WPM 2021/22 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

With Sail going to Western United and Davila signing for Victory next season we might have to keep Marinovic and Lokolingoy just in case.
I also think Ben Waine will do well at Macarthur FC next season as with some of the Olyroos that have not resigned.

More importantly, what does Lokolingoy have that Muratovic does not?  There must be a good reason why Charles LL has been thrown in onto the field late in the game several times but Muratovic has not.

Mainland FC

More importantly, what does Lokolingoy have that Muratovic does not?  There must be a good reason why Charles LL has been thrown in onto the field late in the game several times but Muratovic has not.

Cuz you look at him & see a big, strong striker with a bit of pace, who should cause havoc in the box. Yet he doesn't do any of that. Talay seems to think Muratovic can play the wide #10 roles cuz he used to play AM in the NYL, he is a far better striker. I still think there is something about Muratovic but happy Waine is preferred to him.

NZPhoenixFan

Krishna is a free agent right now, currently in Fiji. Don't think he would be heading back to India due to the COVID situation. Can someone, somehow, let Uffy know?

In my opinion...

MUST re-sign:
Ulises Davila
Cameron Devlin
Oliver Sail
Steven Taylor
Clayton Lewis
Ben Waine
James McGarry
Louis Fenton

Maybe re-sign:
Luke DeVere (formed a great partnership with Taylor although he is injury prone)
Liam McGing (looked good in his starts)
Joshua Laws (good backup and has been decent in recent games)
Tomer Hemed (could let go if Krishna returns)

Let go:
Stefan Marinovic (promote Paulsen)
Matthew Ridenton
Charles Lokolingoy
Mirza Muratovic

I'd let Rufer go too.

Lonegunmen

NZPhoenixFan

Krishna is a free agent right now, currently in Fiji. Don't think he would be heading back to India due to the COVID situation. Can someone, somehow, let Uffy know?

In my opinion...

MUST re-sign:
Ulises Davila
Cameron Devlin
Oliver Sail
Steven Taylor
Clayton Lewis
Ben Waine
James McGarry
Louis Fenton

Maybe re-sign:
Luke DeVere (formed a great partnership with Taylor although he is injury prone)
Liam McGing (looked good in his starts)
Joshua Laws (good backup and has been decent in recent games)
Tomer Hemed (could let go if Krishna returns)

Let go:
Stefan Marinovic (promote Paulsen)
Matthew Ridenton
Charles Lokolingoy
Mirza Muratovic

I'd let Rufer go too.

Rufer has a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season so would be very unlikely either party would terminate that without very good reasoning, and secondly, it’s all well and good saying you’d get rid of Rufer, but there has to be a replacement that is at least as good, if not better, and which NZ midfielders would come in to do that role that aren’t in a better contract already

carlind

Lonegunmen

NZPhoenixFan

Krishna is a free agent right now, currently in Fiji. Don't think he would be heading back to India due to the COVID situation. Can someone, somehow, let Uffy know?

In my opinion...

MUST re-sign:
Ulises Davila
Cameron Devlin
Oliver Sail
Steven Taylor
Clayton Lewis
Ben Waine
James McGarry
Louis Fenton

Maybe re-sign:
Luke DeVere (formed a great partnership with Taylor although he is injury prone)
Liam McGing (looked good in his starts)
Joshua Laws (good backup and has been decent in recent games)
Tomer Hemed (could let go if Krishna returns)

Let go:
Stefan Marinovic (promote Paulsen)
Matthew Ridenton
Charles Lokolingoy
Mirza Muratovic

I'd let Rufer go too.

Rufer has a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season so would be very unlikely either party would terminate that without very good reasoning, and secondly, it’s all well and good saying you’d get rid of Rufer, but there has to be a replacement that is at least as good, if not better, and which NZ midfielders would come in to do that role that aren’t in a better contract already

Exactly this.

Just because a player isn't a certainty in the XI doesn't mean we should cut them. We need to build a solid level of depth in the squad with players that can come in when needed and do a job.

Guys like Sotirio and Rufer are prime examples of that, but our lack of depth means they get more minutes than their form/ability suggests they should.

Serious question: would we be able to get Roy inside the salary cap? He is 33 and has been playing in India for 2 seasons. Don't get me wrong, he'd still be deadly and I would welcome him with open arms - but I'd like to see him as well as another Marquee striker (more like Hooper and less like Hemed if possible!)

2ndBest

https://www.fijivillage.com/sports/Krishna-has-not-signed-any-new-deal-and-remains-in-the-country-x4r85f/#.YJjIniZsBPc.facebook

That photo
 

 

newzealandpower

Serious question: would we be able to get Roy inside the salary cap? He is 33 and has been playing in India for 2 seasons. Don't get me wrong, he'd still be deadly and I would welcome him with open arms - but I'd like to see him as well as another Marquee striker (more like Hooper and less like Hemed if possible!)

