They are bankrupt so they won't be playing anyone...
Contracted Players - Return of the Long Pins
They are bankrupt so they won't be playing anyone...
The Solomon Islands have gone bankrupt? Or do you mean their FA? First I've heard of it.
FIFA slapped them with a 50k fine after the Nations Cup for crowd behaviour and throwing stuff on to the pitch. That and the costs have made their FA (sorry) bankrupt. I believe there was talk of playing one of their qualifiers in NZ (against Tahiti) because of costs.
I dunno about Totori, I still think that he's a confidence player and with the way the whole team played last season he just never got the wind in his sails. He's always going to be a bit frustrating and inconsistent but I think if he played a few games in a row in a role with very little defensive responsibility he has the potential to have a season like Brockie's last year - some wonder goals, a few easy goals, a few fluke goals, and a lot of frustration for the fans.
I know it's not a popular opinion around these parts, but I think he could still come good. I don't think he'll ever be a star but he could be a game-changer. Sure the AWs were awful at the OFCNC but he still made Sigmund, Vicelich and Tommy Smith (IIRC our defenders correctly) look like hacks, so he could do it to A league defenders if he hit his stride.
Now I'll duck down to avoid the (metaphorical) rotten tomatoes I'm bound to pelted with for saying this
I can't see Ernie cutting him without giving him a chance to impress in training. We have 4 months before the season starts, so plenty of time for him to make a judgement on if to keep him or not.
I know it's not a popular opinion around these parts, but I think he could still come good. I don't think he'll ever be a star but he could be a game-changer. Sure the AWs were awful at the OFCNC but he still made Sigmund, Vicelich and Tommy Smith (IIRC our defenders correctly) look like hacks, so he could do it to A league defenders if he hit his stride.
He turned Tim Myers twice in two games and got himself a professional contract. Not to mention the conditions the games were played in.
Tim Myers, the standard that strikers are measured against to play pro football.
Where are my boots....
So according to the herald, lochead is gone
Minor surprise about Lockhead, and a sign of what's to come with bar being clearly raised.
I know it's not a popular opinion around these parts, but I think he could still come good. I don't think he'll ever be a star but he could be a game-changer. Sure the AWs were awful at the OFCNC but he still made Sigmund, Vicelich and Tommy Smith (IIRC our defenders correctly) look like hacks, so he could do it to A league defenders if he hit his stride.
He turned Tim Myers twice in two games and got himself a professional contract. Not to mention the conditions the games were played in.
So according to the herald, lochead is gone
So according to the herald, lochead is gone
Hmm the article just said: "The Phoenix stalwart was a virtual fixture for six seasons under previous coach Ricki Herbert and has played more for the Phoenix than anyone else - but is unlikely to be retained by new manager Ernie Merrick."
Not really saying he's gone, just repeating speculation a lot of people round here have peddled.
So according to the herald, lochead is gone
Hmm the article just said: "The Phoenix stalwart was a virtual fixture for six seasons under previous coach Ricki Herbert and has played more for the Phoenix than anyone else - but is unlikely to be retained by new manager Ernie Merrick."
Not really saying he's gone, just repeating speculation a lot of people round here have peddled.
The headline was fairly black and white "Lochead to be shown door"
yeah but since when has the headline of a story actually matched the content. Just speculation, nothing concrete in there.
With this decision already likely to have been made, conveyed to the player and announced formally next week, I would like to give burgess a little more credit then that. I don't think he we'd run a headline like that unless his source was impeccable.
I'll believe it when the full squad is announced for this season. Until then its all speculation.
That article is literally a cut and paste of comments on this forum. No quotes from anyone, no sources... That's not to say that there is no truth to it as well.
2nd Best has said that he is certain Rowe has been signed. When you look how both Rowe and Hogg did on Tuesday (not great), and coupled with EM saying we have too many older players, the picture is not the clearest. Idon't believe Rowe/Hogg are better at the moment but that can change over a season.
Personally, I'd offer Tony a 1 year deal. Tell him clearly that he is has been a fantastic servant but he is not the future (which is obvious with age anyway) and this is not about nostalgia or a payment to reflect what he has done. Its about now and that he needs to fight for a starting spot against Rowe (assuming 2B is right). There is a chance he may not play but he is expected to train hard and push Rowe every step and use his experience to help Rowe develop. At the end if season, he won't be re-signed so its a 1 and done deal on reduced wages. Its then up to him if he wants to take it or not.
that would make more sense/. A one year deal to have a last chance to show he can still play well, while he also helps develop the younger players.
Lochhead looked good at the end of the season under Greenacre. If he was willing to take a pay cut, I would be happy for him to stay another season. Not really convinced about Hogg & Rowe yet, so seems a gamble to go into the season with them.
That article is literally a cut and paste of comments on this forum. No quotes from anyone, no sources... That's not to say that there is no truth to it as well.
2nd Best has said that he is certain Rowe has been signed. When you look how both Rowe and Hogg did on Tuesday (not great), and coupled with EM saying we have too many older players, the picture is not the clearest. Idon't believe Rowe/Hogg are better at the moment but that can change over a season.
Personally, I'd offer Tony a 1 year deal. Tell him clearly that he is has been a fantastic servant but he is not the future (which is obvious with age anyway) and this is not about nostalgia or a payment to reflect what he has done. Its about now and that he needs to fight for a starting spot against Rowe (assuming 2B is right). There is a chance he may not play but he is expected to train hard and push Rowe every step and use his experience to help Rowe develop. At the end if season, he won't be re-signed so its a 1 and done deal on reduced wages. Its then up to him if he wants to take it or not.
