Good thought...
To be honest...is he any worse than muscat?
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
Allegedly
No, Plodder.
He's also an awesome finisher, should play him up front with Smeltzy.
You should take any comments about Plodder on this website with a good handful of salt.
Although in all honesty, he wasn't a terrible right back last season, especially as someone who's not a specialist in the position. He made some awful mistakes though which cost us points, but tried to play within his limitations and had a few decent games. Overall, though, doubt he'd make the squad of any other HAL team.
Permalink
Permalink
No, Plodder.
He's also an awesome finisher, should play him up front with Smeltzy.
He scored a cracker for NZ recently, why not give him a go! I like plodders never give up attitude. He might not get it right all the time but I think he is a better player than given credit for.
How come Smeltz can score for the All Whites against NC yet gets the same sort of service at the Nix and isn't. Ok, he's got our three goals so far, but really he could have had a lot more especially against some of the "lesser" sides.
It is quite frustrating, each of the Nix players individually has some potential and you can just feel it that some team will get tonked by the lads one day soon.
It just needs a spark to set them off.
Herbert is a decent coach. Pre season showed so much promise. Perhap Ricki could get Roy Keane to give the lads a bit of a tune-up via an online video feed??
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
Permalink
Permalink
Ummm....NC are a much worse side than any A league side. Your logic doesnt add up there LG
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
tell you who gives a good pre-match serve locally and thats a fired up barry truman.get him to tell you the 'jack charlton' story. he will sort them out.save the video hook up fee.
Permalink
Permalink
Ummm....NC are a much worse side than any A league side. Your logic doesnt add up there LG
yes but the All Whites line up was not as strong on paper as a Nix line up - on paper at this stage!
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
Permalink
Permalink
19 matches for the Glory.
You reckon he'd make their squad now?
Permalink
Permalink
No, Plodder.
He's also an awesome finisher, should play him up front with Smeltzy.
He scored a cracker for NZ recently, why not give him a go! I like plodders never give up attitude. He might not get it right all the time but I think he is a better player than given credit for.
How come Smeltz can score for the All Whites against NC yet gets the same sort of service at the Nix and isn't. Ok, he's got our three goals so far, but really he could have had a lot more especially against some of the "lesser" sides.
It is quite frustrating, each of the Nix players individually has some potential and you can just feel it that some team will get tonked by the lads one day soon.
It just needs a spark to set them off.
Herbert is a decent coach. Pre season showed so much promise. Perhap Ricki could get Roy Keane to give the lads a bit of a tune-up via an online video feed??
Smeltz is playing with better players in the All Whites, Elliot, Chris James, etc as well as crap ones as well :)
Permalink
Permalink
And against much worse defenders in the Oceania qualifiers.
Permalink
Permalink
Nothing personal but Ricki is totally out of his depth.The A league is a lot different than getting the odd All White result against New Caledonia.
Terry should put him out of his misery for the sake of the club
Permalink
Permalink
very indepth there convict. Your rational reasons for wanting him sacked are clear
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
The problem which the Phoenix has with Ricki lies in the distinction between a coach and a manager. Nobody in New Zealand is more qualified than Ricki to coach footballers, but being a successful manager is a completely different thing.
The legendary Nottingham Forest manager, Brian Clough, famously used to leave the training to his backroom staff during the week, his duties only really starting on a matchday.
A manager needs to be able to motivate, make relevant substitutions during the game, change tactics etc - all aspects which have been sadly lacking this season.
Having said this, I think that Ricki should be given another couple of weeks, by which time we'll have played everyone once and have a more realistic idea of our position.
Permalink
Permalink
He has to be the worst exponent of the bench in history. What the f**k does bringing Siggy on for the last 5-10 do? And Brown? Absolutely nothing, thats what. Brown should have been brought on for an obviously tiring Johnson earlier.
Kwasnik is a joke as an 'impact' player too. Costa would be much better suited to that role. (not saying he's our saviour but having someone with actual pace to run at tiring defence is a better idea imo)
He's also an awesome finisher, should play him up front with Smeltzy.
