Lochhead going

184 replies · 1,658 views

over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Ed said he was the fittest in the squad by far, up to premier league fitness at the BEGINNING of pre-season

No youth or loan players will be coming out here in return, let's put that to bed right now.

Normo's coming home

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Isn't it great how Riki is getting some big name connections? G.Southgate.. R.Keane...

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 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Would this make Tony the first player to go straight from the A-League to the Premiership?

From the report it sounds like he would go staight into the 1st team squad, and compete for a starting spot.
I don't see how the Phoenix could possibly prevent Tony from going.
If he gets a contract he probably get an 600% pay rise overnight.

I think it's awesome that a club at the level of Boro are interested in good kiwi players.
I hope he goes.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

That's great news for Tony, will be sad to see him go if he does. And while we might lose one of our best players a lot will be gained for both the nix and NZ football.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Whitby boy wrote:

tigers wrote:

i think your call on lack of planning doesn't ring true in regards to Terry/ Tony and Ricki

so we didn't look like dumb %$#&s just giving away one of our best players,

Giving away? Please try to avoid polemic here as it doesn't help make your point. It's a bit of a stretch I think to suggest that an outgoing transfer is akin to 'giving away' anything. I'm not sure any intelligent persons would see it that way. . .

Obviously I can see the frustration of loosing a quality player. But it must be taken into account that the transfer system is designed to compensate teams when their players move on whilst still under contract. I say Good on Riki/Tony P for signing Lochy on a longer contract in the first place, in order to ensure that any approaches from bigger teams would allow for the nix to sell the contract.

As for there being little time to replace Lochy, I think two things need to be considered.

1. He may not impress sufficiently at Buwwa

2. As Riki seems to have sugetsed Lochy to Boro, Riki must have some idea of what gap this will create, and how that gap should be filled.

Also, as stated before by others, the pathway this demonstrates is great for the club in the medium/long term.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Alot of people going OTT on this. This is a fantastic opportunity for Lochy, and great for NZ Football and the Phoenix. I think Lochy's a fantastic player, however I dont think he's PL quality and I doubt Boro will sign him. Its will be great if they do, I just cant see it. from the sounds of people on here its as if he's signed already, hes on a 11 day trial.

What this does show is that a phoenix is a stepping stone to greater things, aswell as further enhancing Ricky Herbert's rating (at least in my eyes). We cannot restrict Kiwi players from playing in the PL - thats ludicrous. I wouldnt be fussed if the phoenix gained 0 - nill - zip - f**k all from the transfer, moneys not whats it about. Sure, we are a team in our league and our main aim should be doing all we can to win the league. BUT the a-league itself is helping establish aussie (and to an extent kiwi) talent, potentially getting them to better things. This is definetly one of the major roles of the Phoenix, we shouldnt forget this role.

Great for the Nix, great for Lochhead, great for young kiwis playing football, great for Ricki Herbert and great for the Wellington Phoenix

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Yeah, I'd be surprised too, but as you say, its the kudos, just the exposure to that level is great.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Wolfben, there was a line at the bottom of the TV3 article which said that the Phoenix expect him to be signed and are planning for life without him, so I think there is some expectation that he will be picked up. Probably what a lot of people are going on

Normo's coming home

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Good luck to him I say.

If he does get a contract, it just shows other All Whites that they can still get noticed playing here, rather than go around lower leagues in Europe, and we become more attractive to them.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Ryan went from the MLS to the PL. I think Tony can go from the A League. But different speed of game though. Best of luck to him.

And remember guys, even if he goes - our defence is 5 times better than it was last year. Durrante.. Mckain... Sigmund... and Dodd stil there.
hockeycam2008-07-29 22:53:55

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Well done ricki herbert and all the best to lockhead!

While it is not a done deal by any stretch it is exactly the kind of story that is going to attract quality players to our club in the hope of getting an EPL contract through ricki's connections.

While the timing of it may seem strange for the Phoenix - there is no way a premier league team is going to wait until half way through their season to start trialling potential first team players and I have full confidence in ricki/terry and the rest of the Phoenix management team to have contingency plans in place if locky does make the dream move.

Every kid playing soccer in NZ dreams of playing in the premier league so what better advertisement for our club and our game!!!!

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

james dean wrote:

I dont see it?

The bottom line is this for me..

"Now he has 10 days to prove his ability and realise a life-long goal."

