Bambang on trial

I liked Toto...he didn't do too much and made a few mistakes but given a bit of time to settle in I think he may be great for us.

He showed some of the "flair" we're looking for. I think he was trying to show off a bit too much last night but if he tones it down I think he'd be solid.

Have to see the replay before passing any meaningful comment, but I'd sign Pavlovic straight away.

If we can find an Aus/Kiwi defender as a replacement for McKain at the back, then I'd sign both Toto and Shucker. We have a good team already, need a creative midfield player, so take both and the odds are that at least one of them will be a really quality addition. Take both and hedge our bets. Paulinho2010-07-24 13:00:27

I was a little underwhelmed by all to be honest.

Shuker - only just off the plane so deserving of another chance most definitely. Midget though.

To be honest, I was impressed all over with these lads last night. Want to see them get a full game.

Am with Steve-O, Toto and Shucker are midgets. Shucker reminds me of the midget off jackass somewhat.

Can we get him a road cone?

I do think that they will all be signed, and think they will all compete well in the team.

But even though I do like these guys, I think it would be nice to leave ourselves open by having a foreign player left to sign after Aug 1st. Just to give the club that little bit more time to look at say toto.

Don't think thatll happen but could prevent a bad signing.

It's strange, but only Pavlovic stood out for me live at the game last night, but watching the replay on SS2 this morning I would say they all did pretty well (not much pressure then?). It would be really good to see them a bit more against quality opposition before deciding, but on last night's showing I could see merit and potential in all three. Feel the Force, Ricki.....sign all three I reckon.

Sign Pavlovich

Toto is the new Fred.
You heard it here first.

The only similarity between them is that they have the same amount of letters in their nickname

And they're South American.
And they have some affinity for football.
Probably both are men.
Neither are goalkeepers.

That's four more similarities for you.

Got me there.

Sign him up.

Actually thinking of that, how funny would it be to put Shucker or Toto in goal?

Or even just to get them to stand next to Pasty.

Chortle.

Think he'll grow in confidence over the next few weeks. And will really push for a starting berth. Hopefully Ricki won't start him from the beginning of the season as to make him work and really want it. Thats how we got the best out of our squad last year

The only things that stick out for me from the game re:Toto was an attempted trick with his first touch that went out of play, a first touch that went about a metre in front of him and was taken by a Boca player and the short corner to Daniel

^^

Exactly. I am suspicious of unknown South American players. All flair and tricks but at the end of the day don't get the job done.

I am suspicious of useless sweeping generalisations.

Yeah, but not many short playmakers have succeeded in the A-League - even Juninho struggled with the physical nature and he's about 20 steps above a guy like Toto

Henrique is probably the only one I can think of but he's more of an out and out wingervaleo2010-07-24 17:27:04

I don't think that was the case at all.  Was impressed that despite being on trial he didn't try to make the million dollar play every time he had the ball.  He was happy on several occasions to play the simple, early diagonal 10 yard pass forward when it was the right option.

Usually when he did give the ball away it seemed to me to be a case of miscommunication, something that would be improved playing with the team for longer.

There wasn't any angst.

like people thinking a player is great and skillful just because he is from sth america? yeah,i hate that too.

Sign Pavloic, he held the ball up well for the other supporting players to arrive. Well done. Toto deserves another chance. The others hmmmmm. Another game without the jet lag might show something. I always remember Brian Flynn only being 5'2", this guy was about the same. Someone behind me was calling out "De Plane, De plane" .

I really need to watch this game again because I didn't notice any of that - he gave the ball away at least 3 times because poor control or attempting a trick that didn't come off

We won the double last year with our tallest midfielder being 5'9"! We've also backed it up this year by replacing them with players who are smaller (LOL)
It doesn't matter as long as they can handle the niggle, it's not really the size that counts. It's really their resilience and robustness.

Exactly. South American players are skillful but lazy. Yawn. It's like the weird stereotype that Mexican boxers have good chins but can't take bodyshots that is very prevalent in boxing.

Well our sponsor has the slogan "Make. Believe."

Very Fantasy Island.

yep- Mac is a good forward, but he's ok in the air, but not a route 1 only deal... thanks for noticing. Was the same at Hamilton, but he distributes well, and can score tap ins.

My friend was bagging Greenacre last night, did play a couple of good touches, but missed a free head and a put away. I rate him because he scored in the finals, and he and D-Mac combined well at Hamilton playing one-touch, but he just has to do better with his chances this season.

I don't like Pavlovich, perhaps because he came from Newcastle and what I saw him play for them. Irrational personality thing, and was worried that they would sign him cos he didn't do too  much wrong. and that was before I realised he was a youth option.

Smeltz and Ifill scare defences, none of these 3 will.

On Cornejo, (Toto??) he looked like he didn't quite know what his role was, and the other players didn't either. He seemed quick and prepared to dribble, but his passing wasn't great (give me Daniel any day). He floated all over, but didn't really combine too well with the midfield or strikers. Perhaps the rationale with him coming on with Daniel was a bit less of a language barrier? He may be useful, but it is hard to tell from the evidence. Didn't see a shot or any real sign he had the goods, but nothing to say he couldn't work out. Especially if he doesn't cost too much and leaves room for an Elliott guest spot.

Have to watch the highlight or a replay...hanging out for it.

Bertos was Bremen good I think. 

^^ - language

Daniel =Portuguese(and English some) Toto = (Spanish and ?)

I'm still hearing a barrier

Must say I am a little underwhelmed by Shukers pedigree. 5 games as a youngster with Man City and then straight to League 1. 223 games since 2003 for 31 goals as a right midfielder/winger.

i like the fact that Shuker's career is the story of long stints with a couple of clubs rather than bouncing around every year bc no manager wants to hold onto him.

[/QUOTE]
Exactly. South American players are skillful but lazy. Yawn. It's like the weird stereotype that Mexican boxers have good chins but can't take bodyshots that is very prevalent in boxing.
[/QUOTE] That is also a stereotype though.....Romario probably biggest example. But definitely not majority of players at all...

Much like Ifill.

Yeah that's exactly what I mean.