Wait, how many chances has Smeltz missed exactly? He missed one against Perth today. Thats all I remember. Blaming our sh*t form on Smeltz (even just partly) is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. He will be going to the Gold Coast next year so we better make the most of having a decent striker this season.
I think that the problem is that Ricki was awarded talisman status before a ball was kicked. Now we feel like we can't hold him accountable for his mistakes. I mean, the thing most associated with the YF is the Retro Ricki t-shirts.
valeo2008-09-22 01:33:54
Kwasnik is a joke as an 'impact' player too. Costa would be much better suited to that role. (not saying he's our saviour but having someone with actual pace to run at tiring defence is a better idea imo)
No, Plodder.
He's also an awesome finisher, should play him up front with Smeltzy.
He scored a cracker for NZ recently, why not give him a go! I like
plodders never give up attitude. He might not get it right all the time
but I think he is a better player than given credit for.
How come Smeltz can score for the All Whites against NC yet gets
the same sort of service at the Nix and isn't. Ok, he's got our three
goals so far, but really he could have had a lot more especially
against some of the "lesser" sides.
It is quite frustrating, each of the Nix players individually has
some potential and you can just feel it that some team will get tonked
by the lads one day soon.
It just needs a spark to set them off.
Herbert is a decent coach. Pre season showed so much promise.
Perhap Ricki could get Roy Keane to give the lads a bit of a tune-up
via an online video feed??
Wait, how many chances has Smeltz missed exactly? He missed one against Perth today. Thats all I remember. Blaming our sh*t form on Smeltz (even just partly) is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. He will be going to the Gold Coast next year so we better make the most of having a decent striker this season.
I think that the problem is that Ricki was awarded talisman status before a ball was kicked. Now we feel like we can't hold him accountable for his mistakes. I mean, the thing most associated with the YF is the Retro Ricki t-shirts.
valeo2008-09-22 01:33:54
a.haak
Permalink
Permalink
Ricki isn't going to get sacked so this thread is kinda pointless. Regardless what you say about Ricki and the team etc Ricki won't get the sack.
1. Agreement with NZF
2. Nix contract with a buyout clause attached (expensive)
This should have been debated in the first place prior to Ricki taking over the Phoenix. Ricki only took over the Knights because he was at NZF and Seater (who wouldn't know his way out of a wet paper bag) thought Ricki was a great coach. He is a great politician - not a great coach.
People are saying there are no coaches within this country who could take over the Phoenix and I have to disagree. Ricki's record is poor against most coaches within this country. There are players and coaches who have played at the highest levels in the world.
It may just take a combination of two of the best coaches in New Zealand to get the Nix going, who they are is for a wiser head than me to pick.
In many years watching NZ Football I have yet to see a crap performance like the last three weeks in regards to tactics, desire and enthusiasm come from most NZFC or old National League sides. If the Nix played with skill, tactics and real enthusiasm then they would not be where they are.
That is lead by the coach as it is lead by CEO's in any business environment. The coach sets the scene and frankly you want a coach who is a winner and isn't afraid to ruffle feathers. Ricki needs to shape up or quit.
1. Agreement with NZF
2. Nix contract with a buyout clause attached (expensive)
This should have been debated in the first place prior to Ricki taking over the Phoenix. Ricki only took over the Knights because he was at NZF and Seater (who wouldn't know his way out of a wet paper bag) thought Ricki was a great coach. He is a great politician - not a great coach.
People are saying there are no coaches within this country who could take over the Phoenix and I have to disagree. Ricki's record is poor against most coaches within this country. There are players and coaches who have played at the highest levels in the world.
It may just take a combination of two of the best coaches in New Zealand to get the Nix going, who they are is for a wiser head than me to pick.
In many years watching NZ Football I have yet to see a crap performance like the last three weeks in regards to tactics, desire and enthusiasm come from most NZFC or old National League sides. If the Nix played with skill, tactics and real enthusiasm then they would not be where they are.
