmann, Hemed stays and we bring in an import Uli replacement then that’s all 5 import spots taken (Import AM, Steinmann, Hemed, Ball, Taylor), but if we were to hang on to Devlin and bring in Krishna and Arzani for Hemed and Uli then we’d still have 3 spots to play with. At the end of the day I imagine what will happen will be completely different to what I’ve envisioned, but damn is it nice to be feeling positive going into a new season.Screen Shot 2021-06-04 at 8.33.11 AM.png666.85 KB(Also credit to coochiee for the Zwetsloot and Whyte picks, both great shouts)
Agree with your shouts, but Oskar van Hattum might not be a striker anymore, he’s been playing right back in Central League, idk if that’s as injury cover or if they’re transitioning him there, similar to how McGarry shifted back
Oh that's interesting, maybe Riley Bidois, George Ott or even Angus Kilkolly then. Watson probably the outstanding choice but really depends if he'll be better with Uffie at the helm than in past stints.
In most situations he's a starter for sure. But think about what that means for the quality of the starting XI if he is an impact player. Bally, Sotirio, Rufer, Old, McGarry, TAHW, Laws, McGing is a lot of quality to bring off the bench in Friar Tuck's scenario.
I also wonder if Uli's departure could mean a move back to the midfield for Sutton?
George Ott I’m not sure about, he’s a big lad and is a target man for them but looked a bit limited. Ufuk doesn’t really play in that kind of way to suit him.
Riley Bidois would be an interesting shout. He’s a lot more mobile than Ott, and was pretty highly rated in Tauranga, I’m little less itk of how he’s done since moving down to the academy. He was one of the names listed in the extended squad for the 2019 U17 World Cup (2002s), but missed out on the final striker places to van Hattum/Jesse Randall/Matt Garbett/Keegan Jelacic. He’s also a really nice kid, he was billeted a night at my house when Tauranga Boys’ 1st XI played my brother’s Westlake, so that’s always a good sign.
Kilkolly is someone I’ve never really paid great attention to, but he’s done really well in the Northern League and has goals in 7 or so consecutive games, he’s also a lot younger than I thought, he’s only 25. Trouble is with any Auckland City guys is that will they consider leaving worth the risk? I got told that a City player who was struggling to make their bench and since left to another Northern League club was on $600 a week, so you’d have to assume their big hitters (Howieson, Kilkolly, Kaltack etc) would be on a bit higher. Add that to work, and it probably makes a reasonable amount, plus you have great chance of winning both national and Champions League, plus the Club World Cup (whatever form that may be). Professional football will always resonate, but they might see their old teammate Hudson-Wihongi having only 68 minutes all season and say ‘yeah, nah, maybe not’, but then again maybe look to their other former teammate Lewis who’s been great, and say ‘might as well give it a shot’.
Ball is a bit of a strange player. Should score and assist far more than he does, but his general play around the pitch is good. His biggest asset is actually in his ability to hold up the ball and wait for support.
I think alot of his lack of goals is down to being played as a wide attacker when he's probably used to playing as part of the front 2. With Hemed and Waine playing as the target man and poacher he has had to adapt his game to a wider playmaker role, which he has done pretty well. he's always involved in the build up play, usually the pass to the man who gets the assist for a goal. He does a tonne of work on the wing, drags defenders wide and gives the likes of Davila room to create a play. His knee injury hasn't helped him in the last few weeks.
It was a real toss up between him and Waine and it really depends on the opponent/what we want from the second striker. Only reason I have Waine starting is because I believe he has a really high ceiling and would stand to benefit greatly from nailing down a starting spot for a season like Libby and Singh. Realistically if we've got young players like Sutts/McGarry, Devlin, Lewis, Piscopo, a new RB and possibly Arzani starting in my XI then I reckon Uffie would start Ball over Waine. But it's just a matter of personal preference, Waine's shot to goal ratio is prolific, whilst Bally's ball skills, intelligence and link play are near unrivalled, so they both have legitimate claims to start.
EXPIRES END OF 2020/21: U̶l̶i̶s̶e̶s̶ ̶D̶Á̶V̶I̶L̶A̶ ̶[̶V̶]̶ Luke DEVERE Cameron DEVLIN [u23] Louis FENTON Tomer HEMED [V] Joshua LAWS [u23] S̶t̶e̶f̶a̶n̶ ̶M̶A̶R̶I̶N̶O̶V̶I̶C̶ James MCGARRY [u23] Liam MCGING [u23] Mirza MURATOVIC [u23] Matthew RIDENTON Charles LOKOLI-NGOY
EXPIRES END OF 2021/22: Te Atawhai HUDSON-WIHONGI Tim PAYNE Reno PISCOPO [u23] Jaushua SOTIRIO Steven TAYLOR
EXPIRES END OF 2022/23: David BALL [V] Alex RUFER Sam SUTTON [u23] Clayton LEWIS [u23] Oliver SAIL
is Arzani even available, he's on loan from Man C, I can't see him ever coming to the nix.
