Doddingtown

309 replies · 2,316 views

almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Players like Daniel, Costa, Hearfield and Kruse (if signed) wil really have to prove themselves defensively if they can step up into those wide roles, otherwise they'll be fighting for impact player spots on the bench if a 442 is used.

You know we belong together...

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Hearfield defends OK.

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Oska wrote:

Maybe Siggy and McKain as CBs with Diego and Brown in midfield would be the best way of balancing the side. Would rather McKain and Brown in the team than one of them + Dura.

I don't see Ricki wanting to leave his captain on the sidelines all season

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Oska wrote:

But not nice to hear that from a player who was loved by (most) fans. I basically read it as he feels he's putting in more effort than anyone else, and wants more passion in the team. Karl was indeed one of the most committed players we've had along with Siggy, Aloisi and Brown, but if I've got the right end of the stick here my respect for him is gone, and that's a shame because he was a great CB (despite what Auskiwi says).

I think that Dodd's reasoning is probably similar to the reasoning of Smeltz and Moss. We keep hearing about our goal is just making the finals, and that we're a club that is just starting out. Perhaps this is leading the players to not going into every game hungry for the win.

My feeling is that Moss, Smeltz, and Dodd all felt that they could get picked up by clubs that are genuinely targetting the championship.
Critical_Lemon2009-05-15 14:04:24

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I think Dodd leaving was far more to do with his salary expectations, and what the Nix were prepared to pay, being too far apart to be resolved. I think the negative comments he made about the Nix were all about justifying his departure to his prospective new employer - the pity is he could have done that without slagging off his previous club - reflects more on his character than anything else.

Smeltz leaving was $s, lifestyle and family considerations.

Don't know why Moss left - you might be right about his championship / ACL aspirations.

He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Critical_Lemon wrote:

... We keep hearing about our goal is just making the finals, and that we're a club that is just starting out. Perhaps this is leading the players to not going into every game hungry for the win.

If thats the case you have to look at the coach for not getting their heads right.

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Oska wrote:

Thats true. I think Daniel could be the best choice as a left mid because bouncing balls off Diego and into 2 strikers will be a lot easier than just Smeltz who didn't offer pace or height to work off.

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Whitby boy wrote:

I wouldn't be too worried about the back half of the park, it's the front half that needs sorting out.

Two out and out strikers are a must - they will obviously need quality ball from midfielders capable of creating (Diego) and support from midfielders who can get wide and forward at pace and support (Leo). I get to a 4-4-2 diamond as Diego seems to best fit the role of play maker behind the front 2, Leo is best out wide and, for balance, you would need some one playing widish on the other side (Kruse or Daniel). Leaves a DM playing in front of our very solid back 4 - McKain or Brown can scrap for that position.

Simple

P.S. Wouldn't mind that 2nd striker being announced - that signing is, for me, the make or break for the season.

Ok so pretty much - We only have 2 spots that won't be guaranteed

STx2 Greenacre Plus new signing Argetman

AM Diego

RM Fight

LM Bertos

DM McKain/Brown

LB Lochy

CBx2 Dura Seamonster

RB Manny

GK Paston

So LM and DM ? and DM would be either McKain or Brown. Would this be our perfect choice?

playwithFire2009-05-15 15:06:19

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I agree two strikers are a must if we are to make any impact this season. I do feel however that as defensive midfielders that Mckain and Brown just dont do it for me. I would much prefer a holding central midfielder that has the confidence and the skill to look where he's passing the ball and is confident enough to hold the ball until he can pass rather relying on the old heave ho panic big boot. Carl Dodd wasnt a star by any means but he was solid and was a case of what you saw you got, if his aspirations were of a higher nature then maybe him being honest rather than after the fact would have been a better route to follow....for some strange reason I was under the impression that he was looking at playing in Asia

" If you only have a hammer you tend to see every problem as a nail" - maslow

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

playwithFire wrote:

DM would be either McKain or Brown. Would this be our perfect choice?

ï¿½

If it comes to a straight choice between McKain and Brown for a starting spot, it's no contest at all.

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

A shame that Dura is captain really IMO, we have McKain, Dura, Siggy and Brown competing for 3 spots in that central defensive triangle and he'd be my fourth choice out of them for sure if it wasn't for that.

You know we belong together...

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

paullt wrote:

I thought he wanted to do asia as well.
meh must be the money.

I think McKain lacks the ability to thread the needle with a ball, but has the immense power of holding the ball up and giving our defence time to reform. While also having enough skill to walk through a player. If he can just offload it to Diego, Bertos or LM then I think it'll be fine.

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

In the early games of this last season Bertos would frequently knock the ball past their wide defender and easily skip past them and have acres of space. He stopped doing that for some reason that's completely beyond me, but seriously, if he kept it up that could lead to a number of goals.

Also, someone mentioned Dodd slugging off the club. I didn't hear about that, what did he say?

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Yeah I agree. Maybe he changed his game because he thought he had to playing as a striker. I think he did it for Perth which is where he got heaps of assists. If he kept his focus on that wide role, and someone like Daniel could cause havoc on the other wing, then I feel like we could do some real damage all over the park. I do feel like that this could be Daniel's Big year. If he under performs again his buzz will surely be gone but if he can return to form, he could have himself a starting spot and possibly an All Whites (no i mean NZ National Team) Selection? I do feel like if he puts his mind to it then he could become a formidable opponent when he plays off Diego

playwithFire2009-05-15 21:59:56

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almost 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

As a winger he has to adjust how he attacks a defence depending on how they and we are playing, that and playing as striker for much of the season restricted that kick 'n' chase, flying winger style of play. I remember in the early stages of last season he often saw the ball go flying over his head and didn't get the time on the ball to open out and play a running game, similar to LayLay Down.

You know we belong together...

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over 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Nice to see him making some progress at NQ Fury. Hope he gets signed.

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over 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Bevan wrote:

Nice to see him making some progress at NQ Fury. Hope he gets signed.

Um, he did get signed....didn't he?

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over 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Dodd is a good centre back. played well for us. if NQF havent signed him, they should.

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over 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Agreed. I always liked him. I rate him higher than Durante. He isn't very skilled and he doesn't have a very good touch or pass but damn he works hard. Does the basics right too - just boot the f**k out of it. Also did a number on Kruse that News would've been proud of. (or was it Zullo? hit him into the advertising hoardings)
valeo2009-07-27 20:38:20

a.haak

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over 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

He converted me from one of his harshest critics in season one to being really disappointed he was released earlier this year. As you said, he gave 100% if not always the best performer. If he takes the feild over here, I'll be starting a Who let the Dodds out over in Aisle 13.

Dodd = Legend!

Lonegunmen2009-07-27 20:41:34

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

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

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over 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Fair play to him...but 'hard man' might be pushing it a bit. I always imagined a St Bernard being 'let out' rather than a rottweiler.HarryHotspur2009-07-27 20:42:35

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