That is lead by the coach as it is lead by CEO's in any business environment. The coach sets the scene and frankly you want a coach who is a winner and isn't afraid to ruffle feathers. Ricki needs to shape up or quit.
Permalink
Permalink
Veteran striker Vaughan Coveny has lashed out after being
overlooked by head coach Ricki Herbert for today's crucial game against
Perth Glory.
The 36-year-old, who captained the side during last weekend's hard-fought draw with the Mariners, has appeared twice this season for the Phoenix.
But when the squad was announced on Tuesday, Coveny was the notable omission.
"I am pretty disappointed,"
"I got 90 minutes last week and ran myself into the ground. I thought I was worthy of at least making the squad."
The news left Coveny questioning his future at the club but he's confident he can still perform at the top level.
"I've still got the passion, no matter what my age," he said.
"If I'm good enough I should be playing."
While the new A-League season has only just begun, Coveny also hinted it could be his last in Nix colours.
"The good thing is there are two new teams coming into the A-League," he said.
"That means there is an opportunity for 40 new players. I might look at going to one of those clubs.
"Wellington is my home town and I'd love to finish my career here but if I'm not getting my chances, it might not be the case."
The veteran has also questioned Herbert's tactics, saying the club is short of options on attack.
"We sometimes play with only one up front. It worked in the pre-season but then we had that dreadful start," he said.
"Shane (Smeltz), Greg Draper and I are the only recognised strikers at the club.
"Adam Kwasnik has played in that role but he's not an out and out striker."
It seems Herbert has decided to revert back to relying on Smeltz on his own, as Coveny remained behind for the long trip to Perth.
The Phoenix go into today's game at Members Equity Stadium knowing defeat will consign them to the bottom of the A-League ladder.
That said, the Glory have hardly set the competition alight either.
Having leaked 12 goals this season the worst in the competition they are stranded at the bottom of the table on a solitary point. This has surprised Coveny.
"In the old NSL, Perth was the toughest place to go and get points," he said.
"I remember the heated atmosphere in front of 17,000 of their fans. It was intimidating. They've surprised me in the past few years - I've expected more from them."
And one of the Glory's star players, midfielder Adriano Pellegrino, knows the team have let down their staunch backers this season.
"The supporters are going to be very disappointed in us, especially losing at home, but I think we can definitely fix mistakes that we've made," he told Sunday News.
"I'm sure we can iron out the silly errors and produce a good performance against Wellington this weekend."
Permalink
Permalink
Question: what is the MAJOR change that happened in the Phoenix back room staff between last year (good football) and this year (horrendous football)?
Permalink
Permalink
Where is the passion, the urgency, the pace and creativity in this team? None of it is there. None of the new signings have really worked out yet. McKain and Durante are OK - but where is the on fileld leadership you might expect from those two?
What's even more depressing is that there is no one in NZ who can do this job. We will need to look outside, preferably someone with a bit of mongrel who knows the A-League. So unfortunately, there is no point in sacking him unless we have a replacement lined up. Ricki is too nice and laid back. Good coach, crap manager.
And now he's losing the plot. He doesn't know what his best team is and his extreme caution is holding us back. Why did we not go to the bottom placed team and rip into them from the kick off. Why did we not set our stall out to attack. Everything we do is about containing the opposition not beating them. The team desperately need some leadership and aren't getting it. We are so predictable week in and week out. I can't blame Covs for saying what he did. He's been badly treated from day 1.
And finally, why as a home crowd are we tolerating this garbage every week? It's time the team understood how the fans feel. Use your voices next week.
Permalink
Permalink
Jeez, it seems some people are getting a rugby mentality, "things go wrong sack the coach" is a disappointing and disgraceful attitude. there's 11 "professional" footballers out on the pitch, many with international experience so dont blame Ricki for their lacking performances.
keep the faith folks, the warriors were getting written off, the loyal fans STAYED LOYAL and now they're 1 game away from a final. the phoenix WILL rise
ost
keep the faith folks, the warriors were getting written off, the loyal fans STAYED LOYAL and now they're 1 game away from a final. the phoenix WILL rise
ost
Permalink
Permalink
Where is the passion, the urgency, the pace and creativity in this team? None of it is there. None of the new signings have really worked out yet. McKain and Durante are OK - but where is the on fileld leadership you might expect from those two?
