Wellington Phoenix Men

Elrich to sign ? (Marquee speculation V.207)

192 replies · 5,243 views
over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
haha or final contenders
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
james dean wrote:
So line it up like this
 

                                       Moss

Plodder------Dodd--------------O'Dor---------Lochhead

                         Aloisi--------------Johnson

Elrich------------------------Felipe---------------------------Daniel

                                      Smeltz

Classic 4-2-3-1, easy, next.  Brown will have to earn his spot like everyone else.  I don't see how adding a quality player to the mix will create any disharmony, I'm sure the side will be glad for the added quality!
 
Looks about right to me - seems the best way to put out the players you have.  Aloisi and Johnson giving Felipe the freedom to roam, Elrich providing good balance for Daniel.  Against Sydney it was notable that they were doubling up on Daniel, with danger on the other wing teams won't be able to do that anymore.
 
As to the earlier comments on Cleberson.  As has been mentioned previously - he's a terrific defender if he has someone to shout at him, but if you expect him to do the organising he can be very problematic...  As witnessed earlier in the season, he gets caught out of position a lot without guidance.  Gary Pallister was very similar (until Fergy and Bruce got hold of him).
 
As much as I'd like to see him, and George, in the side and doing the business, the signing of Elrich, and the form of the others will push them both down a rung or two on the selection ladder.  I'm still optimistic that George will get involved, having moved from the wilderness to the bench last week.
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Hes signed a 2 year contract. Thats a great signing. Side shown by James Dean is classy. Solid at the back, quality going forward.
Go the 'Nix

Its no longer a problem.

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

September 21, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

ELRICH CONFIRMED AS PHOENIX'S MARQUEE PLAYER

Wellington

FORMER Fulham and Socceroos midfielder Ahmad Elrich has joined Wellington Phoenix FC as the club's marquee player for its inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League.

The 26-year-old joins the Phoenix on a one-year deal, with the option of another year, having come off contract with English Premier League club Fulham. Elrich's international credentials include 17 appearances for the Socceroos, scoring five goals, as well as representing Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and at under-20 level.

Having been courted by several Hyundai A-League clubs, Elrich said he was thrilled to have signed on with the Phoenix.

"I've been impressed by everything about the Phoenix, from the team's on-field performances to the management of the club off the field. The set-up is first-class. Owner Terry Serepisos has built a truly professional club and the opportunity to play for a coach of the calibre of Ricki Herbert made my decision a pretty easy one in the end."

Elrich signed a three-year deal with Fulham in 2005 from K-League club Busan Icons. He also previously played for Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League, the forerunner to the Hyundai A-League. He was loaned out to Norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo from April to May last year.

A midfielder renowned for his pace and ability to change games, Elrich's signing is a boon for the Phoenix.

"He's a talented, quality player who is accustomed to the demands of professional football," said Herbert. "Ahmad will add another dimension to the team and provide us with even more options on the park. From a club perspective, securing Ahmad's services is further reflection of the attractive profile the club has built in a relatively short time."

Elrich said he was looking forward to turning out for the Phoenix as soon as possible.

"I'm feeling really good and I'm keen to get out there and help the club continue what's been an extremely promising start to the season. This club has quality players and I know I'll need to work hard to grab a spot in the squad every week."

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Elrich was an exceptional signing for the club.

"To sign a player of Ahmad's quality shows just how serious we are about competing at the highest level in this competition. We've demonstrated our commitment to doing things with the utmost professionalism and signing Ahmad is evidence that our efforts are paying off."

Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 
20/5/20

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I though tit was just a one year deal
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
The club's press release (above) says   "The 26-year-old joins the Phoenix on a one-year deal, with the option of another year,".
Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 
20/5/20

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

 
mijk2007-09-21 15:15:20
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
back from the press conference (check out YFTV for some footage I took)
 
Had a wee chat with Ahmad who seems happy to be here.  I pointed out the fever zone and he said he will come and celebrate with us when he scores his first goal.  Gave him the sign for the picture, and as I was walking away, heard Tony P ask if he wanted him to hold it for him.  Ahmed said he wanted to keep it.
 
INSTANT LEGEND.
 

All I do is make the stuff I would've liked
Reference things I wanna watch, reference girls I wanna bite
Now I'm firefly like a burning kite
And yousa fake fuck like a fleshlight

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Can he play tomo?

