WPM 2021/22 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination
Tratt was a bit different though, he had some sort of mental health issue.
Tratt was a bit different though, he had some sort of mental health issue.
False equivalency. Given Tratt had that article published about his struggles, I'm way more inclined to believe him over those who simply wanted to leave for greener pastures. Not a very fair comparison
Payne is a great signing for the club, easily first XI quality in multiple positions and plays with the sort of heart we want to see.
Chuffed with that
Chuffed with that
I've seen him play loads for Argyle and Leeds, my two other teams. He's a piss poor signing for us. Was regularly booed off the park at both clubs.
Would much rather play Alex at the back then him.
He was one half of the defence that nearly got Argyle relegated last season. Very much a desperation signing and if he's the best we can get the club has some serious cashflow/recruitment issues
Would much rather play Alex at the back then him.
He was one half of the defence that nearly got Argyle relegated last season. Very much a desperation signing and if he's the best we can get the club has some serious cashflow/recruitment issues
Comment hasn't aged well.
A very nicely taken header, and only 1 goal conceded in 3 games - that being in the 92nd min.
Yet another very smart signing by Uffie/Gill. They just continually get it right re the visa guys especially.
True but he did have a brain fade that nearly cost us but made up for it with a good goal. Only time will tell and I’d be happy to be proved wrong but 3 good games vs 100+ bang average ones says more although I did say League Two (about lower A League level) is about his level.
Great news. Next season is shaping up to be quite good. Uffie to stay and a competitive squad in the process of being assembled. If we can play at home, we could give any team a run for their money!
Great news. Next season is shaping up to be quite good. Uffie to stay and a competitive squad in the process of being assembled. If we can play at home, we could give any team a run for their money!
God I hope so! I've seriously missed watching football at the stadium (haven't we all). Be great to see Uffie get a proper season under his belt before he likely leaves.
So can someone explain to me what’s going to happen with our squad for the next few games? A midfield of one? A few guys flying in from NZ?
So can someone explain to me what’s going to happen with our squad for the next few games? A midfield of one? A few guys flying in from NZ?
So can someone explain to me what’s going to happen with our squad for the next few games? A midfield of one? A few guys flying in from NZ?
Sail, Lewis, Old & Waine on AWs Duty
Ball is suspended
Rufer, Piscopo & van Hattum under injury clouds
McGarry just back training after knee surgery
I would expect that Paulsen comes in between the sticks, Surman will slot in at CB with Laws moving into DM (if Rufer isn't available) & Fenton will play in the wide #10 role (if Piscopo isn't fit).
Bench will be made up of the WeeNix kids we have over there (Gray, Mogg, Manuel & Ott) and squadies like Bozinovski, Elliott, McGarry. So highly unlikely we send anyone new over.
So can someone explain to me what’s going to happen with our squad for the next few games? A midfield of one? A few guys flying in from NZ?
Sail, Lewis, Old & Waine on AWs Duty
Ball is suspended
Rufer, Piscopo & van Hattum under injury clouds
McGarry just back training after knee surgery
I would expect that Paulsen comes in between the sticks, Surman will slot in at CB with Laws moving into DM (if Rufer isn't available) & Fenton will play in the wide #10 role (if Piscopo isn't fit).
Bench will be made up of the WeeNix kids we have over there (Gray, Mogg, Manuel & Ott) and squadies like Bozinovski, Elliott, McGarry. So highly unlikely we send anyone new over.
So that’s a starting team of
Sutton(Fenton)/Wootton/Surman/Payne
Pennington/Laws
Sutts(Elliot)/ Sotirio/Hoops/Sandoval
I honestly think Sutton or Elliot may be better starting further forward than Louis on his last showing. It also leaves him able to cover either FB, which will be needed. Bit worried at how little we’ve seen Elliot.
Very light on impact subs! Don’t know much about Gray, Mogg, Ott or Manuel. Not sure what our midfield cover is there or further forward tbh.
Gray is a GK, so not a lot of help in midfield. Same for Ott, who's a pretty classic target man from what I've seen and Mogg is a no nonsense left-sided CB who's probably behind Surman but ahead of Boz in the pecking order.
Manuel will be in consideration for the CM roles, but he's quite young - recently turned 18. Looks a good player with potential from what I've seen of him but maybe too early just now. Still, you'd have to think that this would be his chance if he's been impressing at training.
Manuel will be in consideration for the CM roles, but he's quite young - recently turned 18. Looks a good player with potential from what I've seen of him but maybe too early just now. Still, you'd have to think that this would be his chance if he's been impressing at training.
Remember it's likely only one Nix game (Newcastle) that Sail, Lewis, Old & Waine will miss. And yeah if is chance to bring some of Gray, Mogg, Manuel & Ott onto the bench that's sort of an investment into the club's future. Pity van Hattum is injured.
Bozinovski like fellow young Aussie Prso before him, seemingly failing to impress.
Bozinovski like fellow young Aussie Prso before him, seemingly failing to impress.
