WPM 2021/22 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

Yes, and that is also why they go to Oz.  

The only info we have is an article were Davila says he's happy here, he wants to stay, and his agent is talking. Then there's another article saying he's been offered big money to go somewhere else.

It's pretty clear that the only factor in him leaving, if he does leave, is about $666k a year.

Really happy to have Lewis back. Still things to work on with his game but he's been a huge improver from those first few appearances.

Lock in Waine too please.

coochiee

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

Davila's probably also enjoyed the Mexican fan club, that's come along to his Nix games in NSW.

But the money would obviously be the main driver (if numbers in that touted 3 year Macarthur offer are true) to sign for the Bulls. Davila's age 30, so that could be his last career deal. Bit like when Krishna left. Want to make your last deal (or almost last deal) a good one. 

thanks to Covid his Mexican fans in Welly really haven't had a chance to get to games to show their support.

Mainland FC

Yes, and that is also why they go to Oz.  

Disagree, unless they are actual Australian. The rest go for football and the money. Only a small percentage of overseas pros end up staying after their playing careers are over. If you have ever been an employment mercenary (as I have), I go for the work and the money.

Napier Phoenix

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

mate they are footballers and not looking for the same things an immigrant might be.

True but many of them come from right shockers or have played for clubs/towns/cities in the Americas (central/south) or Europe that aren't exactly paradise.  Think back to season 1 (The Knights days) and the mischief Dwight Yorke got up to in Sydney.

Napier Phoenix

Mainland FC

Yes, and that is also why they go to Oz.  

Disagree, unless they are actual Australian. The rest go for football and the money. Only a small percentage of overseas pros end up staying after their playing careers are over. If you have ever been an employment mercenary (as I have), I go for the work and the money.

 Depends on the trade.  In my industry (Aviation) there is great money to be made in places like Bangladesh but they struggle to recruit as no-one wants to live there money or otherwise due to life away from work in those places.  You just have to listen to comments from Stevie T for conformation.

At the end of the day players move clubs for a variety of reasons, the foreign players that come to the a-league often come to finish off careers, others come to reinvigorate their careers. Those that have arrived often choose to stay on in either NZ or Aus because of the culture, the lifestyle etc I think of players like Berisha, pulled out of obscurity, and has been in Aus for ever, Dura loved it in NZ until he didnt. Even some of the NZ players moved away from the Nix because of better opportunities in their eyes in Aus, or their wives wanted a better shopping experience (Smeltz). Hell we've even had marquee players leave us to go to other a-league teams to avoid being fouled all the time (Benevacia).

Both New Zealand and Australia are among the best countries in the world to live, New Zealand beats Australia on some metrics, Australia beats New Zealand on other. Neither country is Bangladesh.

For every player that leaves the Phoenix for shopping opportunities, we ignore the dozens that don't. And remember, although they both played for NZ, Durante and Smeltz are Australian as are their partners. People go back to be nearer to family.

Smeltz is a Kiwi, born is Germany but most definitely a Kiwi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Smeltz

A Kiwi who lived the vast bulk of his life in Australia - very proud All White and Kiwi, but also a very strong Australian element in his makeup and the place he chooses to make his home.  Which is all good, and explains the pull move back to Australia long term. 

theprof

Smeltz is a Kiwi, born is Germany but most definitely a Kiwi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_Smeltz

That article says he was born in Germany, spent most of his childhood and adulthood in Australia, and is a dual citizen. When he talks he has an Australian accent. Great Nix player, All Whites legend, but only 50% Kiwi at most.

Oli Sail locked in for another 2 years - great move considering his form. Wonder what it means for Stef.

Nelfoos

Oli Sail locked in for another 2 years - great move considering his form. Wonder what it means for Stef.

You’d have to think that’s it for him, and hopefully he gets a starting gig in Germany or wherever he decides to go. Was great last season and been unfortunate that Sail has been great this season. Talk about sliding doors moments, if he doesn’t misjudge that ball against the Jets, it could well have been Sail leaving instead. 

