That post is not available.

Wellington Phoenix Men

Corban Piper

53 replies · 6,479 views
about 3 years ago


Youngster Corban Piper signs for Wexford FC. They ply their trade in the League of Ireland First Division (2nd tier).

Doesn't make today's squad however to face Cobh Ramblers, a side he also trialled with not too long ago.

Good luck to the kid. 👏
Permalink
about 3 years ago
Do we have any background info on the lad?

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

Permalink
about 3 years ago · edited about 3 years ago · History
Always good seeing New Zealanders sign overseas and he might not be the only one from Birkenhead, as Jackson Woods has apparently left to possibly try things overseas somewhere. Even better when it's a Westlaker - a few have had moves in the last couple months, Sam Brotherton, Deklan Wynne and Moses Dyer also - maybe Woods or McCowatt can hopefully be the next.

Piper is a defensive midfielder in a 'destroyer' player profile, physical and strong in challenges both aerially and on the ground, more so than a passer like Joe Bell for example. This website gives a decent description of what a destroyer kind of does, though that's just my opinion of his player profile.

For those who find such trivia interesting - I'm pretty sure Piper was one in of those 13th/14th-grade 'superteams' you occasionally find. At North Shore United (though originally Forrest Hill) for the '02 born kids, they had a team (I'm fairly certain) with Piper, Ben Old, Joe Lee (Auckland City), Max Drake and Harry Bark (2019 U17 WC squad members), Levi Wilson (also Birkenhead) and coached by Paul Temple (who was certainly instrumental in bringing them all down to the Phoenix/Lower Hutt). Piper himself was a non-travelling reserve for that 2019 U17 WC, so that team could've even had five members to represent NZ at U16/U17 level.
Permalink
about 3 years ago


Work to do early doors for Wexford as they slip to bottom of the table after defeat this morning, and their second in a row to kick off their league campaign.

Hopefully we see Piper come into the side over the next couple of weeks and help Wexford get up and running.
Permalink
about 3 years ago
Makes his first matchday squad for his new club ✅
Club debut? 👀
Perhaps a little later on this morning.

Kick off for this one in about half an hour.



Permalink
about 3 years ago


Club debut for young Corban Piper this morning as Wexford win this one 2-1.
Permalink
almost 3 years ago

First start for Corban Piper against Bray Wanderers. 👏

Currently 3-2 to Bray approaching F/T.
Permalink
almost 3 years ago
From Flying Kiwis.

Might just take a sec here to shout out Corban Piper too. The 20yo midfielder, ex-Birkenhead United, is playing at Wexford in the division below and while the team’s been up and down it’s worth noting that Piper has seemingly already worked his way into a regular starting gig with them. Began getting spare minutes at fullback, now is at the heart of the midfield each week.
Permalink
almost 3 years ago
coochiee
Looks like Piper has established himself at Wexford as a regular.
12 starts now. Wexford 6th in the Irish 2nd tier.
 
https://us.soccerway.com/players/corban-piper/829562/



Lots of positive commentary on social media regarding his performances for them too. Hopefully keeps his head down and he keeps up the good work, and who knows, he might get a look at from some clubs higher up the rung. 
Permalink
over 2 years ago


Haven't updated his progress in a while, but he's been an ever present since making the move to Ireland.

Also got his first assist for the club last weekend in their 1-0 win over Treaty United. ⬇️


Wexford sitting in 5th, and in the playoff places with 12 games to go in the 1st Division season (+ an FAI Cup game later on this month as well).
Permalink
over 2 years ago


First ever playoffs position for Wexford FC secured in a 0-0 draw with Waterford overnight.
 
They now can't drop below 5th position (final playoff spot) with three games remaining in the regular season.

Quick side note - Wexford have played in the Premier Division previously after winning the First Division title in 2015, before being dumped back down via promotion relegation playoffs just a year later. 

A definite fan favourite over in Ireland though. Wonder if he's managed to register some interest from the higher ups? 

32 games across all competitions this season so far for the lad. 💪


Permalink
over 2 years ago · edited over 2 years ago · History



Got a bit ahead of myself in the last post regarding playoffs, but this time around its confirmed. Full 90 this morning for Piper as Wexford secure their first ever playoff spot!

A big well done to the lad. He's been an everpresent in the starting XI since coming in at the beginning of the season. All credit to him also for making the decision to up-sticks for Ireland and making a real go of it so far.

Still a couple of regular season rounds to go before playoffs kick off later this month, and with any luck we might see a promotion for the young lad. 🤞
Permalink
over 2 years ago
First leg of playoffs this morning for Wexford as they chase promotion to the Irish Premier League.



Currently down 1-0 against Cobh Ramblers after 20.
Permalink
over 2 years ago
Unfortunately no promotion for Wexford this season as the second leg in the promotion playoff finishes 1-1 and they go down 2-1 to Cobh.

It looks like he is in the move as well based on the following tweet. Whether that's to another club in Ireland, or outside the bounds of, or indeed back to New Zealand. I guess we'll find out over the next little while.

Permalink
about 2 years ago
Anyone have an update?
Permalink
about 2 years ago
Rusty Dunks
Anyone have an update?

Not at the moment, but like most Kiwi lads who have a break in the football season over Christmas/New Year's it seems like he's been back home in NZ.

