WPM 2021/22 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

Balbi

As someone has said, Hemed gets better service from wide players - which we've had to do more of since Uli got injured. Uli plays neat balls through for pace, which Hemed does NOT have - Waine also benefits from Uli, and his form has dropped off since the injury.

Which only goes to prove how difficult it can be for a coach to get the right combination of players in the right positions. Waine was great while leading the line in the absence of the injured Hemed but has been less effective since, as he is often pushed into wider areas to allow Hemed to maintain the central striker role.

That said, I think Waine has done very valuable what you might call donkey work of the scrapping/heading/running into space variety. If Hemed leaves, which I am pretty sure he will, it's reassuring to know that we have a now quite experienced Waine as a backup to (hopefully) a new visa striker.

BrockieTheGOAT

Some kiwis overseas that are coming off contract, would be interested in seeing what you guys think about prospective signings. Note that the players in the American system are off-contract at the end of the year.
Deklan Wynne - 14 cap international 26 year old CB/LB. Has made 36 appearances in the MLS, but has recently fallen off the radar at USL club Phoenix Rising, having not played a game since mid 2019. 
Elliot Collier- 2 cap international 26 year old LM/ST. Currently in the MLS with Chicago Fire, he has made 38 MLS appearances, usually off the bench, with one assist and one goal.  
Dan Morgan - 30 year old LB/CB playing for Maritzburg in the South African league.
Max Mata - 1 cap international 20 year old ST/LW playing for Real Monarchs in the USL.
Niko Kirwan - 25 year old. LB/RB/LM/RM. Played 27 times in Serie B, Italy's second tier last season as the team was relegated. 
Nikko Boxall - Brother of Michael Boxall, 29 year old CB starting for SJK Seinäjoki in the top Finnish league.
James Musa - 3 cap international 29 year old CDM playing for Phoenix Rising in the USL. Made 3 appearances for the Wellington Phoenix back in the day, and played 6 appearances in the MLS last season for Minesotta United.
Kyle Adams - 24 year old CB playing for Real Monarchs in the USL after coming through the US college system.
Logan Rogerson - 23 year old winger, ex-Phoenix, recently signed for HJK Helsinki in the top Finnish League but is yet to make his debut.

Other players include George Stanger, Moses Dyer, Noah Billingsley, Luca Scimia and Hunter Ashworth. 

Hypothetically of course, but would take in a heartbeat Kirwan, Collier and Callan Elliott, in that order. Maybe invite Mata & De Jong for a trial and battle it out for spot. 

The only reason I didn't go with a lot of the stateside players was purely because I think Musa is well established over there, and would be unlikely to come back, unless it was a hell of an offer. Others have a lot to prove, and in the case of Wynne, he hasn't played in what - 2 years! 

Think Morgan will likely get an extension in SA, Rogerson will hopefully stay in Europe, but he needs game time. Billingsley has a future in the US, time will tell whether that's at USL or MLS level.

Boxall and Adams would be  interesting, I haven't seen too much of either. Boxall seems to have carved out a decent career in the lower European leagues and Adams was on the cusp of MLS selection.

The rest, meh....
 

Balbi

As someone has said, Hemed gets better service from wide players - which we've had to do more of since Uli got injured. Uli plays neat balls through for pace, which Hemed does NOT have - Waine also benefits from Uli, and his form has dropped off since the injury.

Actually some interesting points in this article (about 10 days old), especially near the end.

Also touches on Hemed becoming more prominent with Davila out.  "Ewing Theory'. But all a bit moot for next season if both leave.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2021/5/20/welly-nix-envisioning-a-future-without-ulises-davila

Musa was offered to us last off season and we passed.

Although it would be hard to replace both Davila and Hemed, I agree that we're  not well served with both of them on the park.  There isn't enough room for both of them at the same time (or rather, each needs his own planetary system around them in terms of service).

RR

Musa was offered to us last off season and we passed.

Really,
He didn't mention that on the recent NZF football fix podcast he was on. He did say he would be keen and return and play for the Nix one day though. And made some interesting comments that a few of the other USA brigade could well also be keen. 
https://anchor.fm/sky-football-fix/episodes/Episode-20---James-Musa-evd4qv

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125309940/steven-taylor-desperate-to-remain-a-wellington-phoenix-player-next-season
he wants to stay, make it happen Welnix. We were prepared to do it before COVID screwed things up so lets make it happen now.