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

What are the chances of Lochy getting a game though? He'd surely be behind club captain Pogatetz and Andy Taylor at left back, plus Julio Arca although recently has been playing midfield is naturally a left back I believe. Thats 3 fairly quality players (I'm not sure about Taylor but I know Arca and Pogatetz are are pretty highly rated) who are proven at EPL level. I don't want him just rotting in the reserves frankly...

Ofcourse with money coming in from this it opens up the possibility of a marquee left back.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I cant believe people are having a go at the club like WHITBY, its rediculous, if he got offered a trial and we said no, imagine the ramifications from the player.

He'd be unhappy as hell. PLayers wouldn't look at us because they see the club as not having their best interest in heart.

If he gets signed, brilliant, it will make the season harder, but hey the nix was all about improving nz football and getting it noticed. I think this will do it more than a 4th place finish which we'd be happy with come end of season.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

We don't seem to have heard enough yet to know whether this transfer is a done deal or not. No EPL manager is going to commit himself to an unknown player without a thorough look at him first, no matter how glowing the reports. I assume this has been in the works for some time, since Southgate would surely have wanted to view some DVDs etc.

I can see how some fans might have misgivings about our own manager actively promoting one of our most important players to another club, but in the long term I think it will be to the benefit of the Phoenix and NZ football as a whole.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Pogatetz was released at the end of last season and Arca is a midfielder WillyB, hasn't played at the back for ages. In fact mostly plays in Central Midfield now

Ben maybe I got confused but sure I saw thw quote somewhere, I'll try and find it

james dean2008-07-29 23:22:50

Normo's coming home

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

as much as i want to be upset by tony leaving i just cant. i love the nix, but if the EPL come knocking at your door you've gotta give it a shot. good luck to him, and maybe we can see daniel at left back, ahaha

I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

This would suck in the short term but think about the long term, people! It would do wonders for us as a club and the A-League itself.

Very suprising though.

Daniel to left back allowing Gao, Bertos and Kwasnik to start??

a.haak

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I'm a bit mystified by all this to be honest. "Its great for Lochhead", "its great for NZ football", "nice one Ricki for bringing him to the attention of blah blah blah..."

I must have suffered a head injury.

So it raises the profile of NZ players? Excellent more can now f*off to foreigin leagues as soon as the learn to do some step overs and string a few passes together. Great - we get them back when they are fat, knackered or old. Great way to improve the standard of the A league.

Look we just lost one of our best players, what do you all support cricket or something? If Lochhead played for Cambridge united or Brighton, Burnley or someone do you think their fans would be rejoicing the fact that they had just lost a key player and are now a feeder club?

(yeah yeah I know I being unrealistic in this day and age but...

)

Blimey I'm all for the lockhhead progressing but I don't have to like it!

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

We haven't lost him yet you numpty, he's only gone for a trial. Surely you can't hold them back from opportunities such as this.

a.haak

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

valeo wrote:

We haven't lost him yet you numpty, he's only gone for a trial. Surely you can't hold them back from opportunities such as this.

"Numpty" is a bit harsh as many of the supportive comments are in anticipation of the Lochhead move being permanent, not just supportive of trialling.

Lochhead would be a big loss. Really rate him - and he is a kiwi that plays adventurous build it up from the back style - ie, good role model for young players here.

Would his loss be offset by the feel-good / future benefits of a Phoenix kiwi making it into the Premier League? Tough call that one I reckon.

I know, I know, its serious!

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ForteanTimes wrote:

I'm a bit mystified by all this to be honest. "Its great for Lochhead", "its great for NZ football", "nice one Ricki for bringing him to the attention of blah blah blah..."

I must have suffered a head injury.

(yeah yeah I know I being unrealistic in this day and age but...

)

Blimey I'm all for the lockhhead progressing but I don't have to like it!

Sorry for stating the obvious, but your post warrants it:

Cambridge are not the only proffessional team in England.
Cambridge are not majorly responsible for the development and advancement of English players
Cambridge do not have the national manager as their coach

The more kiwi players overseas, the healthier football looks in NZ. It will show that the quality is improving. The nix offer an alternative, at home, if overseas isnt working out (Mulligan, Smeltz, Moss ect..)

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Turfmoore wrote:

Lochhead would be a big loss. Really rate him - and he is a kiwi that plays adventurous build it up from the back style - ie, good role model for young players here.[/QUOTE]

The sad thing is he will probably be seen on Sky by more young NZ players at boro than he will for the Phoenix.

[QUOTE=Wolfben]The more kiwi players overseas, the healthier football looks in NZ. It will show that the quality is improving. The nix offer an alternative, at home, if overseas isnt working out (Mulligan, Smeltz, Moss ect..)