I guess it's a bit of a dilemma because after watching the NZ A game we realize how average Hogg and Rowe are. Lochhead is still the benchmark for leftbacks in this country, which is so worrying. We need to be looking at someone better, I just don't know if Hogg and Rowe are the answer.
Lockhead was always an average player. He would no make it with any other A league club, let alone more serious league. He played only because Ricki was the coach...
...and lets not have Ifill sitting in front of this troublesome LB position cause it's been like a railway down that side....
That article is literally a cut and paste of comments on this forum. No quotes from anyone, no sources... That's not to say that there is no truth to it as well.
2nd Best has said that he is certain Rowe has been signed. When you look how both Rowe and Hogg did on Tuesday (not great), and coupled with EM saying we have too many older players, the picture is not the clearest. Idon't believe Rowe/Hogg are better at the moment but that can change over a season.
Personally, I'd offer Tony a 1 year deal. Tell him clearly that he is has been a fantastic servant but he is not the future (which is obvious with age anyway) and this is not about nostalgia or a payment to reflect what he has done. Its about now and that he needs to fight for a starting spot against Rowe (assuming 2B is right). There is a chance he may not play but he is expected to train hard and push Rowe every step and use his experience to help Rowe develop. At the end if season, he won't be re-signed so its a 1 and done deal on reduced wages. Its then up to him if he wants to take it or not.
I guess it's a bit of a dilemma because after watching the NZ A game we realize how average Hogg and Rowe are. Lochhead is still the benchmark for leftbacks in this country, which is so worrying. We need to be looking at someone better, I just don't know if Hogg and Rowe are the answer.
Ernie won't know if Hogg or Rowe are the answer either. No-one does right now. Hogg was so unconvincing the other night. But obviously Ernie has seen enough of Lochhead over the years to have an opinion, and doesn't think he's part of his starting lineup. Wasn't that his criteria line. if you're not good enough for my starting 11, then it's best you move on.
.. and don't worry. The Herald isn't speculating. Lochhead is gone. Will be formally announced with other off contract decisions over next few days. All players involved will know by now.
With this decision already likely to have been made, conveyed to the player and announced formally next week, I would like to give burgess a little more credit then that. I don't think he we'd run a headline like that unless his source was impeccable.
This is why you are a "lawyer" and not a journo.
Sorry I meant tabloid, muck raking, fabricating hack.
Edit: Although likely not the case for the Herald Burgess.
That article has so much wrong with it.
It is very wrong if it is incorrect and he hasn't been let go. It would be worse then wrong it would be disgusting. But I give Burgess more credt then that - he is gone
[quote=AlanFord]
Lockhead was always an average player. He would no make it with any other A league club, let alone more serious league. He played only because Ricki was the coach...
No.
Also, I will be very nervous if we go into the season with Rowe and Hogg as our left fullback options.
Hogg and Rowe were poor against Jordan, but in their defence (hmm irony because they had none) they were playing in a team that had just come together against an international side that has proven itself very competative.
Given more time together as a team, perhaps we would of seen a different game from them.
I still think one of the reasons Rowe looked so bad was because he got caught out looking for and expecting options to pass two, but instead saw no movement or options ahead of him.
Unlikely to run something like that without a source.
Makes you think that they have got another left back lined up, cos Hogg and Rowe wouldn't fill me with any confidence.
Jason Pine @pineyzb
Wellington Phoenix about to announce the fate of their off-contract players, including Ian Hogg, Tony Lochhead + Dani Sanchez #aleague
Wellington Phoenix about to announce the fate of their off-contract players, including Ian Hogg, Tony Lochhead + Dani Sanchez #aleague
[Edit: sounds like the info will be released tonight]
Lockhead was always an average player. He would no make it with any other A league club, let alone more serious league. He played only because Ricki was the coach...
Average enough to get a trial with an English Premiership club.
All the best to Lochead I hope he finds another pro club. In hs prime for us he was an important player and seems a nice chap
All the best to Lochead I hope he finds another pro club. In hs prime for us he was an important player and seems a nice chap
Im am surprised Lochhead has gone. I would have kept him.
Perhaps Lochead got an offer and decided to not renew?
wow, not sure letting Lochy go is the best idea, the man has been a servant of the club from day one. and even thou his last year wasnt the best, he still was a very consistent performer. good luck to him!
All the best to Lochead I hope he finds another pro club. In hs prime for us he was an important player and seems a nice chap
Im am surprised Lochhead has gone. I would have kept him.
I probably wouldve kept him as a back up option after signing a new LB from somewhere else. But in saying that for a back up we may as well just take Hogg. You'd be more likely to get growth from Hogg than Lochhead, and Id imagine wouldnt demand as much of a wage either.
Does anyone have a list of the current contracted players so we can see what likely positions are going to have to be filled.
Lia
Lindsay
Muscat
Ifill
Boxall
Huysegems
Totori
Bertos
Sigmund
Brockie
Moss
Durante
Fenton
Boyd
Hernandez
What it does demonstrate is that Merrick is not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in order to implement change. Discarding a foundation kiwi who did not deliver last season sends a clear message to the rest of the squadp>