My only thought would be, is he asking for considerably more coin than the club is prepared to pay or is currently paying? 

Otherwise it's a bit of a no-brainer really. I'd love to see Taylor back in October wearing the Captain's armband. 

OzNix

My only thought would be, is he asking for considerably more coin than the club is prepared to pay or is currently paying? 

Otherwise it's a bit of a no-brainer really. I'd love to see Taylor back in October wearing the Captain's armband. 

He is nearly 36 and as a defender you need to be sharp. We saw how slow Dura became and that would be my worry.

Leggy

OzNix

My only thought would be, is he asking for considerably more coin than the club is prepared to pay or is currently paying? 

Otherwise it's a bit of a no-brainer really. I'd love to see Taylor back in October wearing the Captain's armband. 

He is nearly 36 and as a defender you need to be sharp. We saw how slow Dura became and that would be my worry.

You'd hope the hang-up is about contract length more than it is about money.

Still, Stevie seems to keep himself in good shape and that should prolong his career. CB not exactly a physically demanding position compared to others as well - I hope we can keep him around because he's far and away the best CB to ever pull on a Nix kit. Even if he isn't the same player in 2 years time, he's a fantastic club captain & locker room presence and is key to the culture Uffie has built.

if you watched the game against Perth and saw his run forward with the ball and then the sprint back immediately after I dont think you'd be worried about speed. He is x faster than Dura ever was.

Nelfoos

Leggy

OzNix

My only thought would be, is he asking for considerably more coin than the club is prepared to pay or is currently paying? 

Otherwise it's a bit of a no-brainer really. I'd love to see Taylor back in October wearing the Captain's armband. 

He is nearly 36 and as a defender you need to be sharp. We saw how slow Dura became and that would be my worry.

You'd hope the hang-up is about contract length more than it is about money.

Still, Stevie seems to keep himself in good shape and that should prolong his career. CB not exactly a physically demanding position compared to others as well - I hope we can keep him around because he's far and away the best CB to ever pull on a Nix kit.

Taylor's routine previously seemed to be having a month long off season personal boot camp in the UAE, to set himself up physically for the new season ahead. Looked like was the off season routine of a number of UK based footballers. A large number of airline hostesses are (were?) also based in there, Dubai being such a large flight stopover point. But I'm sure that's just a coincidence.

I guess with NZ's border policy, he'll need to find an alternative pre season plan this year, if he stays at the Nix. 

In a contextless world, it's a no brainer to re-sign him. But we must remember that the salary cap has dramatically reduced since he first signed, he'll be turning 36 next season, and has had some niggly injuries during his time here. Looks like the club is taking some time to ensure we get the best value possible, which I think is excellent because previously we have thrown good money at some players towards the end of their careers when their value is diminishing. 

I reckon offering him a 1+1 kinda deal with a planned back office defense (assistant) coach or mentor role within the club would be attractive to him and useful to the team. He'd be a great club man to have around helping the defensive players in the team build their skills.

Assuming of course the finances stack up for both parties..

theprof

I reckon offering him a 1+1 kinda deal with a planned back office defense (assistant) coach or mentor role within the club would be attractive to him and useful to the team. He'd be a great club man to have around helping the defensive players in the team build their skills.

Assuming of course the finances stack up for both parties..

Totally agree with that one, assuming this is what he wants.  But he may be after a more lively life back in UK after he plays his last game here.

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

theprof

I reckon offering him a 1+1 kinda deal with a planned back office defense (assistant) coach or mentor role within the club would be attractive to him and useful to the team. He'd be a great club man to have around helping the defensive players in the team build their skills.

Assuming of course the finances stack up for both parties..

Give him what he we had lined up for Dura before he left I reckon. Long pins clearly loves it in Wellington and would be a huge asset for both the Nix and New Zealand football as a whole, same way Greenie and Ifill have been. He's one of the best, most passionate and positive players we've ever had, I really hope he can stay on in a 1+1 playing role with a pathway to coaching.

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

 It's always nice to recognise a fellow West Coaster

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

Welly comes in ahead of Dunedin and behind Auckland and Christchurch.
And that proves what exactly?
Why do the yellowfever sing "Wind and rain and Wellington"??
Could it be that Wellington has a lot of wind and rain?
It's a shark climate, everyone knows it.

harrymc55

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

Welly comes in ahead of Dunedin and behind Auckland and Christchurch.
And that proves what exactly?
Why do the yellowfever sing "Wind and rain and Wellington"??
Could it be that Wellington has a lot of wind and rain?
It's a shark climate, everyone knows it.