But Nix now better prepared, than they were 10 years ago for that trip to Melb City (1-1 draw), which also clashed with the AWs. They were forced to chuck in Spoonley (played 3 Nix games), Rowe (2 games) & Biss (only game he got). 4 debuts I read somewhere for that game. Very early days of the Academy back then. Fenton played in that match.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2012/10/14/australia/a-league/melbourne-heart-fc/wellington-phoenix/1296770/
Any news on Rufer yet?
Is Krishna returning?
Any news on Rufer yet?
Any news on Rufer yet?
yeah real shame, puts massive pressure on our limited midfield options. Hopefully we are not desperate enough to recall Ridenton. One of the young guns would be a better option.
Our squad depth will really be tested this week. Will be interesting to see how our midfield shapes up.
yeah real shame, puts massive pressure on our limited midfield options. Hopefully we are not desperate enough to recall Ridenton. One of the young guns would be a better option.
Very sad news. He was making a fine fist of being captain, leading by example and his general play was very strong. I dont know how they will replace all that at this stage of the season. Hopefully some experienced midfielder is out there, sorry I don't think a kid is really able to fit the bill.
Talay mentioned in the post-game presser that one option is to move Laws into midfield (and presumably Payne back to CB).
yeah real shame, puts massive pressure on our limited midfield options. Hopefully we are not desperate enough to recall Ridenton. One of the young guns would be a better option.
NPL season has just kicked off, so there will be match fit options we can poach & Ridenton knows the game plan but I reckon we would be better off giving any game time to the kids.
Pennington/Lewis would be the first pairing, Laws 3rd option (with either Surman coming in at CB or Payne moving in). Jackson Manuel is pretty highly rated as a DM & Ben Old can play in the middle, if we need a 4th option.
Won't happen, but offer Cam Howieson a short term contract. If he's to have any chance of cracking a 23 man AWs squad for IC playoff, or Qatar if AWs win through that - he has to be playing pro football.
2-3 months in Aussie, to see what he can do. Hardly a big sacrifice on his part, re time away from Auckland. Who knows Thomas, may not be fit again this year. Then if any of Bell, Stamenic or Lewis had a major injury - a spot could just open up in a potential World Cup year.
2-3 months in Aussie, to see what he can do. Hardly a big sacrifice on his part, re time away from Auckland. Who knows Thomas, may not be fit again this year. Then if any of Bell, Stamenic or Lewis had a major injury - a spot could just open up in a potential World Cup year.
That's rotten luck for Alex and is going to hurt our playoff chances for sure. Grounds for optimism for him though: he's only 25 and with good management and attitude there is no reason why he won't make a full recovery, maybe even a bit quicker than 12 months, and be back some time early 2023.
Best of luck to him anyway.
Best of luck to him anyway.
I'm sure he's got Louis in his ear giving him a few pointers on how to keep his chin up. Not many players would be better suited to give that advice than him.
That's rotten luck for Alex and is going to hurt our playoff chances for sure. Grounds for optimism for him though: he's only 25 and with good management and attitude there is no reason why he won't make a full recovery, maybe even a bit quicker than 12 months, and be back some time early 2023.
Best of luck to him anyway.
Best of luck to him anyway.
I echo this statement. I'm sure it's devastating for poor Alex, and is very poor timing for us going into what will be a very busy backend of our season. It's never good to see anyone suffer an injury like that, regardless of the level they play at.
Rest and recover well Alex, the club and the supporters are all behind you. 🟡⚫🦅
I'm sure he's got Louis in his ear giving him a few pointers on how to keep his chin up. Not many players would be better suited to give that advice than him.
He also has his own injury recovery rehab history to fall back on. Badly broke his leg a few years back playing for Weenix. Was out for awhile (not 12 mths admittedly) from memory.
I'm sure he's got Louis in his ear giving him a few pointers on how to keep his chin up. Not many players would be better suited to give that advice than him.
He also has his own injury recovery rehab history to fall back on. Badly broke his leg a few years back playing for Weenix. Was out for awhile (not 12 mths admittedly) from memory.
I was listening this morning to a discussion about another player, Florian Wirtz, who also suffered an ACL tear on the weekend, and the timeline to recovery they were discussing there was closer to 7-9 months.
Still a very long time, but getting back Oct/Nov/Dec ‘22 is a lot better than March ‘23, so the 12 months might just be a maximum conservative timeline. Every player is different of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic famously came back from an ACL tear in seven months at 36 when people said it would be career-ending.
That's rotten luck for Alex and is going to hurt our playoff chances for sure. Grounds for optimism for him though: he's only 25 and with good management and attitude there is no reason why he won't make a full recovery, maybe even a bit quicker than 12 months, and be back some time early 2023.
Best of luck to him anyway.
Best of luck to him anyway.
And maybe get Ross Aloisi back too, to give him another expert alongside Uffie in how to commit a good foul without damaging yourself!
We’ll miss you heaps Ruufa, rest up and come back.
And remember you’re the club captain so steer clear of the golf carts and pedal boats during convalescence…
I'm sure he's got Louis in his ear giving him a few pointers on how to keep his chin up. Not many players would be better suited to give that advice than him.