I'll see what I can find out. 
Permalink
about 2 years ago
His agent has posted a highlights reel:
Permalink
about 2 years ago · edited about 2 years ago · History
Sounds like visa problems brought him back to NZ, although he is hoping to head back in the near future.

Lots of movement in Ireland this time of year so we'll wait and see what happens, although there is nothing concrete at this stage.
Permalink
about 2 years ago · edited about 2 years ago · History
Possible Auckland FC squaddie signing?  Seems a bit odd to come back to NZ, after reportedly going very well in the Irish 2nd tier, and catching the eye. Most young 21 year old guys would then try & hang around in Europe, sign up for a 2nd season or whatever.

Maybe he's already got a deal with Auckland locked in, and just filling in a few months now? Must be a chance of the Olywhites & Paris, though don't think he was in Bazeley's U22/23 squads last year. Campbell Strong, Willem Ebbinge, Dan McKay & Conchie from what I can see were the DMs?? Not forgetting Stamenic is a lock in. Maybe Piper feels he needs to be more local in Auckland to push his Paris case for Baze & Co. The Oympics after all a once in a lifetime event, and a big shop window.

Permalink
about 2 years ago
coochiee
Possible Auckland FC squaddie signing?  Seems a bit odd to come back to NZ, after reportedly going very well in the Irish 2nd tier, and catching the eye. Most young 21 year old guys would then try & hang around in Europe, sign up for a 2nd season or whatever.

Maybe he's already got a deal with Auckland locked in, and just filling in a few months now? Must be a chance of the Olywhites & Paris, though don't think he was in Bazeley's U22/23 squads last year. Campbell Strong, Willem Ebbinge, Dan McKay & Conchie from what I can see were the DMs?? Not forgetting Stamenic is a lock in. Maybe Piper feels he needs to be more local in Auckland to push his Paris case for Baze & Co. The Oympics after all a once in a lifetime event, and a big shop window.

Few more factors at play than that by the sounds, but not entirely my place to say.

He's back to get minutes and see what interest can be drummed up locally. He might give it another go overseas if a half decent offer comes in - He was offered another deal with Wexford, but turned it down. Keeping in mind the minimum wage for full time footballers across both leagues in Ireland was €430...
Permalink
over 1 year ago
https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/nix-bolster-mens-squad-with-deadline-day-signing/

And Piper is looking forward to switching to centre back, despite “banging in goals” playing as a 10 for Birkenhead.

“Physicality is probably my greatest strength. I can’t wait to make some big tackles!

“I was playing a more advanced midfield role this season, but last year I was playing more of a defensive role as a centre back and a defensive midfielder.

“The way Chiefy plays he wants the centre backs to be ball players and I think I have the ability to do that.

“Being a 10 this season has really helped me develop my awareness and my one touch passing.

“Like any other footballer I just want to be playing so that’s my big goal.”
Permalink
over 1 year ago
Permalink
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Ragnor or Ragnar?


Good signs though, getting a nick name is usually a sign of quick acceptance to the group. 

Strong odds that sometime in the season, a poor unfortunate lightly built ALM opponent is going to get one hell of a bump off, and be lying on the turf in a bit of pain.
Permalink
over 1 year ago
coochiee
Ragnor or Ragnar?


Good signs though, getting a nick name is usually a sign of quick acceptance to the group. 

Strong odds that sometime in the season, a poor unfortunate lightly built ALM opponent is going to get one hell of a bump off, and be lying on the turf in a bit of pain.
Jesse Randall has bulked up quite a bit but I can see Corban bodying him in Auckland.
Permalink
4 months ago
Permalink
4 months ago
Corban Piper = "The Beast!". Everytime he takes to the field, he makes things happen and distracts the opposition defence who don't really know how to take them. Reminds me of John Toshack.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink
4 months ago
I really enjoyed this pod, he seems like a properly good guy and is having to do the hard yards around the field to cement himself.
Permalink
4 months ago
WanderingSheep
I really enjoyed this pod, he seems like a properly good guy and is having to do the hard yards around the field to cement himself.

He is a very nice guy. The sort you want backing you in the trenches. 
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink
4 months ago
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink
4 months ago
C'mon Corban. A goal against AFC would be very sweet!

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

Permalink
4 months ago
Chant suggestion:

Corban Piper!
Corban F****n Piper!
Repeat continuously
Permalink
4 months ago
terrys glass table
Chant suggestion:

Corban Piper!
Corban F****n Piper!
Repeat continuously
Im no prude but why is it necessary for swear words to have become such big a part of so many peoples chanting.
Some of the best days in the Zone didnt rely on the swearing that seems to be the main thing lately. 

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

Permalink
4 months ago
I'm not up to date with the modern chants because i don't usually sit in the zone. But in this instance I think it suits the character of the player. Strong upfront enforcer: hard as ...
Permalink
4 months ago
terrys glass table
I'm not up to date with the modern chants because i don't usually sit in the zone. But in this instance I think it suits the character of the player. Strong upfront enforcer: hard as ...
Have spoken to him on a number of occasions and dont recall him finding it necessary to use swear words. You can give the impression of being strong without swear words.
Again im no prude and have been known to use them at times of frustration. Its just in speaking to others the over use of swear words is wearing thin on many.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

Permalink