What's even more depressing is that there is no one in NZ who can do this job. We will need to look outside, preferably someone with a bit of mongrel who knows the A-League. So unfortunately, there is no point in sacking him unless we have a replacement lined up. Ricki is too nice and laid back. Good coach, crap manager.
And now he's losing the plot. He doesn't know what his best team is and his extreme caution is holding us back. Why did we not go to the bottom placed team and rip into them from the kick off. Why did we not set our stall out to attack. Everything we do is about containing the opposition not beating them. The team desperately need some leadership and aren't getting it. We are so predictable week in and week out. I can't blame Covs for saying what he did. He's been badly treated from day 1.
And finally, why as a home crowd are we tolerating this garbage every week? It's time the team understood how the fans feel. Use your voices next week.
Well said.
Permalink
Permalink
I dont like Ricki but he's our coach so I'm getting behind him. He's helped pick the squad so its up to him to get the best out of it. Theres no point in bringing in someone else now, let Ricki fix up his own mess. If we have a sh*te season so be it, Ive supported crap teams in the past and will keep supporting this one because it's our team. A little pain now will make it all the sweeter when we have a successful team to follow. Rant over.
A dog with a bone :)
Permalink
Permalink
I never thought I would see the day that a topic entitled SACK RICKI would show up on the forums.
Permalink
Permalink
Jeez guys, it isn't that bad. The problem is not that hard to fix. Two positions, that's all. The problem is ALL in the centre of midfield. The defensive four and goal keeper are fine, we have good options on the flanks and the best striker in the league up front. We just have to find a DM who doesn't miss half of his passes and a midfield attacking distributor. Johnson and Hearfield are absolute muppets, Kwasnik is a waste of space and Ferrante inconsistent.
I'd put Plodder or Brownie at DM, in that old Chris Jackson role of scaring the sh*t out of anybody coming near him, and I'd be looking at getting a Simon Elliot or a similar type (Chris James).
Or why not give Costa a run at AM in a diamond formation. He's a cool customer and has distributed well the times I have seen him play.
And we need Brockie as an impact player.
Job fixed.
Permalink
Permalink
Who do you suggest as replacement? Ross A, Stu Jacobs...
Robbie Deans....
Clive Woodward?
Permalink
Permalink
Jeez guys, it isn't that bad. The problem is not that hard to fix. Two positions, that's all. The�problem is�ALL in the centre of midfield. The�defensive four�and goal keeper are fine, we have good options on the�flanks and the best striker in the league up front. We just have to find a DM who doesn't miss half of his passes and a midfield attacking distributor.�Johnson and Hearfield are absolute muppets,� Kwasnik is a waste of space and Ferrante inconsistent.
I'd put Plodder or Brownie�at DM, in that old Chris Jackson role of scaring the sh*t out of anybody coming near him, and I'd be looking at getting a Simon Elliot or a similar type (Chris James).
Or why not give Costa a run at AM in a diamond formation. He's a cool customer and has distributed well the times I have seen him play.
And we need Brockie as an impact player.
Job fixed.
Well, that settles it. Terry should sack Ricky and put you in, and we'll make the top 4 for sure.
Permalink
Permalink
But it isn't that bad. It certainly isn't as bad as the Knights, where everyone was out of their depth. If you look at the squad, the defence is solid, with depth in each position, and you have decent wide players and a really good striker.
All the problems are in the middle of the park.
Sort that out, and you'll make the playoffs.
And I couldn't move to Wellington. All that wind and not enough Eno.
Permalink
Permalink
We have a very good striker, but only 1. The middle of the park is the problem, but I can't see how we can solve it with what we have at the moment. There's a few things we might do to make things a bit better, but can't see us being anywhere near the top 4 this season.