He also has his own injury recovery rehab history to fall back on. Badly broke his leg a few years back playing for Weenix. Was out for awhile (not 12 mths admittedly) from memory.
I was listening this morning to a discussion about another player, Florian Wirtz, who also suffered an ACL tear on the weekend, and the timeline to recovery they were discussing there was closer to 7-9 months.
Still a very long time, but getting back Oct/Nov/Dec ‘22 is a lot better than March ‘23, so the 12 months might just be a maximum conservative timeline. Every player is different of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic famously came back from an ACL tear in seven months at 36 when people said it would be career-ending.
Harris is due back in early May, so a 9.5 month lay off. Though there have been murmurings of an earlier return. 12 months is very conservative (or Alex's injury has been deemed quite serious?)
I'm sure he's got Louis in his ear giving him a few pointers on how to keep his chin up. Not many players would be better suited to give that advice than him.
He also has his own injury recovery rehab history to fall back on. Badly broke his leg a few years back playing for Weenix. Was out for awhile (not 12 mths admittedly) from memory.
I was listening this morning to a discussion about another player, Florian Wirtz, who also suffered an ACL tear on the weekend, and the timeline to recovery they were discussing there was closer to 7-9 months.
Still a very long time, but getting back Oct/Nov/Dec ‘22 is a lot better than March ‘23, so the 12 months might just be a maximum conservative timeline. Every player is different of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic famously came back from an ACL tear in seven months at 36 when people said it would be career-ending.
Harris is due back in early May, so a 9.5 month lay off. Though there have been murmurings of an earlier return. 12 months is very conservative (or Alex's injury has been deemed quite serious?)
They said he would be operated on in 4 - 6 weeks. Sounds like they're not in a rush.
I'm sure he's got Louis in his ear giving him a few pointers on how to keep his chin up. Not many players would be better suited to give that advice than him.
He also has his own injury recovery rehab history to fall back on. Badly broke his leg a few years back playing for Weenix. Was out for awhile (not 12 mths admittedly) from memory.
I was listening this morning to a discussion about another player, Florian Wirtz, who also suffered an ACL tear on the weekend, and the timeline to recovery they were discussing there was closer to 7-9 months.
Still a very long time, but getting back Oct/Nov/Dec ‘22 is a lot better than March ‘23, so the 12 months might just be a maximum conservative timeline. Every player is different of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic famously came back from an ACL tear in seven months at 36 when people said it would be career-ending.
Harris is due back in early May, so a 9.5 month lay off. Though there have been murmurings of an earlier return. 12 months is very conservative (or Alex's injury has been deemed quite serious?)
They said he would be operated on in 4 - 6 weeks. Sounds like they're not in a rush.
May just take that long to plan and book the surgery, esp when you have a health system under some stress. Or needs time for swelling to reduce or something. And so not really an indicator they are in no rush.
Good read from the Niche Cache, as per.
Do find it a little strange when discussing CM options that Jackson Manuel (who I believe is with the squad over there) didn't even get a mention but otherwise pretty comprehensive coverage of the options for the rest of the season.
Big hole to fill.
Did I see the Nix's Fezbook page put up a photo of Krishna randomly the other day? Was there a particular reason for it?
Nice article. I think that comments about Pennington's passing are a little unfair. In his only two full matches, in the cup, Western United and Melbourne city, his stats have been as good or better than anyone in regard to both passing and winning the ball. I would argue that any passing errors come from attempts to create opportunity, which by it's nature is speculative as team mates either make the expected run or they don't. More minutes and he'll be more familiar with his team mate's runs.
Nice article. I think that comments about Pennington's passing are a little unfair. In his only two full matches, in the cup, Western United and Melbourne city, his stats have been as good or better than anyone in regard to both passing and winning the ball. I would argue that any passing errors come from attempts to create opportunity, which by it's nature is speculative as team mates either make the expected run or they don't. More minutes and he'll be more familiar with his team mate's runs.
I think there was a similar criticism of Sandoval in a recent game. He played a lot of dangerous balls through looking for Waine and Sotirio, but some of them didn’t come off.
Look at the amount of time and criticism Rufer got before he found the form he has now.
I think we have to judge Pennington’s game by what instructions or role we think he’s playing and by the same standards we judged Rufer and Lewis, who, let’s be honest have had some honking games this season before Sandoval arrived. As well their uptick in form coincided with having Piscopo, Ball and Sandoval as outlets in front of them, Payne as a more solid option at RB and Wootton in at CB.
It doesn’t mean that Rufer and Lewis are poor, but we have to judge Pennington with that context in mind.
The other thing Pennington may bring is a goal threat that Lewis and Rufer potentially have, but haven’t demonstrated this year at all, though both have made fantastic attacking dribbles and passes.
Anyway, hope to see a bit of KungFu Panda celebrating on here, because it’ll mean Pennington has been top notch and the Nix have continued their march up the table.
Anyway, hope to see a bit of KungFu Panda celebrating on here, because it’ll mean Pennington has been top notch and the Nix have continued their march up the table.