Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
That would be a good signing, probably not a cheap one tho.
Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
That would be a good signing, probably not a cheap one tho.
Is he still playing well for QPR? If so probably yes too expensive for Welnix.
Nix tend to get Championship/EPL guys who have slipped down to League One (Taylor) or been out injured for awhile like Hooper, or just want a whole change of scene (football & lifestyle wise) like Ifill - so likely a bit cheaper.
Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
That would be a good signing, probably not a cheap one tho.
Is he still playing well for QPR? If so probably yes too expensive for Welnix.
Nix tend to get Championship/EPL guys who have slipped down to League One (Taylor) or been out injured for awhile like Hooper, or just want a whole change of scene (football & lifestyle wise) like Ifill - so likely a bit cheaper.
5 goals in 31 games, released as he didn’t make the minimum appearance requirement
Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
That would be a good signing, probably not a cheap one tho.
Is he still playing well for QPR? If so probably yes too expensive for Welnix.
Nix tend to get Championship/EPL guys who have slipped down to League One (Taylor) or been out injured for awhile like Hooper, or just want a whole change of scene (football & lifestyle wise) like Ifill - so likely a bit cheaper.
Hasn't scored more than 10 in the championship for the past 3 seasons. Now 32 I can't really see a championship team picking him up so he might be assessing overseas options to get a last pay day
Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
That would be a good signing, probably not a cheap one tho.
Is he still playing well for QPR? If so probably yes too expensive for Welnix.
Nix tend to get Championship/EPL guys who have slipped down to League One (Taylor) or been out injured for awhile like Hooper, or just want a whole change of scene (football & lifestyle wise) like Ifill - so likely a bit cheaper.
Hasn't scored more than 10 in the championship for the past 3 seasons. Now 32 I can't really see a championship team picking him up so he might be assessing overseas options to get a last pay day
He didn't make the minimum requirement because that cnut Les Ferdinand - the DOF wouldn't allow him to play in the last two games and thus meet them. He's not been used as he should have been.
Charlie Austin is a free agent, Gary Hooper is leaving, we have a good track record with English imports, the team should be back in Wellington so jet ski club could be back on… I mean, it’s a no brainer surely
That would be a good signing, probably not a cheap one tho.
Is he still playing well for QPR? If so probably yes too expensive for Welnix.
Nix tend to get Championship/EPL guys who have slipped down to League One (Taylor) or been out injured for awhile like Hooper, or just want a whole change of scene (football & lifestyle wise) like Ifill - so likely a bit cheaper.
Hasn't scored more than 10 in the championship for the past 3 seasons. Now 32 I can't really see a championship team picking him up so he might be assessing overseas options to get a last pay day
He didn't make the minimum requirement because that cnut Les Ferdinand - the DOF wouldn't allow him to play in the last two games and thus meet them. He's not been used as he should have been.
Good striker, comes fired up with a point to prove?
Maybe we can still talk Gary into one more season though, with a good break in the off season. Not sure he’s really ready to retire. He’ll get the itch to be playing and I know he’s good enough for the A league. With hopefully a bit more control over the schedule next year can manage his workload…
Those Krishna rumors. I wonder how he’d go and what kind of player he’d be. Surely the A league is tougher than what he’s been playing?
So that’s settled? Next year’s front 3 Hooper/Austin/Krishna?
WSW look like there going to have a clean out. They have some handy players coming off contract. Petratos, Najjarine, Ugakovic, Hemed?
I’d 100% take Hemed back if we can’t get anyone better. The other three are meh for me and I’d rather (feasible or not) see us go for players like Rojas, Champness, Jelacic etc
Greg Stewart top-scored in the ISL last year with Jamshedpur. Not sure how long he's contracted for there, but our last recruit from there didn't do too badly
Rumor is Hemed is heading back to Israel to see out his career at home.
But, hopefully the success that the likes of Hooper and Taylor had, and their fondness for the club, means we can attract other players of similar pedigree.
