Coaching Angst - Ernie's three anti-blips

Just a little tit-bit for the DomPost reporters looking for a cheesy headline. :)

But seriously, I do think we need a thread for the growing belief that the Nix are underdone, Ernie hasn't filled all the gaps in recruitment, we still haven't got a midfield worth talking about, and we're looking at another wooden-spoon season.

We haven't even played a competitive game under Ernie yet. The season hasn't even started. We've lost 2 preseason games in 5 months of preparation. 

I'm a bit concerned that as far as I am aware we haven't fielded a likely starting eleven yet. Its all very well trialling all the young players, and I like the fact he is planning for the future, but the players need some time on the park together. Also concerned about the midfield and lack of a plan up front. Will be great to get the season underway though.

Did Doloras and Bluemagic pull off some sort of Vulcan/Jedi/Taihape mind switch trick at the game last weekend?

Either that or everyone listened to the podcast and decided to change their mind.

I don't think underdone is correct. I think concerted recruiting at a couple of positions is more the correct term DM and fullbacks being the three.

too early! IHIBTL

It has to be considered a transition year I think.

I'm guessing that they are aiming for a top 6 finish with the hope that they can use their last visa slot to find a good DM during the season.

will be interested in seeing how the intra-squad match goes on Sunday the 6th.......a great opportunity for the young guys to push for starts - if I was Lia I'd be worried

To be fair we have to wait till the second game really, because half our squad will be away for the first one.

As I've said elsewhere, my concern is central midfield. It was a massive problem last year and we haven't brought in any proven new options. Otherwise I've been impressed with what Ernie has said ad the approach we seem to be taking. Who knows, maybe he'll magically be able to get Lia and Muscat playing like Pirlo and Xabi Alonso too?

Way too early to question anything. Haven't even see the first team starting lineup yet, and yes, we won't see it in the first game either.

Be 3 or 4 games before we get a handle on where Ernie is at with his squad. Not saying I'm not worried that our midfield's not sorted though. But am going to be patient, as we all should. Think a couple of these kids will work out really well. But man, they're gotta standup and not cruise on their contracts. Track record of Kiwi Phoenix kids is not good. Seems they need to play in Oz environment  to realise what commitment is needed to get regular game time.

There are enough youngsters there potentially find a couple to kick on with. I hope Alex Rufer is one of them.

Sunday should give us a good idea on the setup for Roar game.

It's NEVER too early for angst.

Based on the squad we have I see no reason why we cant be challenging the title.

I'm actually serious.

That would be the first time, forums are rational free areas.

I'm positive that we will do good, Ernie puts the team into the right headspace and the players will be keen to do better than last season. No angst on my side, it will be good fun.

Maybe this isn't fair to say but I'd blame ricki for that. Ernie should hopefully be better as he has a history of developing youth in the VIS and brought many through at MV.

So, I'm guessing that there's no point in me watching the Nix this season then. Based on a crap performance in a pre-season 'friendly', our season is apparently going to be a shocker. Wonder how all those professional teams all over the world who had dreadful pre-season games over the years are feeling right now. If only they'd known there was no point in them even competing in a pro competition.

Oh well, it will save me money on flying down to Wellington to get some games in. Shame. Up until your in depth and insightful analysis of our chances, I thought we'd go alright this season, not win it, but do alright. Looks like I was wrong.

F*ckin Nix, bl**dy Ernie.

Wish Cashmere Tech was in the A-League.  

#bovrilandbutties

I think The Walrus is just pointing out the obvious: we are more likely to struggle than to be a title contender. Which I agree with.

Sydney lost 4 games in pre season.

Hang in there

Can't believe I'm having to roll out #dontstopbelievin before the season starts but needs must I suppose.

What's that Steve? Some will win, some will lose, some were born to sing the blues? Yeah brother, you tell it like it is.

Hmm. I'd say we'll be stronger with the ball, but weaker without it. 

"the natural state of a football fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score.”  - Nick Hornby

Bump.

So I get that it's another "transition season" and I get that Ernie can only do so much with the half of a squad that he inherited from Ricki.

But that's what really worries me, even in the middle of our worst ever season Ricki managed to get these muppets to at least win the odd game.

Yes, our new style is probably easier on the eye, but we just don't look like winning games at the moment. Plus, I think the idea that style alone will bring fans back to the RoF is a myth. The extra 2-3 thousand fans we need to start turning up regularly don't care so much about style as seeing goals and wins, both of which are currently in short supply.

Of course no-one realistically expected Ernie to turn things around straight away but neither did I expect us to be winless after 8 games which is our worst ever start to the season.

A third of the season is gone after next weekend, and we could easily still be winless.

So is Ernie on the right track and just needs more time, even if it means finishing bottom for the second season in a row? Or is this new style just a case of the Emperor's new clothes?

I think without getting into comparisons with last season when our end to the season was diabolical (conceded 32 goals in last 14 games, scored 13) Ernie has taken some pretty significant gambles and none have really paid off:

- signed Cunningham sight unseen (pretty much)

- tried to convert Fenton and Caira, and relied on two young, untested players in defence

- not signed a midfielder and then ended up with Riera, using our final import slot

If I was the club I'd be on major damage limitation.  I'd be letting the papers know that there are significant players coming off salary at the end of the season and that there will be a lot of cap space and money available to improve the team next year, owners are committed etc etc.  At the moment their strategy, which is based on shooting for 6th and hoping to do something post season, is failing.  

They need to start thinking about how they can WIN the competition because you need some signs of ambition to get the fans re-engaged.  I don't see an actual strategy to compete with the best sides in the league right now.  The squad we have right now is almost an admission of defeat - if you look at it coldly this is a group of very average professional footballers.  You can't be surprised by the results when you look at the quality of players we have compared to other sides.  We've got 2 players with experience in top leagues in our whole squad plus Hernandez, that's just not enough when you compare to other sides imports plus Aussies

Which would send what sort of signal to said players with still 18 games to go?