Hopefully Phoenix look at bringing in either Cam Brown or Alex Paulsen as number 2 for next season. In my opinion Brown is better and three years more developed, but Paulsen being in the academy would give him an advantage, so he’s probably more likely.

Nelfoos

Oli Sail locked in for another 2 years - great move considering his form. Wonder what it means for Stef.

Great news. At least if Davila does go to the Bulls, he won't be scoring against us. 

Wild conspiracy theory.

The club are using this week as a massive media opportunity.
Ticket sales updates each day. Tell a mate/bring a mate. Keep the Nix in the news. 

Monday - Arrive in Wellington. Plenty of videos/photos/articles
Tuesday - Announce resigning of solid local player (Lewis)
Wednesday - Announce resigning of fan favourite local player (Sail)
Thursday - Announce resigning of fan favourite local player (Waine)
Friday - The biggest announcement to go here... Davila? How to make the announcement EVEN bigger? Put rumours out that he is leaving. Could be Taylor too..
Saturday - First game at Sky Stadium after 200+ days after a massive week of support. Ticket sales breaking records

Hopefully im not just clutching at straws

Thursday is the Community Day, so would be nice to announce someone directly to those who turn up.

It is a bit of a stretch to compare NZ/Australia with Bangladesh/first world

People who go on and on about the wonders of the NZ lifestyle and the Wellington lifestyle in particular have perhaps not noticed that all the directions of migration are away from Wellington, to Auckland or Australia. Remember that we lost Smeltz and Bonevacia precisely because their partners wanted a big-city lifestyle.

Great news, re-signing Oli. Well done Welnix, Domey & Co. He's been outstanding this year and would certainly have attracted some interest from other clubs.
Marinovic is off-contract and I can't see him wanting to extend his time here to be honest. Not sure how much he's on but it's money that can be spent elsewhere. I'd be happy to have Oli and one of the younger kids as his understudy for next season.
I feel a bit for Stef. He was great last year - not so much this season in my view, but we're in a position where we need to be very efficient with your resources so I'd say use that money towards bolstering other areas that need more immediate attention.

Nelfoos

Oli Sail locked in for another 2 years - great move considering his form. Wonder what it means for Stef.

Probably off to sweden to lick covid off door handles. 

theprof

coochiee

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

Davila's probably also enjoyed the Mexican fan club, that's come along to his Nix games in NSW.

But the money would obviously be the main driver (if numbers in that touted 3 year Macarthur offer are true) to sign for the Bulls. Davila's age 30, so that could be his last career deal. Bit like when Krishna left. Want to make your last deal (or almost last deal) a good one. 

thanks to Covid his Mexican fans in Welly really haven't had a chance to get to games to show their support.

The Nix played at least 6 games last season, at the ROF/Eden Park before Covid, and I don't remember any large Mexican fan club being at either venue.

Sydney's 5M plus people, so naturally he's going to have a higher number of mariachi loving compatriots running around.

Re Sail, is real good news. Max Crocombe as a backup, to keep Oli on his toes? A League experience, a Kiwi, should be cheap, and I imagine about to be let go by VUC. If Sail's arm is a niggling long term injury (mentioned somewhere as such), then you don't want Paulsen as your backup just yet.

Wonder if Carl Robinson at WSW (Marinovic's old Vancouver coach) would consider using a visa spot on Stef? Rudan also likely to be looking for a new keeper, and with Kurto has shown he's happy to use a visa on a keeper, previously. 

coochiee

theprof

coochiee

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

Davila's probably also enjoyed the Mexican fan club, that's come along to his Nix games in NSW.

But the money would obviously be the main driver (if numbers in that touted 3 year Macarthur offer are true) to sign for the Bulls. Davila's age 30, so that could be his last career deal. Bit like when Krishna left. Want to make your last deal (or almost last deal) a good one. 

thanks to Covid his Mexican fans in Welly really haven't had a chance to get to games to show their support.