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

INSTANT LEGEND.

�



Not only that, but he's also got a super-cool name...
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
CelticFC wrote:
Can he play tomo?


No.  Won't be in NZ full time until next week, then available from next week if he's match fit.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

apparently he is good for about 70 minutes at the moment, so give him a couple of weeks to get himself fit, and then expect to see fireworks.

All I do is make the stuff I would've liked
Reference things I wanna watch, reference girls I wanna bite
Now I'm firefly like a burning kite
And yousa fake fuck like a fleshlight

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
how cool is it that Christie's playing well at right back? that's right, very cool
I like tautologies because I like them.
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
INSTANT LEGEND.
 


Legend indeed! Pity you didn't have a Retro Ricky on hand for him to pose in!
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
mijk wrote:


Pity they have to be photographed in front of that mosaic of sponsors. A shot in front of a large Phoenix flag would look so much better...
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
CelticFC wrote:
Can he play tomo?[/QUOTE]
 
[quote]The Dominion Post | Friday, 21 September 2007
The former Australian representative, 26, has joined the Phoenix on a one-year contract, and will be available for their home match against Perth Glory in Wellington on September 30.

woohoo
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
This should be a very good signing for this year. I would rather have a one year contract as it could potentially stop them from picking up a real top leve marquee player for next season. But still it certainly makes the squad look better if he is as good as his credentials suggest.
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Do you have any footage of the rest of the press conference to put on YFTV?
 - the announcement was brief.
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Does it mean he is our marquee for next year neccessarily (assuming he stays)?

Founder

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Well just looking at all the teams on here and i just thought what about Tim Brown . He is our vice-captain....
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I reckon its an excellent signing the  team now looks to have  a good shape and balance  to it with plenty of options for Ricky to change things around if necessary,i think he will bring Cleberson back in sooner rather than later and i do have concerns about Aloisi ,s pace but other than that its all looking good for the immediate future which is absolutely feking  amazing given the age of this football team .
Hopefully  Elrich  will be up to the required fitness level soon , does anyone know when he last played competitively  ?Anyway all positive for the team,cant wait to see the game tomorrow feeling very confident about it !


The answer to life's problems are rarely found at the bottom of a beer glass - but it's always worth a look.

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
he played for Fulham reserves about 3 weeks ago

All I do is make the stuff I would've liked
Reference things I wanna watch, reference girls I wanna bite
Now I'm firefly like a burning kite
And yousa fake fuck like a fleshlight

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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
we may as well play 3-6-1...get all our midfielders in there


                                  +Smeltz

 +Daniel                    + Felipe                       + Elrich
 
            +Brown         +Aloisi        +Christie
  
+Lochead                  +Dodd                         +O'Dor

                                    +Moss


bench: Paston, Clebo, Johnson, Lia,  Covs etc

and sadly, i am only half joking
gings2007-09-21 22:05:30


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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

yeah! that way we'll win 6-5
Cosimo2007-09-21 23:34:46
I like tautologies because I like them.
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Dont think elrich will start.
 
Off the bench maybe.
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Can't say I know anything about the guy, but I wasn't impressed with how he was juggling in his jeans.
Why not the proper Phoenix trousers?

And he said 'I haven't seen them play properly yet'
- would you sign for the team without having watched all their games so far this season?

He seems a little unprepared to me ... hope I'm proved wrong though
Bevan2007-09-22 07:50:00
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Who gves a sht if he hasent seen them play. Hes class man. Is he in the lineup for tonights game!!???
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
no, not available until Perth game, this has been noted above
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I recon its good for the club to get old EPL player but from my point of view he will think hes the man,but in sayin that i want him to do good 4 the club,so go nix   1-0 2nite. Aloisi to score against Old Club!
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Somehow i dont think he was asking massive money. Going that Sydney were also close to getting him and they already have a marquee player. This is an estimate but im guessing hes on around $200 - 300K
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over 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Pretty sure he could have got another deal in England if he had wanted to stay there - plenty of money to be earned in the CCC or L1 if he'd wanted it.  $300k/season = $6k/week, not out of the question to play at somewhere like QPR (Robbie Fowler's on $120k/week at Cardiff FFS!)

I reckon he's back down here because he wants to be back here.
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