This would be ideal if we could fit Roy + a import ST but i'm guessing it'll be down to how much Indian teams will be offering him and maybe the covid situation when their season is about to start.

Macarthur FC are interested in Ulises Dávila and may table a huge offer to sign the midfielder for next season 👀🐮 [Fox Football Podcast] pic.twitter.com/GvVMOspmtr

— Daily Oz Football (@DailyOzFootball) May 13, 2021

Not a huge surprise, when the best player in the league becomes available it is natural for teams to be interested. Hopefully we can offer him a competitive package & he shows loyalty to Uffie again.

Tell'em they're dreaming.... The key word in that headline is may.  Must have been a slow news day today.

RR

Macarthur FC are interested in Ulises Dávila and may table a huge offer to sign the midfielder for next season 👀🐮 [Fox Football Podcast] pic.twitter.com/GvVMOspmtr

— Daily Oz Football (@DailyOzFootball) May 13, 2021

Not a huge surprise, when the best player in the league becomes available it is natural for teams to be interested. Hopefully we can offer him a competitive package & he shows loyalty to Uffie again.

Done deal as good as gone along with Waine, remember technically we have no licences after this season so players need to think about there future.

dont need a license to be in the new a-league, no FFA, no stupid metrics, we are part of the league as long as we want to be and looking to expand.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/125120814/phoenix-boss-hopeful-disappointing-stance-that-stopped-wleague-bid-will-be-reversed
I hope the club get a deal sorted with Davila ASAP, but I'm pretty sure he isn't going anywhere.

Royz

RR

Macarthur FC are interested in Ulises Dávila and may table a huge offer to sign the midfielder for next season 👀🐮 [Fox Football Podcast] pic.twitter.com/GvVMOspmtr

— Daily Oz Football (@DailyOzFootball) May 13, 2021

Not a huge surprise, when the best player in the league becomes available it is natural for teams to be interested. Hopefully we can offer him a competitive package & he shows loyalty to Uffie again.

Done deal as good as gone along with Waine, remember technically we have no licences after this season so players need to think about there future.

I spent the last few years dealing with a quite vicious bout of depression, and ended up having counselling and taking anti-depressants. Even during the darkest times, which I've fortunately come out the other side of now into sunnier, happier and with more self-confidence, I did always get a laugh at the fact that at least I'm not as consistently miserable as your posts on here are @Royz. Keep up the good work.

Balbi

Royz

RR

Macarthur FC are interested in Ulises Dávila and may table a huge offer to sign the midfielder for next season 👀🐮 [Fox Football Podcast] pic.twitter.com/GvVMOspmtr

— Daily Oz Football (@DailyOzFootball) May 13, 2021

Not a huge surprise, when the best player in the league becomes available it is natural for teams to be interested. Hopefully we can offer him a competitive package & he shows loyalty to Uffie again.

Done deal as good as gone along with Waine, remember technically we have no licences after this season so players need to think about there future.

I spent the last few years dealing with a quite vicious bout of depression, and ended up having counselling and taking anti-depressants. Even during the darkest times, which I've fortunately come out the other side of now into sunnier, happier and with more self-confidence, I did always get a laugh at the fact that at least I'm not as consistently miserable as your posts on here are @Royz. Keep up the good work.

 Sorry to read about your problems mate. Good on you for being upfront about it and it seems you have your sense of humour intact!

Niche Cache an interesting read. He’s not sure on Louis Fenton. 
Why I’d sign Louis Fenton: he’s scored goals and made blocks late in games. One of the few players in the team seemingly capable of a tactical foul. 

Even if he doesn’t start he’ll put pressure on the starters and would be able to contribute minutes if called on.  

I feel if everyone in the squad contributed as much as he has relative to their (perceived?) ability we’d be in the finals easy. 

On the other hand if we can do better great. But a reliable 5.5-7.5/10 each week, fitness and pace with a few goals thrown in, may be better than a new player who doesn’t settle. 

Perhaps he wouldn’t be in a champion team, but then again perhaps he would.

martinb

Niche Cache an interesting read. He’s not sure on Louis Fenton. 
Why I’d sign Louis Fenton: he’s scored goals and made blocks late in games. One of the few players in the team seemingly capable of a tactical foul. 

Even if he doesn’t start he’ll put pressure on the starters and would be able to contribute minutes if called on.  

I feel if everyone in the squad contributed as much as he has relative to their (perceived?) ability we’d be in the finals easy. 

On the other hand if we can do better great. But a reliable 5.5-7.5/10 each week, fitness and pace with a few goals thrown in, may be better than a new player who doesn’t settle. 

Perhaps he wouldn’t be in a champion team, but then again perhaps he would.

The season with Mark Rudan he was up there with the leagues best so if he rediscover that form again would be great but also could've been he suits the wingback role more

Wonder if we will fill all 5 visa slots next season. If we only use 4 again, we might as well invest the visa slot on Raphael Lea'i. He will be turning 18 in the A-League break, so can finally be signed by overseas clubs. We might have some competition for him tho.

