Gareth tells Ricki how we play?

It’s a fun discussion

"play around" is my interpretation.

Sorry but that's absurd

He's encouraging people to comment because "it's  a fun discussion"

That is so far removed from the conclusion you've jumped to 

That was the training punishment that made Mel blush and Slater salivate.

Link man?  Yep - possibly.  Perhaps merely putting him in a central position tucked behind Huysegems might do similar?

 I'd like to see that, I don't think we have got the best from those two yet this season

(I'm talking about Iffie and Stein, altho I would like to see Mel blush)

No reason ifill couldn't be tried there. Although I'd like to see sanchez get a run of games before considering what is a fairly desperate measure

"play around" is my interpretation.

A label to what Gareth has been voicing.

The use of the word just promted 

fun - less than pressing.

Agree with paulm - we should see how Sanchz goes.  Just think that having Iffil on the wing is a waste of his passing ability.

It might have been Harper getting a hard on rather than Slater salivating - can't really remember who (as I wasn't paying much attention to that side of the commentary team) - just that Mel got a bit flustered and tried to move on quickly.

"if we win the thing, the crowds will come" - Gareth Morgan

Brisbane and Central Coast would disagree.

 Interesting to see Gareth reply to the comments that have been posted on his blog

Personally I like that they are stating publicly that they want to win the league, what we have done the past few years isnt good enough.

It might get the backs up of some on here but here are owners who are embracing all aspects of our situation, good on them

Have you made a comment on Gareth's blog yet? He's answering most of the comments so get into it...

http://garethsworld.com/blog/wellington-phoenix/phoenix/

Anyone else like Ricki to address supporters of the club, affected others to explain where the clubs at, his reasoning why people should be at the ground for Phoenix games.

With the events in the last couple of weeks, didn't go to the game last week. Going tonight.

No. Leave him to concentrate on coaching the team.

This isn't FIFA 13.  Get Dome to front up if anyone.

I have been very surprised that we have heard very little from our General Manager through this saga.

I've admired Ricki. Theres a rapport with him and supporters. Not out of place.

 ^^ Obviously he is not.

Saggers and Quinn ( about 1.30 to 3)

Familiar. Nottingham Forest.

Ever since Gareth has talked about the playing style I've seen a distinct improvement in our football, much more positive and attacking and it's getting us results.

In that time, a loss and a home draw.

They also didn't just wake up one day and decide to play this way. They've been working on it since preseason. 

I'm contesting that from the time Morgan spoke out, "it's getting us results" aint the right summary.

Not necessarily purely formation. But they were certainly trying a more fluid positioning during a couple of preseason games that I saw. This is imitate to the 'total football' everyone is talking about now. It looked horrible and messy during preseason (though they still beat Miramar 9-0 etc) but it looked good on Thursday. It'll be interesting to see how we go against a stronger side, I remember during preseason thinking they must be trying sometng new and that if we play like that during the season, we'll get ripped to shreds. 

I genuinely think this is something they've been working on all season, rather than something Gareth dreamt up one night a few weeks ago and told ricki to adopt immediately. 

The opening game of our season vs Sydney. Could not sense any directive.

Gareth voicing it in public was perhaps an influencing point in the season.

I seriously doubt that. Isn't it more likely that they timed such an announcement? Waiting until they're comfortable with it before bringing out the total football line. Rather than just switching to it overnight. 

Gareth Morgan posting a blog has not influenced our season one bit. 

In one of the interviews with Tony Veitch, Morgan said something like "we've had that discussion and no" in terms of Herbert continuing how he had.

Did Morgan say to Herbert before the season started "we want attacking football, beautiful..."

Herbert, Ifill say in the media things will be a little different, did the 4-1-3-2 formation.

Then, for whatever reason, (crowds?) Morgan announces in the public what he expects.

Please, let's not give Gareth credit for Sanchez being fit and available.

What about Siggy's crossing ability?

Its funny. This time last year, Ifill missing would be a forum riddled with angst but this year, he is not even getting a mention. I guess it shows how he was performing and how others are in his absence.

That said, I'm still not sold on the midfield. The Manny/Lia combo just does not cut it for me. Both are limited in skill set and I would prefer Smith for Lia. I think he provides a better link between Manny and Sanchez.

Fundamentally of our 5 imports, 1 is crocked, 1 can't get off the bench and the other 2 are getting bit part minutes. Does not say much for our recruiting of imports. Hopefully next year, we consider getting just 4, pay them a bit more which would allow us to get better quality ones. We are doing it with only 1 right now so...

I have a question about this attractive football thing. Does anybody except for Gareth want this to happen? As a fan, isn't results the main thing? Ricki is starting to sound like Declan Edge, saying "Oh, we had 53% possession, it's just a pity we couldn't score..." 

I want both, results and attractive football. But if had to choose, I'd prefer results. 

Results bring fans through the gates!

End Of!