Greg Stewart top-scored in the ISL last year with Jamshedpur. Not sure how long he's contracted for there, but our last recruit from there didn't do too badly
As dons fan, hell no. Overweight and pointless. Was never sure if it was down to our manager, but wasn’t convinced. He would eat all the pies in wellington
A very early, very hypothetical wish list for 22/23 if all of Sail, McGarry, Sotirio, Hooper, Sandoval, Piscopo are to leave: Screen Shot 2022-05-06 at 10.06.01 PM.png665.63 KBFrom top to bottom: - Import Striker. Waineo could do a job but realistically need an import striker to replace Hooper. Charlie Austin is a free agent, Krishna is apparently leaving India, plenty of other options too. - De Jong. A solid player and could fill Sotirio's spot, although is a wildly different player to Jaush. - Rojas and/or Champness. Best local options to replace Piscopo, both arguably better than him. - Jelacic. Been ripping it up in the NPL QLD, has some A-League experience, is a kiwi. Worth a shot I reckon, could be average, could be an absolute gem. - Import AM. Although he hasn't impressed to Uli's level, I'd probably keep Sandoval if we can. Otherwise Riku Danzaki (young Japanese AM, was Brisbane's golden boot last season but hasn't kicked on in the J1 League this year) could be a great choice. Another position with lots of options. - Steinmann. Rufer still likely a while out with lots of recovery to come, Steinmann works in our system, is really good and has been mismanaged at Brisbane. - Schnell? Desperately need midfield depth. The often mentioned Zwetsloot would be my first pick but he's better off starting in the MLS reserve league with an eye on breaking into the New England first team. Not sure if Schnell is the best option here but he's young and seems to be a quality player? - Wilkins. Need LB cover if McGarry leaves. Apart from Deklan Wynne who needs the starting minutes, Wilkins is probably the next best NZ LB. Playing at a pretty low level at the moment and with Sutton a chance to head overseas soon he'd be a great shout as next in line for the Nix LB spot. - Pijnaker. Yeah this one's unlikely. Need defensive cover and Pijnaker needs to start games in a competitive league. Tbh I'd rather Nando get a move in Europe and start there, but if not I'd take him in a heartbeat for the Nix. If he gets a good European move though then sign Stanger for the bench and start Laws. - Kalua. Hate to say it but Louis' starting to look like he's finished. If he goes then Kalua is the best player to fill his spot. Unlike Ingham and Billingsley he can play anywhere on the backline. - Jones. If Oli goes then Paulsen needs a backup. Henry Gray is too young and inexperienced for me, needs a good few seasons for the Weenix. Zac Jones went over to Wales recently but he's been stuck riding the pine. Bring him home and get him ready to take the No. 1 when Paulsen eventually gets a move overseas.
WSW look like there going to have a clean out. They have some handy players coming off contract. Petratos, Najjarine, Ugakovic, Hemed?
I’d 100% take Hemed back if we can’t get anyone better. The other three are meh for me and I’d rather (feasible or not) see us go for players like Rojas, Champness, Jelacic etc
Najjarine's got a ton of talent and is only 22. Uffie could do wonders with a guy like him.
A very early, very hypothetical wish list for 22/23 if all of Sail, McGarry, Sotirio, Hooper, Sandoval, Piscopo are to leave: Screen Shot 2022-05-06 at 10.06.01 PM.png665.63 KBFrom top to bottom: - Import Striker. Waineo could do a job but realistically need an import striker to replace Hooper. Charlie Austin is a free agent, Krishna is apparently leaving India, plenty of other options too. - De Jong. A solid player and could fill Sotirio's spot, although is a wildly different player to Jaush. - Rojas and/or Champness. Best local options to replace Piscopo, both arguably better than him. - Jelacic. Been ripping it up in the NPL QLD, has some A-League experience, is a kiwi. Worth a shot I reckon, could be average, could be an absolute gem. - Import AM. Although he hasn't impressed to Uli's level, I'd probably keep Sandoval if we can. Otherwise Riku Danzaki (young Japanese AM, was Brisbane's golden boot last season but hasn't kicked on in the J1 League this year) could be a great choice. Another position with lots of options. - Steinmann. Rufer still likely a while out with lots of recovery to come, Steinmann works in our system, is really good and has been mismanaged at Brisbane. - Schnell? Desperately need midfield depth. The often mentioned Zwetsloot would be my first pick but he's better off starting in the MLS reserve league with an eye on breaking into the New England first team. Not sure if Schnell is the best option here but he's young and seems to be a quality player? - Wilkins. Need LB cover if McGarry leaves. Apart from Deklan Wynne who needs the starting minutes, Wilkins is probably the next best NZ LB. Playing at a pretty low level at the moment and with Sutton a chance to head overseas soon he'd be a great shout as next in line for the Nix LB spot. - Pijnaker. Yeah this one's unlikely. Need defensive cover and Pijnaker needs to start games in a competitive league. Tbh I'd rather Nando get a move in Europe and start there, but if not I'd take him in a heartbeat for the Nix. If he gets a good European move though then sign Stanger for the bench and start Laws. - Kalua. Hate to say it but Louis' starting to look like he's finished. If he goes then Kalua is the best player to fill his spot. Unlike Ingham and Billingsley he can play anywhere on the backline. - Jones. If Oli goes then Paulsen needs a backup. Henry Gray is too young and inexperienced for me, needs a good few seasons for the Weenix. Zac Jones went over to Wales recently but he's been stuck riding the pine. Bring him home and get him ready to take the No. 1 when Paulsen eventually gets a move overseas.