The Nix played at least 6 games last season, at the ROF/Eden Park before Covid, and I don't remember any large Mexican fan club being at either venue.

Sydney's 5M plus people, so naturally he's going to have a higher number of mariachi loving compatriots running around.

Re Sail, is real good news. Max Crocombe as a backup, to keep Oli on his toes? A League experience, a Kiwi, should be cheap, and I imagine about to be let go by VUC. If Sail's arm is a niggling long term injury (mentioned somewhere as such), then you don't want Paulsen as your backup just yet.

Wonder if Carl Robinson at WSW (Marinovic's old Vancouver coach) would consider using a visa spot on Stef? Rudan also likely to be looking for a new keeper, and with Kurto has shown he's happy to use a visa on a keeper, previously. 

Paulsen is really highly rated, I would expect him to be sitting on the bench next season.

WSW have Janjetovic still under contract for next season, he should be over his injuries by then. I can't see WSW signing 3 senior Keepers.

Western was chasing Sail because they wanna free up the visa slot that Kurto uses, so think that is unlikely. They probably run with Scott for next season.

RR

coochiee

theprof

coochiee

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

Davila's probably also enjoyed the Mexican fan club, that's come along to his Nix games in NSW.

But the money would obviously be the main driver (if numbers in that touted 3 year Macarthur offer are true) to sign for the Bulls. Davila's age 30, so that could be his last career deal. Bit like when Krishna left. Want to make your last deal (or almost last deal) a good one. 

thanks to Covid his Mexican fans in Welly really haven't had a chance to get to games to show their support.

The Nix played at least 6 games last season, at the ROF/Eden Park before Covid, and I don't remember any large Mexican fan club being at either venue.

Sydney's 5M plus people, so naturally he's going to have a higher number of mariachi loving compatriots running around.

Re Sail, is real good news. Max Crocombe as a backup, to keep Oli on his toes? A League experience, a Kiwi, should be cheap, and I imagine about to be let go by VUC. If Sail's arm is a niggling long term injury (mentioned somewhere as such), then you don't want Paulsen as your backup just yet.

Wonder if Carl Robinson at WSW (Marinovic's old Vancouver coach) would consider using a visa spot on Stef? Rudan also likely to be looking for a new keeper, and with Kurto has shown he's happy to use a visa on a keeper, previously. 

Paulsen is really highly rated, I would expect him to be sitting on the bench next season.

WSW have Janjetovic still under contract for next season, he should be over his injuries by then. I can't see WSW signing 3 senior Keepers.

Western was chasing Sail because they wanna free up the visa slot that Kurto uses, so think that is unlikely. They probably run with Scott for next season.

Being a Kiwi, Sail would be an import for them no?

YouCanCallMeAl

RR

coochiee

theprof

coochiee

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

Davila's probably also enjoyed the Mexican fan club, that's come along to his Nix games in NSW.

But the money would obviously be the main driver (if numbers in that touted 3 year Macarthur offer are true) to sign for the Bulls. Davila's age 30, so that could be his last career deal. Bit like when Krishna left. Want to make your last deal (or almost last deal) a good one. 

thanks to Covid his Mexican fans in Welly really haven't had a chance to get to games to show their support.

The Nix played at least 6 games last season, at the ROF/Eden Park before Covid, and I don't remember any large Mexican fan club being at either venue.

Sydney's 5M plus people, so naturally he's going to have a higher number of mariachi loving compatriots running around.

Re Sail, is real good news. Max Crocombe as a backup, to keep Oli on his toes? A League experience, a Kiwi, should be cheap, and I imagine about to be let go by VUC. If Sail's arm is a niggling long term injury (mentioned somewhere as such), then you don't want Paulsen as your backup just yet.

Wonder if Carl Robinson at WSW (Marinovic's old Vancouver coach) would consider using a visa spot on Stef? Rudan also likely to be looking for a new keeper, and with Kurto has shown he's happy to use a visa on a keeper, previously. 