Wellington has proper rain. None of this drizzle.

I saw Daniel Arzani isn’t having his stay at Aarhus in the Danish Superliga made permanent, and that his Man City deal is up and the end of this season and doesn’t look like it’ll be extended. Imagine the coup it would be if the Phoenix managed to sign him. He hasn’t cut through at either Utrecht (Eredivisie) or Aarhus this season (146 first team league minutes between the two teams), but he is still very talented, but probably needs the A League comfort blanket to pick up again - think Marco Rojas. If he got back on form and a warm summer to keep him injury-free, he could be one of the best players in the league.

He’s only 22, so if he came in and took things by storm, he would have a resale value for the owners to take a gamble on, similar to what they have done with Piscopo, except Arzani's CV is much better than Piscopo prior to the Nix. They’re similar sorts of players, and he could fill a gulf left by Dávila as main creator. Hopefully Ufuk is aware of his contract situation, as Arzani will know Ufuk from their time with the Australian U17s, as they both went to the 2014 AFC U16 Championship and 2015 U17 World Cup. Josh Laws was a member of that World Cup team, and Ufuk mentioned how their working history helped with bringing him here, so there’s a possibility he could try again. Then if Ufuk showed him the Phoenix plan and a path into Europe, and point to Cacace, Singh, McCowatt, it might make the Phoenix better option than the other clubs.

It’s pretty wishful, but some of the recent signings would have been described as wishful at the time too, so hopefully Ufuk inquires.

harrymc55

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

Welly comes in ahead of Dunedin and behind Auckland and Christchurch.
And that proves what exactly?
Why do the yellowfever sing "Wind and rain and Wellington"??
Could it be that Wellington has a lot of wind and rain?
It's a shark climate, everyone knows it.

Wellington actually comes ahead of Auckland and is miles ahead of anywhere in blighty. It gets more sunlight than Auckland and has almost identical precipitation.

The point is it's stupid to make baseless jibes.

carlind

I saw Daniel Arzani isn’t having his stay at Aarhus in the Danish Superliga made permanent, and that his Man City deal is up and the end of this season and doesn’t look like it’ll be extended. Imagine the coup it would be if the Phoenix managed to sign him. He hasn’t cut through at either Utrecht (Eredivisie) or Aarhus this season (146 first team league minutes between the two teams), but he is still very talented, but probably needs the A League comfort blanket to pick up again - think Marco Rojas. If he got back on form and a warm summer to keep him injury-free, he could be one of the best players in the league.

He’s only 22, so if he came in and took things by storm, he would have a resale value for the owners to take a gamble on, similar to what they have done with Piscopo, except Arzani's CV is much better than Piscopo prior to the Nix. They’re similar sorts of players, and he could fill a gulf left by Dávila as main creator. Hopefully Ufuk is aware of his contract situation, as Arzani will know Ufuk from their time with the Australian U17s, as they both went to the 2014 AFC U16 Championship and 2015 U17 World Cup. Josh Laws was a member of that World Cup team, and Ufuk mentioned how their working history helped with bringing him here, so there’s a possibility he could try again. Then if Ufuk showed him the Phoenix plan and a path into Europe, and point to Cacace, Singh, McCowatt, it might make the Phoenix better option than the other clubs.

It’s pretty wishful, but some of the recent signings would have been described as wishful at the time too, so hopefully Ufuk inquires.

Oh man I'd love to have him at the Nix, really talented player who needs the opportunity to restart his career.

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

Welly comes in ahead of Dunedin and behind Auckland and Christchurch.
And that proves what exactly?
Why do the yellowfever sing "Wind and rain and Wellington"??
Could it be that Wellington has a lot of wind and rain?
It's a shark climate, everyone knows it.

Wellington actually comes ahead of Auckland and is miles ahead of anywhere in blighty. It gets more sunlight than Auckland and has almost identical precipitation.

The point is it's stupid to make baseless jibes.

Those stats are misleading..
It only includes rain from the sky but excludes the 5mm of tears per day that Wellingtonians cry while they try and tell the rest of the world that their climate isn't shark.

What a waste of time. 

billyspleen75

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

Really don't understand the psychology of trash talking another cities weather, especially when it's blatantly untrue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_sunshine_duration

Welly comes in ahead of Dunedin and behind Auckland and Christchurch.
And that proves what exactly?
Why do the yellowfever sing "Wind and rain and Wellington"??
Could it be that Wellington has a lot of wind and rain?
It's a shark climate, everyone knows it.