His Man City contract expires June 30th and I find it unlikely they'll renew him. Just as unlikely that he'll come here but he's a soon to be free agent who needs to reinvigorate his career somehow.
If Cam signs on for another 2 years we will have a very strong base on which to build. Losing Davila is sad, Possibly losing Hemed would not be great But if that is all we lose, then it is a positive.
I think alot of his lack of goals is down to being played as a wide attacker when he's probably used to playing as part of the front 2. With Hemed and Waine playing as the target man and poacher he has had to adapt his game to a wider playmaker role, which he has done pretty well. he's always involved in the build up play, usually the pass to the man who gets the assist for a goal. He does a tonne of work on the wing, drags defenders wide and gives the likes of Davila room to create a play. His knee injury hasn't helped him in the last few weeks.
I think even when he played in the front 2 he didn't look much like scoring a lot of time.
I think alot of his lack of goals is down to being played as a wide attacker when he's probably used to playing as part of the front 2. With Hemed and Waine playing as the target man and poacher he has had to adapt his game to a wider playmaker role, which he has done pretty well. he's always involved in the build up play, usually the pass to the man who gets the assist for a goal. He does a tonne of work on the wing, drags defenders wide and gives the likes of Davila room to create a play. His knee injury hasn't helped him in the last few weeks.
I think even when he played in the front 2 he didn't look much like scoring a lot of time.
great news re: Taylor.
he hasnt exactly been a prolific goal scorer throughout his career... Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) 2009–2011 | Manchester City | 0 | (0) 2010–2011 | → Swindon Town (loan) | 18 | (2) 2011–2012 | Peterborough United | 41 | (9) 2011 | → Rochdale (loan) | 7 | (3) 2011–2012 | → Rochdale (loan) | 7 | (0) 2012–2017 | Fleetwood Town | 179 | (41) 2017–2019 | Rotherham United | 34 | (8) 2018–2019 | → Bradford City (loan) | 35 | (5) 2019– | Wellington Phoenix | 37 | (11) 1 every 4.5 games for Peterbourough, 1 every 4.3 games for Fleetwood 1 every 3.4 for us.
So if anything he has improved his goal scoring while with us.
358 games 79 goals
1 goal for ever 4.5 games he plays. So the 11 goals in 37 games (1/3.4) is better than his career average.
I wouldn't be opposed to losing Tomer if we got a player of similar pedigree though now that he's hit his stride and started banging in some goals and getting consistency, it would be a waste to let him go like that. Still, he won't come cheap so for me it's about seeing who we can find if he decides to leave
Seems like Ufuk doesn't rate McGarry much, and I don't blame him. I think he looks more like a winger than a FB to me. He can't defend. Was culpable for a lot of goals this season. Sutton got done a couple of times but was better in that regard, just kept his position well.
I also think we can upgrade on Fenton. His floated crosses were one of my biggest frustrations this year, but good that he managed to keep fit.
Seems like Ufuk doesn't rate McGarry much, and I don't blame him. I think he looks more like a winger than a FB to me. He can't defend. Was culpable for a lot of goals this season. Sutton got done a couple of times but was better in that regard, just kept his position well.
Seems like Ufuk doesn't rate McGarry much, and I don't blame him. I think he looks more like a winger than a FB to me. He can't defend. Was culpable for a lot of goals this season. Sutton got done a couple of times but was better in that regard, just kept his position well.
I also think we can upgrade on Fenton. His floated crosses were one of my biggest frustrations this year, but good that he managed to keep fit.
Yeah McGarry looks all at sea anytime he's had to defend. His tardiness getting out to crosses singlehandedly cost us some points. He has some nice touches going forward and a damn fine cross, but if you can't defend as a LB in the A-League you won't be cracking squads in Europe.
I much preferred Sutton in his time at LB and that's a pretty damning indictment on McGarry given Sutts is playing OOP. It also indicates Sutton probably has some more room for growth there, and I think he started taking on players more often and hitting riskier passes once he felt settled in the side - that's only going to keep going as he gets more minutes.
I think alot of his lack of goals is down to being played as a wide attacker when he's probably used to playing as part of the front 2. With Hemed and Waine playing as the target man and poacher he has had to adapt his game to a wider playmaker role, which he has done pretty well. he's always involved in the build up play, usually the pass to the man who gets the assist for a goal. He does a tonne of work on the wing, drags defenders wide and gives the likes of Davila room to create a play. His knee injury hasn't helped him in the last few weeks.
Hemed’s goal run came when he, Louis and Ball were on the same page, imo.