Paulsen is really highly rated, I would expect him to be sitting on the bench next season.

WSW have Janjetovic still under contract for next season, he should be over his injuries by then. I can't see WSW signing 3 senior Keepers.

Western was chasing Sail because they wanna free up the visa slot that Kurto uses, so think that is unlikely. They probably run with Scott for next season.

Being a Kiwi, Sail would be an import for them no?

He is the proud owner of a dark blue passport as well...

2ndBest

Nelfoos

Oli Sail locked in for another 2 years - great move considering his form. Wonder what it means for Stef.

Probably off to sweden to lick covid off door handles. 

I am really glad I was not drinking as I read this. I would have probably drenched my laptop in water!

RR

coochiee

theprof

coochiee

Marto

Ryan

We don't need to compete on money, we have proven we can develop players and be competitive enough to win it. And, I don't understand the quality of life thing. New Zealand regularly rates in the most livable countries in the world. Wellington rates higher than Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, etc. 

https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings

We can win it, we can't win it every year, but we can expect to challenge every three years.

 better weather, higher standard of living, better housing quality too

Davila's probably also enjoyed the Mexican fan club, that's come along to his Nix games in NSW.

But the money would obviously be the main driver (if numbers in that touted 3 year Macarthur offer are true) to sign for the Bulls. Davila's age 30, so that could be his last career deal. Bit like when Krishna left. Want to make your last deal (or almost last deal) a good one. 

thanks to Covid his Mexican fans in Welly really haven't had a chance to get to games to show their support.

The Nix played at least 6 games last season, at the ROF/Eden Park before Covid, and I don't remember any large Mexican fan club being at either venue.

Sydney's 5M plus people, so naturally he's going to have a higher number of mariachi loving compatriots running around.

Re Sail, is real good news. Max Crocombe as a backup, to keep Oli on his toes? A League experience, a Kiwi, should be cheap, and I imagine about to be let go by VUC. If Sail's arm is a niggling long term injury (mentioned somewhere as such), then you don't want Paulsen as your backup just yet.

Wonder if Carl Robinson at WSW (Marinovic's old Vancouver coach) would consider using a visa spot on Stef? Rudan also likely to be looking for a new keeper, and with Kurto has shown he's happy to use a visa on a keeper, previously. 

Paulsen is really highly rated, I would expect him to be sitting on the bench next season.

WSW have Janjetovic still under contract for next season, he should be over his injuries by then. I can't see WSW signing 3 senior Keepers.

Western was chasing Sail because they wanna free up the visa slot that Kurto uses, so think that is unlikely. They probably run with Scott for next season.

Paulsen has played what one season of Handy Prem football? Made a lot of great saves for WeeNix, but also guilty of a few errors. He's only 18. If Sail went down long term injured, risk of a Keegan Smith situation for Paulsen, ie thrust in before he's ready??

The loss of a summer Handy Prem (WeeNix), is going to be a real negative for the Nix, esp if the A League does end staying as mostly a summer type comp.

I totally understand yet I really feel like that's the direction the club will likely take. If Oli sustains a serious injury, we may be able to sign some former A-League keeper from the NPL or similar to bridge the cap if Paulsen (or another young GK) isn't up to it just yet.
I think with the gaps that are starting to show in other places, I'd support taking a risk here to try and spend the money elsewhere.

Doloras

People who go on and on about the wonders of the NZ lifestyle and the Wellington lifestyle in particular have perhaps not noticed that all the directions of migration are away from Wellington, to Auckland or Australia. Remember that we lost Smeltz and Bonevacia precisely because their partners wanted a big-city lifestyle.

Wellington City's (and Wgtn region) population is growing; Otago and Wellington regions have the lowest total fertility rate at 1.4 and 1.5 respectively. Which is well below replacement level of 2.1, so people are moving to Wellington.

Roly also ended up in that paradise for women that is Saudi Arabia.