Agree with a number of your ideas, with some variations - Champness, far more a replacement for Sotiro than Piscopo. He ain't no creative midfielder. But I reckon Joey C will be keen on a return to Euroland. Some of the bigger Turtkish clubs were rumoured to be looking at him a few months back. Rumoured
- Schnell, yeah worth a trial at least. Part of that quality U20 team, 2019. One of the better domestic NZ players. Do they have much faith in Manuel to come through? Have hardly played him. Contracts for Rufer, Lewis, Pennington & Laws all expire next season. That is a concern. Alex & Clayton (if Narelle agrees) may want to have a crack overseas. Will be easier to look seriously at NZ Domestic players with team based in NZ going forward. Seemed to let Oli Whyte slip away
- Wilkins. Too early likely. Sutton will definitely be garnering interest overseas. But makes sense he stays at least one more season. He should, His contract doesn't expire until 2024/25 (3 more seasons), so Nix have plenty of time to sell him for a fee. Plus Wilkins still has 2 more seasons with Kolding in Denmark after this one. Also continues to seem a reluctance for Ole alumni to sign for the Nix. Mcgarry goes though, and yes Nix need a Sutton backup. Some folks here have backed Jack Henry-Sinclair for years
- Pijnaker. Nah he'll be looking at elsewhere in Europe. A League One type team could look at him if he continues to do well in Ireland. Or who knows his parent club Rio Ave, may even recall him. Though they are at good odds to be promoted back to Primeira Liga in Portugal. Atop the 2nd Div by a pt with 2 games left. Nando you think would more likely be recalled if they were staying another season in Segunda Liga. With Payne, Surman, Wootton & Laws not sure Nix need another CB signing anyway. Depends where Talay sees Payne playing I guess. But looking at the NPL, Academy or domestic NZ for a young guy makes some sense. Hopefully more a Surman than a Bozinovski
- Kalua, yipe why not give him a trial like Schnell. Fenton sadly does seem a bit of a passenger now. Uffie playing Sotiro and Waine ahead of him not a good sign. Kalua's versatility like Payne would be handy.
- Jones. He may want to stay where he is in Wales. It's 'Europe' after all. If Sail goes, and Paulsen looks the goods, Nix may just have to find a NPL/NZ domestic keeper happy to be on the pine all season. Agree Gray would just seem too young to back another teenager. Cameron Brown? Keegan Smith? Conor Tracey?
- Jelacic. We don't know much about him. I'm sure Talay & Gill know of him. QLD NPL level is weaker than VIC & NSW for sure. But yipe he's scoring goals aplenty & been in the Roar system. Sotiro, Piscopo, Hooper & Sandoval all leave and Uffie/Gill will end up spending many hours analysing all sorts of players, as they get spammed by various agents touting their clients. That's where the world's longest off season becomes a blessing. No hurry to sign anyone. They'll take their time. Sorting out the forward line for next season, likely their biggest off season job. Don't rule out another Mexican from Liga MX we have never heard of before.
I know Sandoval has been a bit talked down, but I think he’s been very good. He can look a bit laconic in possession, but has really affected games for us.
He might not have the busy feet Uli or Bally or Reno have, but he’s scored goals, made great passes and created opportunities on the break. Plus he’s done a ton of defensive work too.
He’s not quite the same focal point Uli was, but very few players are.
I’ve enjoyed watching him and if he wants to stay I’d be very happy for him to.
I know Sandoval has been a bit talked down, but I think he’s been very good. He can look a bit laconic in possession, but has really affected games for us.
He might not have the busy feet Uli or Bally or Reno have, but he’s scored goals, made great passes and created opportunities on the break. Plus he’s done a ton of defensive work too.
He’s not quite the same focal point Uli was, but very few players are.
I’ve enjoyed watching him and if he wants to stay I’d be very happy for him to.
