I would've liked to have seen Lochhead given another chance.
If he'd started his contract negotiations when Leo did, then he would probably still be here.
Hope Rowe gets signed though, he's got potential.
Contracted Players - Return of the Long Pins
I would've liked to have seen Lochhead given another chance.
If he'd started his contract negotiations when Leo did, then he would probably still be here.
Hope Rowe gets signed though, he's got potential.
Good point about Bertos. Maybe they were negotiating at the same time but Bertos was prepared to take a pay cut and Lochhead wasn't.
As we are in the dark, it could be assumed that there was negotiations that failed. We simply don't know.
manny is not a DM. he is an excellent tackler, but does not cover enough ground across the front of the back four and is not so good with quick and accurate ball transition.
one possible reason that merrick might not play him as a right back is if he decides to deploy three centre backs as he often did at victory
Odds for new scapegoat have just opened.
Lia 2/1
Bertos 3/1
Brockie 7/2
Ifill 5/1
I'd be all over those Lia odds
Whoever takes over left back for Lochead will likely be the cause of the most angst for my money. I know Lochy could cause some angst but whenever he was out the shit was usually spattered by the fan all down our left side.
PHOENIX AND TOTORI PART COMPANY
The Wellington Phoenix have parted company with Solomon Islands international Benji Totori by mutual agreement.
Totori had one year left of his two-year contract but will leave the club immediately.
General manager David Dome said head coach Ernie Merrick could not guarantee Totori regular game time.
Consequently Totori and the club agreed to terminate his contract, but the Phoenix have negotiated with Oakleigh Cannons to offer him a contract for the remainder of the Victoria Premier League season.
“That will give Benji more exposure and we may also look at bringing him back to New Zealand through our feeder club Team Wellington for the 2013-14 ASB Championship season,” Dome said.
“We thank Benji for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”
Everyone's a winner.
Obvious Decision and a good one for the club and Benji.
I like this Ernie Merrick character already.
'Could not guarantee game time' is marketing parlay for 'I don't want him on my roster as he is not good enough'
I like this Ernie Merrick character already.
'Could not guarantee game time' is marketing parlay for 'I don't want him on my roster as he is not good enough'
Agreed. Ernie is growing on me every day. Not afraid to make tough calls, and was impressed with his interviews after training.
Also loving having a coach 100% switched on to the Nix during the off-season!
P.S. Wish Benji all the best with his future in VPL/TW/whatever but very very happy he's not an import for us anymore.
So do we get the international spot back?
Yes, unless Benji took it with him and refuses to give it back.
Good news! Hope he does ok in the VPL but this is pretty well done considering he had a year left here. Cheers Benji!
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2012/13:
Corey GAMEIRO
Ian HOGG
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
Cant wait for player signings! 14 signed - at least 6 new nix faces - possibly 9. Thats a pretty decent number for merrick to have ample say in the personnel he has!
Great result with Totori - now we're talking - the change-up that had to happen for this club to survive.
Am I correct in thinking we have 2 import slots? Smith and Totori's?
Smith, Sanchez and Totori are all gone; one has been taken up by Carlos, so yep - 2.
Stein, Ifill, Hernandez and two other imports, that is starting to look like what the foriegn players roster should be - five top-quality players who could be starting every week and have the potential to all be game changers. Getting more excited about the season now.
Getting more excited about the season now.
Plus One.
Getting more excited about the season now.
Plus One.
++
Stein, Ifill, Hernandez and two other imports, that is starting to look like what the foriegn players roster should be - five top-quality players who could be starting every week and have the potential to all be game changers. Getting more excited about the season now.
Completely agreed. Though I guess we should wait until Ernie signs the remaining 2 imports - it could be Alessandro and Dexter Rosales.
Stein, Ifill, Hernandez and two other imports, that is starting to look like what the foriegn players roster should be - five top-quality players who could be starting every week and have the potential to all be game changers. Getting more excited about the season now.
Completely agreed. Though I guess we should wait until Ernie signs the remaining 2 imports - it could be Alessandro and Dexter Rosales.
I think Ernie has a decent history of signing foreigners - if not a little too hit and miss. But you get that all over the league - some players just come for a holiday.
At least with 2 spots, 1 can be a miss and we'll still have another
Stein, Ifill, Hernandez and two other imports, that is starting to look like what the foriegn players roster should be - five top-quality players who could be starting every week and have the potential to all be game changers. Getting more excited about the season now.
Completely agreed. Though I guess we should wait until Ernie signs the remaining 2 imports - it could be Alessandro and Dexter Rosales.
I think Ernie has a decent history of signing foreigners - if not a little too hit and miss. But you get that all over the league - some players just come for a holiday.
At least with 2 spots, 1 can be a miss and we'll still have another
Not quite true - Ernie has had a pretty bad run with foreigners with the exception of 2 very good ones (Hernandez and Fred) and maybe Brebner.
-
Geoffrey Claeys (2005–06)
-
Alessandro (2006–07) -
Fabiano (2008–09)
-
Fabio (2011–12)
-
Surat Sukha (2009–11) -
Sutee Suksomkit (2009)
-
Geoff Kellaway (2010–11)
-
Joe Keenan (2007–08)
-
James Robinson (2006–07)
-
Marvin Angulo (2009–11) -
José Luis López (2008–09)
Hardly names that set the league alight. In saying that, he's gotten the best out of Australian players (Archie, Allsopp, Kemp, Kruse, Celeski)
Fabio was Durakovic but your missing Ricadonkey off that list.
Sorry Totori but shit this is great news. 2 new imports makes things soooo much better. Well done management!
no apologies needed for IMO. Totori was never going to get more game time, under Ricki or Merrick. This was the only decision that could be made. Hope he does ok, but he was never good enough to play in the a-league and he got found out big time. I'm pleased that we now have two improt spots to fill and hope that the club allows Merrick to get the players he wants.
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2012/13:
Corey GAMEIRO
Ian HOGG
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Lewis ITALIANO
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2012/13:
Ian HOGG
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Luke ADAMS (u21, +1)
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Lewis ITALIANO
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2012/13:
Ian HOGG
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Luke ADAMS (u21, +1)
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Lewis ITALIANO
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
I wonder if Luke Adams "+1" Clause is the same as Benji's
Hmm kinda hope that is a club option or at least a mutual consent option.
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2012/13:
Ian HOGG
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Luke ADAMS (u21, +1)
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Lewis ITALIANO
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Kenny CUNNINGHAM (f)
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Luke ADAMS (u21, +1)
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Lewis ITALIANO
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Reece CAIRA
Kenny CUNNINGHAM (f)
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
You can make a note that Reece is u21 too.
You can make a note that Reece is u21 too.
Not sure he'll be u21 for the 2014/15 season though
Updated:
EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:
Luke ADAMS (u21, +1)
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Lewis ITALIANO
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Reece CAIRA
Kenny CUNNINGHAM (f)
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND
EXPIRES END OF 2015/16:
Alex RUFER (u21)
1 more and we have a valid roster for the season.
Preferably a quality deep-lying centre mid!
Anyone know squad numbers for the newbies?