To take another angle on this angsty debate, it would be useful if someone could look into the stats and figure this one out:   
Out of visa players who came from abroad to Phoenix, how many have left us to sign up with another A-League club? Do not count Kiwis or Australians as they are not visa players.

Mainland FC

To take another angle on this angsty debate, it would be useful if someone could look into the stats and figure this one out:   
Out of visa players who came from abroad to Phoenix, how many have left us to sign up with another A-League club? Do not count Kiwis or Australians as they are not visa players.

Kurto and Roly are the obvious ones. Davila (subject to confirmation) the only other one that I can think of!

Did a scroll through wikipedia's Nix appearance list and Fred, who played 3 games on loan for us in 2008 apparently played a couple seasons for Melbourne Heart (2011-2013). Can't see any others - might've missed some though. 

Can we please sign Cacace on a short term loan deal for the rest of the season lol?

Nelfoos

Mainland FC

To take another angle on this angsty debate, it would be useful if someone could look into the stats and figure this one out:   
Out of visa players who came from abroad to Phoenix, how many have left us to sign up with another A-League club? Do not count Kiwis or Australians as they are not visa players.

Kurto and Roly are the obvious ones. Davila (subject to confirmation) the only other one that I can think of!

Did a scroll through wikipedia's Nix appearance list and Fred, who played 3 games for us in 2008 apparently played a couple seasons for Melbourne Heart (2011-2013). Can't see any others - might've missed some though. 

And we've signed foreigners that previously played for Australian teams like Hernandez, Finkler, Kaluderovic... Completely baseless points being made about why players leave the Nix, you can't take one player doing something and assume it's a trend.

Original article now updated. Credit to Sail he is refreshingly honest, unlike a lot of bland interviews you get from many athletes.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125176685/goalkeeper-oli-sails-patience-pays-off-with-new-wellington-phoenix-deal

“If you’ve got a goalkeeper of Stef’s quality trying to take your spot you don’t want to give him any sniff or a foot in the door, but I felt comfortable staying on the pitch, I made a couple of good saves after the incident as well,” Sail said.

billyspleen75

Wild conspiracy theory.

The club are using this week as a massive media opportunity.
Ticket sales updates each day. Tell a mate/bring a mate. Keep the Nix in the news. 

Monday - Arrive in Wellington. Plenty of videos/photos/articles
Tuesday - Announce resigning of solid local player (Lewis)
Wednesday - Announce resigning of fan favourite local player (Sail)
Thursday - Announce resigning of fan favourite local player (Waine)
Friday - The biggest announcement to go here... Davila? How to make the announcement EVEN bigger? Put rumours out that he is leaving. Could be Taylor too..
Saturday - First game at Sky Stadium after 200+ days after a massive week of support. Ticket sales breaking records

Hopefully im not just clutching at straws

I like this story.

To get back to speculation, I did hear a Marinovic to Victory rumour.

billyspleen75

Wild conspiracy theory.

The club are using this week as a massive media opportunity.
Ticket sales updates each day. Tell a mate/bring a mate. Keep the Nix in the news. 

Monday - Arrive in Wellington. Plenty of videos/photos/articles
Tuesday - Announce resigning of solid local player (Lewis)
Wednesday - Announce resigning of fan favourite local player (Sail)
Thursday - Announce resigning of fan favourite local player (Waine)
Friday - The biggest announcement to go here... Davila? How to make the announcement EVEN bigger? Put rumours out that he is leaving. Could be Taylor too..
Saturday - First game at Sky Stadium after 200+ days after a massive week of support. Ticket sales breaking records

Hopefully im not just clutching at straws

I just came.

Tyler

To get back to speculation, I did hear a Marinovic to Victory rumour.

Oh good, Melbourne haven't had a COVID outbreak in a while

Tyler

To get back to speculation, I did hear a Marinovic to Victory rumour.

wheres the saucey?

3-year contract extension for Waine!! Brilliant!!