Definitely think he's worth keeping if he wants to stay, the key is filling out the rest of the squad so he can play the more advanced role we brought him in for where losing the ball isn't going to immediately put us in a position where players are scrambling to cover
I think Sandoval has been harshly judged by many. With Lewis and Rufer out, He has recently had to play in one of their two positions and the midfield has been overrun. It is not his natural role and why he was hired by the club. Next year hopefully he will be able to play his natural position and is definitely worth keeping in my book
I know Sandoval has been a bit talked down, but I think he’s been very good. He can look a bit laconic in possession, but has really affected games for us.
He might not have the busy feet Uli or Bally or Reno have, but he’s scored goals, made great passes and created opportunities on the break. Plus he’s done a ton of defensive work too.
He’s not quite the same focal point Uli was, but very few players are.
I’ve enjoyed watching him and if he wants to stay I’d be very happy for him to.
Issue for me is we could utilise that spot (and, more importantly, $$$) much, much better. Has far too many drawbacks to rely on him as either a primary playmaker or offensive threat
Perhaps, but we've seen too many times over the years imports that either just aren't as good as we hoped. Either that or they only sign on a one year deal and take half the season to settle in.
Melbourne Victory have apparently approached Piscopo.
I would expect every AL club will want to talk to him. But Victory would be a backwards step in terms of game time, Ikonomidis is a full Socceroo can't even lock in a starting spot with them.
Off contract A-League players I'd snap up in the annual merry-go round: Defenders: - Lacroix (CB, WU). An import so only if we had the space. - Tongyik (CB, CCM). - Farrell (LB, CCM).
Midfielders: - Steinmann (DM, BRI). Also an import but worthy of the slot. - Nisbet (DM, CCM). - Nieuwenhof (DM, SYD). - Thurgate (CM, NEW). - Rojas (AM, MV). - Najjarine (AM, WSW).
Forwards: - Irankunda? (ST, ADL). He's only 16 so not sure if it's actually allowed. - Hemed (ST, WSW). Import and would only take him back if we can't get anyone better to replace Hooper.
Some good players like Colakovski are off contract but already going somewhere else. I also wouldn't take all of these players, but they're the ones I'd pick from.
Side note: Who might be a good back-up for Paulsen if Sail goes? I remember Munford had an eye on him in case of injury when he was in Wollongong. Not too familiar with the keepers in NZ though.
With Sotirio jetting off, I wonder if Uffie will look at the off contract Trent Buhagiar. He knows the system from his time at Sydney, he is quick and strong, played 100+ matches (only 35 starts tho) and is 24 yrs old. He has some injury issues, which has limited his appearances over his 7 seasons in the A-League.
With Sotirio jetting off, I wonder if Uffie will look at the off contract Trent Buhagiar. He knows the system from his time at Sydney, he is quick and strong, played 100+ matches (only 35 starts tho) and is 24 yrs old. He has some injury issues, which has limited his appearances over his 7 seasons in the A-League.
I don't hugely rate Buhagiar, but then again we all thought Sotirio would be rubbish when he signed. If Uffie can work his magic and teach Trent how to put shots on target (like he's done with Jaush) that could be a good signing
With all this talk around who would be a good fit and who we could get in during the off season, I'm going to take a slightly different angle. I do believe we need to be strengthening from outside the academy overall, but am just interested to see who is next likely to make the jump to the first team.
Would there be anyone from the current WeeNix setup that we'd be looking to get in? We probably don't need to based on the fact we've got a lot of youngsters already. But doesn't hurt to cast an eye to the future because our academy has been pumping out some decent quality recently. Would love to see that production line continue.
Aside from all the names mentioned in above posts as well, would it be worthwhile casting an eye to the likes of James Musa and Elliot Collier?
Musa, very experienced in the middle of the park, which could be good for us given the likely missing of a decent part of next season for Alex Ruger with his injury. Played at a decent level with Phoenix Rising, bit part player at Minnesota in the MLS and now in the last year of contract over there.
Collier is in good form and being a fringe AW he's definitely got some quality about him. He's a tall bit of timber too, got some good footwork for a big lad, and has come into some good goal scoring form in the early part of this season in the USL.
I don't know, just throwing some names out there. Feel free to discuss.
With Sotirio jetting off, I wonder if Uffie will look at the off contract Trent Buhagiar. He knows the system from his time at Sydney, he is quick and strong, played 100+ matches (only 35 starts tho) and is 24 yrs old. He has some injury issues, which has limited his appearances over his 7 seasons in the A-League.
Scored some cracking goals this season and laid on a few too. Would definitely be worth considering as a like for like replacement for Sotirio.