If we have spots open we should spend them on trying to develop Oceania players, the problem is if we'd also want to save them for some flexibility to strengthen the squad in January.

The Wellington Phoenix star is set for a big-money move to the A-League's newest club, writes @lewieatlarge https://t.co/CisGiCuJJt

— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) May 17, 2021

He reckons Devlin is off to Victory as well.

RR

The Wellington Phoenix star is set for a big-money move to the A-League's newest club, writes @lewieatlarge https://t.co/CisGiCuJJt

— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) May 17, 2021

He reckons Devlin is off to Victory as well.

 Why isn't Davila being made a Marquee?

Can't blame Davila for taking a deal like that. 

Even Devlin, probably getting a good offer from Victory and may rather live in Australia. That move has been rumoured for months. He is the bite in midfield Victory need. When Devlin was on the bench for us I thought he would definitely go, but with him starting for us I hoped that may change.

Though the Devlin speculation was before I saw him in Wellington today and told him he's a legend, so hopefully that changes his decision haha.

Lonegunmen

RR

The Wellington Phoenix star is set for a big-money move to the A-League's newest club, writes @lewieatlarge https://t.co/CisGiCuJJt

— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) May 17, 2021

He reckons Devlin is off to Victory as well.

 Why isn't Davila being made a Marquee?

BRING KRISHNA BACK!!!

Colvinator

Can't blame Davila for taking a deal like that. 

Even Devlin, probably getting a good offer from Victory and may rather live in Australia. That move has been rumoured for months. He is the bite in midfield Victory need. When Devlin was on the bench for us I thought he would definitely go, but with him starting for us I hoped that may change.

Though the Devlin speculation was before I saw him in Wellington today and told him he's a legend, so hopefully that changes his decision haha.

You should have said "Cam, Stay! Think of the children, how sad they will be". Do the emotional blackmail trick. I hope both do stay although until we hear it officially, who knows.

 BRING KRISHNA BACK!!! 

Lonegunmen

RR

The Wellington Phoenix star is set for a big-money move to the A-League's newest club, writes @lewieatlarge https://t.co/CisGiCuJJt

— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) May 17, 2021

He reckons Devlin is off to Victory as well.

 Why isn't Davila being made a Marquee?

If we can have a fit Piscopo next season, that's a not bad replacement for Davila. (Though not as good).

It may be sensible, rather than blowing the budget to keep Davila, to look for a new striker with that money.

Lonegunmen

Colvinator

Can't blame Davila for taking a deal like that. 

Even Devlin, probably getting a good offer from Victory and may rather live in Australia. That move has been rumoured for months. He is the bite in midfield Victory need. When Devlin was on the bench for us I thought he would definitely go, but with him starting for us I hoped that may change.

Though the Devlin speculation was before I saw him in Wellington today and told him he's a legend, so hopefully that changes his decision haha.

You should have said "Cam, Stay! Think of the children, how sad they will be". Do the emotional blackmail trick. I hope both do stay although until we hear it officially, who knows.

Unfortunately didn't know of this news when saw him, otherwise would've got on my knees to beg.

I’d be gutted if either of those happened. Especially since we gave both their a-league shot. Would like them to sign a new two year deal, they can leave after next season. It’s only fair since we’ve been robbed of them this one. 

Shame our academy kids have had a season away from the first team, I wonder if that will stifle their development and mean we won't have the same production line of talent next season that we've had the last couple. 

I wouldn't begrudge Davilla a big money move, he's in the peak years of his career and he should cash in while he can - although I'd prefer he not play against the nix and go somewhere like India instead. 

Try to get Singh back on loan??

Bummer.
Does seem a bit unfair that having made him an A league star the owners don’t get much in the way of gate takings to go with it! 
He’s been truly amazing. Have to sing his name for 90 minutes even if he isn’t playing!

Don't believe everything you read.

I'd expect some signing announcements this week as the club tries to capitalise on the press attention.

Dave Lewis is normally a bullshirt artist. James Dodd is not. Confirmed, Davila leaving to the Bulls.

Expect Devlin to leave to the Vuc and Uffie to not re-sign. About what I expected. Not the end of the world, let's see how we respond.

The way Ufuk has been speaking lately, seems like he will be staying around. He's already talking about the type of squad he wants for next season. Won't be surprised if he has a replacement lined up already.

BRING BACK KRISHNA!

I'd be more upset if we lose Devlin, he has been crucial for us in the midfield. Davila has been brilliant for us but in reality he is an import and we have a younger, potentially better player in Piscopo who can play that wide 10 role that Ufuk likes. I'm amazed that MacArthur have that kind of money to throw around though with the cash they had to spend to get into the league with limited TV money.

Tyler

Rumours on Facebook the Davila has signed for MacArthur?

Has been reported by TWG, who are patchy on these at best. Wouldn't be surprised if he goes, but not the done deal many are saying - there's a reason no one has officially announced it and it isn't done until that happens.