Contracted Players - Return of the Long Pins

Any source?

What happened to Eugene Galecovic? Retired?

Bouzanis has been starting the last few games in front of him.

Galekovic was definitely on the bench on Sat night.

Three we could guess but Rossi i'm on the fence about. He at times has been playing like he is uninterested in being here so wouldn't surprise me if he wanted out but he is playing and in the team each week.

I would be gutted if Rossi left, unless Materazzi is coming out of retirement to join us.

If Rossi wanted out, that would not surprise me. He has not been the Italian premier league defender I thought he would be. Definite case of can't be assed

He might not want to be here but has been too good to drop from the playing team.

Also he probably commands decent wages and the club could have decided it's best to take our money and invest elsewhere.

I've said it before, I know we ship less goals when he plays, but I'm not a huge fan of Rossi and wouldn't beat my chest if he left.

Jesus not much defensive depth if Rossi, Lowry and Abbas go. Doyle, Dura, Fox, Mullen, Galloway. Am I missing anyone? Ridenton or Rufer shoehorned into the backline?

I think Rossi is one of the best CBs we've ever had so I would be gutted. Although not surprised

Follow up question - what replacement options might be around mid-season?

So basically who we called on twitter ;)

Rossi was good for us last year, so I'm pretty disappointed in his form so far this season. Bit surprised if we end up shipping out all these defenders without replacements lined up, especially given that Dura seems to be made of glass this season and his form hasn't exactly been stellar and the fact that Galloway has been honking for most of the season. 

This just puts paid to the ridiculous idea that all players signed, or re-signed, by the club were done with Darije's agreement

Having just bagged Rossi - I also want to say I expect the club to have a similar replacement lined up. Maybe not someone with Serie A experience, but certainly a player who can hold his own and has some pedigree at a good level and not a WeeNix or journeyman Aussie to fill the gap!

The Rossi we signed was as good a player we've ever had, imho.  The Rossi we have now is a shell of that and looks to be just going through the motions.  And I think his limited ability to communicate and lead has been a problem.  

But I certainly agree, it all now depends on how good the player coming in proves to be.  And it'll tell us something about Darije's ability to source the level of player we need and maybe something of the level of support Welnix are giving.  

Amazingly, I think Rossi is our most limited ball playing CB despite his pedigree and this might be why he is on the outer. His passing range is limited at best.

I think it has more to do with us being a little overawed about Serie A and what we assume it means.  Would you be equally disappointed in his performance if he came from a career in the Bulgarian or Moldovan premier league? By A-League standards he is a decent, relatively clean CB with few performance issues and mercifully few injury problems. And he is not a dickhead.

I would concede a point that he appears less motivated today than he was when he started with us. But in my eyes he is the guy that settled our defensive line when he arrived at The Nix, and who proved to be our most "even" defender over the last season and the current season to date.  He is not flash, and not particularly fast, but I consider him reliable in comparison to others around him.

I'll say it again: there is something about this club which (post Ifill) has engendered a "can't be arsed" attitude in our Visa players

As for Rossi its interesting that so many are prepared to just right him off cant seem to recall there was any of that at all when he arrived. Sooner or later there are going to have to be some serious questions asked about player attitude because something sure as hell seems to have crept into the club.

First of all I need to say I didn't watch the game the other day. The nIx have became so dire I don't bother watching their away games past my bed time anymore as it just brings on nightmares.

Listening to radio sport this arvo, the presenter said something is wrong with Roy, with him being ashen faced after scoring the goal putting us ahead and not celebrating.

Is this accurate and if so is Roy trying to get out of the shark house we are in at the moment?

Roy did actually celebrate. He did his heart thing but it was muted. He also walked around a lot and seemed less enthusiastic than normal.

He looked like he was still carrying an injury to be honest. You'd think having Burns back would have ignited him at least if it was an atitude thing.

AK is live streaming at the supermarket on Instagram with our new Serbian friend. If he’s in the country, does that mean his Visa is through?

He may have a visa but not sure if the work permit is through (you would expect so).

Wellington Phoenix outcast Hamish Watson is trialling with Malaysian side PKNS FC. He has been told to find other opportunities. https://t.co/0zLPzdDaqs pic.twitter.com/9yCfKDxg7x

— Covert Agent (@TheCovertAgent) January 8, 2018

Could be Shane Smeltz' recommendation?

Phoenix Coach Darije Kalezic confirms Dario Pot is new assistant coach, Matija Ljujic will play tomorrow night, and Watson is officially on a trial overseas.

— John Mckenzie (@Johnmck419) January 9, 2018

PLAYER SIGNING | From A Lyga to A-League: Phoenix sign Serbian attacking midfielder #COYN #WELvMVC ? https://t.co/NuQ7UZ29SV pic.twitter.com/XTtdn6DDoW

— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) January 9, 2018

Just as well that Watson is not trialling in the MLS. Can you imagine how difficult he would find it staying behind the line at US immigration?

Well, at least things are happening. Wonder who Ljujic is being brought in to replace - WeeMac, or Ridenton?

Finkler?