Wellington actually comes ahead of Auckland and is miles ahead of anywhere in blighty. It gets more sunlight than Auckland and has almost identical precipitation.

The point is it's stupid to make baseless jibes.

Those stats are misleading..
It only includes rain from the sky but excludes the 5mm of tears per day that Wellingtonians cry while they try and tell the rest of the world that their climate isn't shark.

Didn’t take long did it, who gives a fudge? We’re happy in Wellington, you’re happy wherever you live. Get a grip.

Offer the same deal as Duranti. I think Taylor would be an asset to the club after he retires. The leader you need to have around and keep everyone in check but in a positive way. Last game he showed the ability to last and do his job well. I like the suggestion of a 1+1 contract with a behind the scenes coaching role if he wants to go down that path. It would be a waste of his personal attributes if he didn't explore it. 

Lonegunmen

Offer the same deal as Duranti. I think Taylor would be an asset to the club after he retires. The leader you need to have around and keep everyone in check but in a positive way. Last game he showed the ability to last and do his job well. I like the suggestion of a 1+1 contract with a behind the scenes coaching role if he wants to go down that path. It would be a waste of his personal attributes if he didn't explore it. 

 Who wouldn't want a former premier league defender with over 200 top flight appearances mentoring our young players coming up through the academy. The guy has been huge on the pitch but could equally play as big a role off it once he calls it a day.

Ranix

RR

Musa was offered to us last off season and we passed.

Really,
He didn't mention that on the recent NZF football fix podcast he was on. He did say he would be keen and return and play for the Nix one day though. And made some interesting comments that a few of the other USA brigade could well also be keen. 
https://anchor.fm/sky-football-fix/episodes/Episode-20---James-Musa-evd4qv

Can't seem to find the original tweet saying it outright but Phillip Rollo mentions it here

Was some talk of a Musa loan had he been re-signed by Minnesota a while back, but he’d be ideal imo. Only problem is he’d have to spend two weeks in MIQ. Fairly sure last season he was offered to the club as a potential signing too. Was certainly open to the idea.

— Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) February 18, 2021

Jazzy Jeff

Lonegunmen

Offer the same deal as Duranti. I think Taylor would be an asset to the club after he retires. The leader you need to have around and keep everyone in check but in a positive way. Last game he showed the ability to last and do his job well. I like the suggestion of a 1+1 contract with a behind the scenes coaching role if he wants to go down that path. It would be a waste of his personal attributes if he didn't explore it. 

 Who wouldn't want a former premier league defender with over 200 top flight appearances mentoring our young players coming up through the academy. The guy has been huge on the pitch but could equally play as big a role off it once he calls it a day.

Agreed, again.   He is still in excellent form. But the older and slower he gets on the pitch the sooner we have his assistance to the club and the team, as a mentor and an all-round "official face".     You could argue that DeVere could be that person too, but - no disrespect - Taylor's star factor is just that much brighter.

harrymc55

Ryan

 In the article he says he loves Wellington, wants to retire here, and wants to continue with the club after that. It's a no brainer.

The weather will remind him of Newcastle.

What about the women?

RR

Ranix

RR

Musa was offered to us last off season and we passed.

Really,
He didn't mention that on the recent NZF football fix podcast he was on. He did say he would be keen and return and play for the Nix one day though. And made some interesting comments that a few of the other USA brigade could well also be keen. 
https://anchor.fm/sky-football-fix/episodes/Episode-20---James-Musa-evd4qv

Can't seem to find the original tweet saying it outright but Phillip Rollo mentions it here

Was some talk of a Musa loan had he been re-signed by Minnesota a while back, but he’d be ideal imo. Only problem is he’d have to spend two weeks in MIQ. Fairly sure last season he was offered to the club as a potential signing too. Was certainly open to the idea.

— Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) February 18, 2021

Hard for Uffie to assess if he’s his kind of player from a distance like that I guess. A lot of NZ players trialed first iirc? Also a lot of CBS on contract last couple of years too. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125322782/wellington-phoenix-wait-to-learn-their-fate-as-playoff-hopes-hang-in-the-balance

It could also be Devlin’s final act as a Nix player as the tenacious Australian under-23 international is out of contract at the end of the season and despite having an offer on the table for months, is yet to sign it.

However, Devlin said there is a good reason why contract negotiations have stalled; he has chosen to focus on the team’s push for the top-six and will take care of his playing future once the season is over.

“To be honest the reason I have decided to wait so long is because of how close we are to making the six and I don’t want to take my focus away from that, and I know Stevie (Taylor) is the same,” he said.

“It’s something that is in the forefront of your mind but the most important thing at the moment is to win games and to make the top six. That’s my only focus at the moment and I’ll look after that after this weekend, and hopefully it means we are in the six and we’ll go from there.”

Devlin also made it clear that he is happy at the Phoenix, where he has been a regular starter in central midfield, and described his move from Sydney FC two years ago as the “best thing I’ve ever done”.

“I love living in Wellington, I love the fans, I love everyone to do with the club, and it’s been so good for me being in Wellington.

“I still remember my first phone call with [operations manager] Shaun Gill. I was just down at the park and obviously I’d spoken to Uffie, and Gilly called me and I was on a flight the next day.

we make the six and he and Taylor will stay, Devlin certainly will want to be in the finals mix.

coochiee

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125322782/wellington-phoenix-wait-to-learn-their-fate-as-playoff-hopes-hang-in-the-balance

It could also be Devlin’s final act as a Nix player as the tenacious Australian under-23 international is out of contract at the end of the season and despite having an offer on the table for months, is yet to sign it.

However, Devlin said there is a good reason why contract negotiations have stalled; he has chosen to focus on the team’s push for the top-six and will take care of his playing future once the season is over.

“To be honest the reason I have decided to wait so long is because of how close we are to making the six and I don’t want to take my focus away from that, and I know Stevie (Taylor) is the same,” he said.

“It’s something that is in the forefront of your mind but the most important thing at the moment is to win games and to make the top six. That’s my only focus at the moment and I’ll look after that after this weekend, and hopefully it means we are in the six and we’ll go from there.”

Devlin also made it clear that he is happy at the Phoenix, where he has been a regular starter in central midfield, and described his move from Sydney FC two years ago as the “best thing I’ve ever done”.

“I love living in Wellington, I love the fans, I love everyone to do with the club, and it’s been so good for me being in Wellington.

“I still remember my first phone call with [operations manager] Shaun Gill. I was just down at the park and obviously I’d spoken to Uffie, and Gilly called me and I was on a flight the next day.

“It was such a whirlwind at the time but to this day I’m so grateful, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Which means he hasn’t signed anywhere else? Is playing two clubs off against each other? Is just biding his time?

martinb

coochiee

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125322782/wellington-phoenix-wait-to-learn-their-fate-as-playoff-hopes-hang-in-the-balance

It could also be Devlin’s final act as a Nix player as the tenacious Australian under-23 international is out of contract at the end of the season and despite having an offer on the table for months, is yet to sign it.

However, Devlin said there is a good reason why contract negotiations have stalled; he has chosen to focus on the team’s push for the top-six and will take care of his playing future once the season is over.

“To be honest the reason I have decided to wait so long is because of how close we are to making the six and I don’t want to take my focus away from that, and I know Stevie (Taylor) is the same,” he said.

“It’s something that is in the forefront of your mind but the most important thing at the moment is to win games and to make the top six. That’s my only focus at the moment and I’ll look after that after this weekend, and hopefully it means we are in the six and we’ll go from there.”

Devlin also made it clear that he is happy at the Phoenix, where he has been a regular starter in central midfield, and described his move from Sydney FC two years ago as the “best thing I’ve ever done”.

“I love living in Wellington, I love the fans, I love everyone to do with the club, and it’s been so good for me being in Wellington.

“I still remember my first phone call with [operations manager] Shaun Gill. I was just down at the park and obviously I’d spoken to Uffie, and Gilly called me and I was on a flight the next day.

“It was such a whirlwind at the time but to this day I’m so grateful, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Which means he hasn’t signed anywhere else? Is playing two clubs off against each other? Is just biding his time?

Or like he said, he just wants to focus on the rest of this season before negotiating contracts.

Would honestly love Steve becoming one of the coaching staff eventually. He could be the worst coach in the world but would bring next level sharkhouse tactics just to wind up the opposition. 

Joey Johns

Would honestly love Steve becoming one of the coaching staff eventually. He could be the worst coach in the world but would bring next level sharkhouse tactics just to wind up the opposition. 

And FIFA would create a new rule in the book for how close you can stand next to the keeper during set pieces.  It will be called the  "Taylor-made" rule.