Permalink
Permalink
Jeez guys, it isn't that bad. The problem is not that hard to fix. Two positions, that's all. The problem is ALL in the centre of midfield. The defensive four and goal keeper are fine, we have good options on the flanks and the best striker in the league up front. We just have to find a DM who doesn't miss half of his passes and a midfield attacking distributor. Johnson and Hearfield are absolute muppets, Kwasnik is a waste of space and Ferrante inconsistent.
I'd put Plodder or Brownie at DM, in that old Chris Jackson role of scaring the sh*t out of anybody coming near him, and I'd be looking at getting a Simon Elliot or a similar type (Chris James).
Or why not give Costa a run at AM in a diamond formation. He's a cool customer and has distributed well the times I have seen him play.
And we need Brockie as an impact player.
Job fixed.
What team have you been watching for the last 4 weeks?the melbourne storm?
The problem is alot more than 2 positions and yes it is that bad!i agree that tim brown could be an option because of his attitude but doesnt change the fact that he just isnt good enough. costa will get his chance and i just hope he proves us all right and grabs it with both hands.
we will all keep supporting the boys because that is what we do but there comes a time when there has to be changes. May be in the coaching department, maybe in the club or maybe in the 1st XI. The change will not come from the fever, we will be there week in week out.
Permalink
Permalink
Sack Kwasnik, sign Brockie. Sack Hearfield. Sign Elliot. Find another decent attacking midfielder (perhaps James) for the spot we have available and sign a marquee. That should give the club the ammo to do the business.
Permalink
Permalink
All the problems stem from the centre of midfield. All of them. Fix that and the other postions sort themselves out.
Permalink
Permalink
Who do you suggest as replacement? Ross A, Stu Jacobs...
Robbie Deans....
Clive Woodward?
Ross yes, Aloisi no.
Durant....
Salmon swim upstream
Permalink
Permalink
I must admit, i wondered when this topic would start. I believe he has to go, a poor record, especially at home, but who would replace him?? Also if our current situation doesnt improve, are we going to see Tony S sell up? After all he is a business man.
Permalink
Permalink
It started last week (see Coaching Conjecture) but god forbid people follow the forum rules and look for it.
Permalink
Permalink
I must admit, i wondered when this topic would start. I believe he has to go, a poor record, especially at home, but who would replace him?? Also if our current situation doesnt improve, are we going to see Tony S sell up? After all he is a business man.
Terry S
Permalink
Permalink
It started last week (see Coaching Conjecture) but god forbid people follow the forum rules and look for it.
/wah wah
Permalink
Permalink
I actually think DaiKiwi is the most intelligent and coolheaded person on here. Apparently some of you still havent calmed down.
What hes saying is we do have quality players,everywhere except in the middle of the park,which is where all our attacks have been stalling.
Maybe if bertos were to come back,fit and play himself into some form...we can have Daniel in an attacking mid role,with brown in behind him in DM.
Then i think we would have quality players all over the park,our defenders are great,we got good wide players,and the middle would have a bit of quality about it. Then smeltz can finish up front.
Pretty damn good team on paper. Things are going to look up...just let the new guys settle in (which you have to admit theyre starting to,based on durante and mackains performances in the last 2 weeks)
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
Yeah, we've got some good players (some of whom aren't playing well), but we've also got some fairly average ones. Overall the depth of our squad isn't really on the level of the better Australian teams, and not having more than 1 good forward means we'll continue to struggle.
We don't really ave the personnel to solve the central midfield situation either.
We don't really ave the personnel to solve the central midfield situation either.
Permalink
Permalink
But my point is those have kind of been our major problems this season 
That and the rest of the team has been looking nowhere near as good as they should be. But sort the central midfield problem,and injuries (due to a lack of depth) and we should get on a good run imo.
That and when we play a 4-4-2...make sure the other striker actually stays up and supports smeltz!!! Hearfield was terrible. 4-4-2 has to be our formation...we have a lacking of central midfielders...so we...play with 3 of them and isolate our best player in smeltz?? so so odd
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink