In The Zone - The End

?#InTheZone 68 is out and available at www.yellowfever.co.nz/podcasts.

With Smithy away, the pod drafts in Wellington Phoenix FC coach Ernie Merrick to chat preseason, trialists and recruitment. Elsewhere, New Zealand Football CEO Grant McKavanagh hands in his resignation, and Frank van Hattum chats about Wellington being granted the opportunity for another shot for glory. Locally, the last Chatham Cup quarter finalist is found, and Johnathon Gould debuts for Waterside Karori AFC inCapital Football's Premier League.

Can I just add from last weeks pod the following source for the West Sydney memberships - they do actually now have 8500 members which is pretty bloody impressive.  Smith you were pretty bullish on that one but seems it's actually true

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=544964448900894&set=a.380942571969750.87799.352172228180118&type=1&theater

Good pod guys..well done!

Also isn't Ernie a breath of fresh air.? Compared to "Ricki speak" he is articulate and open. His tactical plan was interesting and honest.

So it looks like they are giving loads of U20's etc a chance to come down and trial. Interesting that Ernie said that he thought Tuiloma had a good U20 WC and was invited for a trial but was a no show at this stage. Maybe he has been picked up elsewhere(the Marseille thing is still unlikely IMO)

Also he reinforced how tough it is to get quality imports to come to here. I could imagine the phone conversation

Ernie:  Hi I'm Ernie Merrrick, coach of Wellington Phoenix, are you interested in signing with us?

Import: Wheres Wellington?

Ernie: Its in a group of islands called New Zealand , kind of half way between Fiji and the Antartic

Import: are you any good?

Ernie: we came last in the A-league last season

Import:  How much you pay?

Ernie:  Small $$$

Import:  "click"

Ernie:  "hello, hello...anyone still there?"

Also I think the panel fairly well summed up the overall feeling of gloom about the AW's prospects. I will be there cheering them on but I think its fair to say the majority of fans don't think this year is going to turn out to be a great one for NZ football. To me it seems Ricki has completely lost his coaching mojo. The bizarre positional selections he came up with last time hardly inspire confidence. Five months out from the playoffs and it seems that the team selection and formation is still very very uncertain.

I agree...I hope the majority of the ticket sales are made before the AW's take the field. If we get a spanking coming in rusty to a warmup game will be a turnoff to the casual punter.

Great to get those questions in guys!!

Manny knowing his future is at DM is probably best for all.
If we can get another ball player in there to link Manny and Carlos then we could be looing alright! 

I love the Merrick era - he's very open, reflects well on him that he's happy confident enough in what he does to discuss this stuff with everyone

It's easy to be nice and open when results, tactics etc. aren't being questioned yet. I agree with you, but lets just wait and see.

How about signing Dura on a guest stint to replace Smithy next week?

Phoenix Pod idol. If you could have one on pod this week which one would you choose? Siggy for me. Haven't seen or heard much from him lately

Luke Adams is joining us this week. Leave us your questions by COP wednesday.

What was it like growing up with Valerie and Steve?

Has it been hard making the transition from race-walking at the age of 36

Do you see yourself as a role model for other deaf, gay dudes and what was it like being on The Amazing Race?

Tiki Taka, Total Football or Hoofball.

Discuss.

Would be interested to hear a bit about his stints in the UK - Birmingham & Derby I understand, and what sort of things he thinks clubs over here could pick up from there?

Luke, have you not heard? It was my understanding that everyone had heard...

Luke, I know what you are getting for Christmas this year, for I have felt your presents.

yeah loading now.

It's rubbish.

Me late. Two crook. Feverish in... Just not good.

This week's episode of ?#?InTheZone? is out and available atwww.yellowfever.co.nz/podcasts.

In a more shambolic episode than usual, this week the pod talksWellington Phoenix FC's preseason in both Porirua and Rotorua, chats briefing with new signing Luke Adams, and discusses the lack of stars in this weekend’s All Stars game. In New Zealand football news, the Futsall Whites are in action against Australia this weekend in Wellington and there are a number of injury concerns for Kiwis overseas. Locally, Miramar pull away at the top of the Central League, Wairarapa expulsion from the Chatham Cup is confirmed, and is racism rife in Wellington?

You missed me telling Boxey to go back to Romania

Obviously, obviously, obviously.

That was terrible

And from me !

Just like to be included !

It's actually quite nice to hear a young player (Adams of course) sound intelligent. Hopefully his play is consistent with this!

I thought he just responded with "yeah it is/was good" to every question. 

I think Manny gives better interviews, and that's really something considering how shy he is around the media.

Tried playing through itunes?

will be out shortly

http://yellowfever.podomatic.com/entry/2013-07-24T23_38_47-07_00

With Smithy back in the hosting chair the pod looks at the latest comings and goings as Solomons, Biss, and Rowe are waved goodbye before the latest preseason game against Miramar Rangers, and Costa Rican Kenny Cunningham is linked to a move to the Wellington Phoenix. In All Whites news, the Futsal Whites get shaken up by Australia in more ways than one, and Brockie cops twitter abuse from Toronto ‘fans’. And locally the team previews the Chatham Cup quarter finals and talks to Melville United's Steve Williams about his team’s prospects against Birkenhead.

Did the melville coach say the somalian came in hungry?

I enjoy hearing from the coaches of teams from other Feds. Well done 2ndBest