How many of those off-contract Australian guys will want to come to the Phoenix? Any of the guys that have quality will have several suitors, and you’d imagine the only non-Australian team would probably rank low, so you either get the unwanted guys who are basically memes (like Sotirio, Lokolingoy), guys who can’t break through (like Devlin, Prso), guys who are finished (like Devere) or guys who have been years overseas (like Piscopo, Laws, Pennington).
Once they do show they can play, they’ll inevitably go to Australian teams, like Sotirio, Burgess, Devlin and probably Piscopo.
I also don’t think you have to sign only academy guys from in NZ. There’s plenty of quality that just doesn’t have a pathway. The few times there are a proven pathway we see guys go pro, like Alex Grieve, the kids going to Helsingør, the kids going to Ljungskile. The Phoenix academy guys regularly finished at the bottom of the national league, so why not look at guys who are from teams that beat them?
As for Academy players stepping up, you gotta think anyone close to 1st team ready would already be with the squad.
Yeah I think Van Hattum and Surman will be the ones that stick around in the senior side. Bidois, Ott, Manuel, Mogg, Toomey and Gray would probably be better off with another season for the reserves.
How many of those off-contract Australian guys will want to come to the Phoenix? Any of the guys that have quality will have several suitors, and you’d imagine the only non-Australian team would probably rank low, so you either get the unwanted guys who are basically memes (like Sotirio, Lokolingoy), guys who can’t break through (like Devlin, Prso), guys who are finished (like Devere) or guys who have been years overseas (like Piscopo, Laws, Pennington).
Once they do show they can play, they’ll inevitably go to Australian teams, like Sotirio, Burgess, Devlin and probably Piscopo.
I also don’t think you have to sign only academy guys from in NZ. There’s plenty of quality that just doesn’t have a pathway. The few times there are a proven pathway we see guys go pro, like Alex Grieve, the kids going to Helsingør, the kids going to Ljungskile. The Phoenix academy guys regularly finished at the bottom of the national league, so why not look at guys who are from teams that beat them?
Uffie’s developed a bit of reputation for developing and trusting young talent now so I reckon there’s a good chance some of those A-League aussies would consider coming over. Plus we play attractive football and have the ability and ambition to challenge for silverware. Realistically most of the off contract aussies will go to other clubs but I wouldn’t write us off.
Non academy local kiwis should definitely be considered, although we’ve had trouble signing Olé boys in the past. Standouts like Kalua, Schnell, Sinclair, Brotherton, Mitchell etc are probably worth a look but they’re the kind of players you’d want to trial, which hasn’t really been possible the last few seasons.
Wouldn't be that happy if Sotirio went to another A-League team. We look a better team when he's on the field.
While it is clear as day Sotirio has really come on this season, it still worries me that we look garbage without him. He should still be a backup option to other fowards in my eyes, not our main attacking threat. Hopefully some new signings will address this concern.
I understand McGarry wanting to go as hes never really cemented a spot in the team but Jets using an import slot on him is bizarre another Ridenton it seems
I’ll always love another NZ player taking an Australian’s spot, but it does strike as odd. His old man played in Australia, maybe his mother is an Aussie or similar so he has Australian citizenship, similar to how none of us knew Sail had AU citizenship either. On McGarry’s side, why not try new pastures with a potential World Cup later in the year.
This article from a few years back when he signed with Willem II said he had an Irish passport. Maybe they meant Australian.
"Willem II has strengthened with James McGarry. The 20-year-old left back from New Zealand has been training with the Tricolores since Saturday. He signs a contract for two seasons. In addition, the club has an option to extend the contract with two seasons. McGarry already passed the medical examination and the formalities were completed this morning.
Wellington Phoenix McGarry, who also has an Irish passport, transfers transference from Wellington Phoenix, an Australian club that plays in the Australian A-league and where McGarry has been playing since 2014. In 2016 he played for the first half of the season for Wellingon United, after which he returned to Wellington Phoenix.
He could have both. I have kiwi and British passports and if I have children they will have Kiwi, Iranian and British ones.
I'm sure James sees himself as a kiwi but good on him for cashing in on other passports if he has them. If he does go, I hope used used up front as I thik he's a winger not a wing back. The more kiwis getting game time in the A Legaue the better.
These are guys who are seemingly off contract around the league that I would hope we are looking at
Matti Steinmann Josh Nisbet Marco Rojas Lleyton Brooks Angus Thurgate Mustafa Amini Trent Buhagiar Calem Nieuwenhof Jack Rodwell Steven Ugarkovic Terry Antonis