...and Lochhead. Like Carney and others these guys had hit a wall where they were and never got the attention. They come back here, establish themselves in an environment they know and attract the eye of people who were never going to see them at Halifax, backwoods Romania or on the bench in the MLS.

The next generation are there ready for it as well, as some of these WYNRS placed kids or US College graduates don't make the next step for work permit or whatever reasons, they come back here and have a chance to rebuild while we get to watch them and enjoy knowing how good they can be.
Hard News2008-07-29 23:59:13

How's my driving? - Whine here

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

james dean wrote:

Ed said he was the fittest in the squad by far, up to premier league fitness at the BEGINNING of pre-season

No youth or loan players will be coming out here in return, let's put that to bed right now.

prob a key reason as to how/why he could be a handly EPL player, im sure Ed said he was one of the fitter players he has ever worked with.

its all very well and good debating whether he is up to it or not, what we get in exchange etc. but people are forgetting another key aspect...Does he qualify to play over there (work permits etc etc)?

if the answer to that is no that *could* pose a 'minor' problem

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Exactly, for every one Tony Lochhead we've got a Smeltz, Bertos, Moss and Mulligan who we get to see. Push that out a couple of years and no-one will bother with the English lower leagues if the know they can be seen here. Thats good for all of us as Phoenix fans...

Normo's coming home

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Work permit should be okay. I don't know if he has parental rights but he's pretty much a certainty in National sides and should easily qualify based on that.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

valeo wrote:

We haven't lost him yet you numpty, he's only gone for a trial. Surely you can't hold them back from opportunities such as this.

I like being a Numpty!

I'm amazed at how bloody reasonable and adult everyone is being thats all its Football ffs.

By the tone of the TV piece Ricki implied he was pretty much going.

No of course I'm pleased for him if he gets the chance I'm just not happy about it

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Wow, that's an awesome opportunity for Lochhead.

But on a side note, does anyone know who the four New Zealanders to have played in the Premiership are (the media reports are saying that Lochhead will be the fifth). My ex-flatmate and I are trying to work out who they are. We have Nelsen, Elliot and Hay so far. Google isn't helping (probably as we don't have the correct search terms). Any idea folks?

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Lee Norfolk.

Three for me, and two for them.

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

How's my driving? - Whine here

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Wolfben wrote:

ForteanTimes wrote:

I'm a bit mystified by all this to be honest. "Its great for Lochhead", "its great for NZ football", "nice one Ricki for bringing him to the attention of blah blah blah..."

I must have suffered a head injury.

(yeah yeah I know I being unrealistic in this day and age but...

)

Blimey I'm all for the lockhhead progressing but I don't have to like it!

The more kiwi players overseas, the healthier football looks in NZ. It will show that the quality is improving.

Yes it must "look" ok even though most of your star players will be overseas. Enjoy watching these players on Sky then rather than at home.

The A league is growing, with a population of 25million it could become huge. To make it big people need to stop watching bloated and shady leagues such as the premiership.

Many people in the German league and the Dutch league do not enjoy the fact that their players leave to join the "bigger" leagues and would not agree that it has benefited their domestic leagues. So your point is not fact just an opinion.

ForteanTimes2008-07-30 00:44:37

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Cheers guys!

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

i need a minute to digest this....................

valeo wrote:

Surely you can't hold them back from opportunities such as this.

we can and will

pedersen2008-07-30 00:45:20

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

pedersen wrote:

i need a minute to digest this....................

valeo wrote:

Surely you can't hold them back from opportunities such as this.

we can and will

Yeah, and then they'll be pissed off and it'll ruin team moral. Also, players will think twice about coming to the Phoenix if they know they can't use it as a stepping stone to somewhere else.

We have got to be realistic. The A-League is not the top tier of football. Players are always going to be aiming higher.

a.haak

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

And you can't compare the A-League to the German or Dutch leagues. I think youre being a little irrational fortean, we're all disappointed but...

Normo's coming home

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

valeo wrote:

pedersen wrote:

i need a minute to digest this....................

valeo wrote:

Surely you can't hold them back from opportunities such as this.

we can and will

I agree, I don't like it but its the state of things I have no argument with that.

I just don't agree with this sentiment that top players leaving for the Prem equals improved NZ football as it improves the "profile" ?

So what now we have kids watching sky at home with Chelsea, Pool, United scarves on instead of going to the Ring of fire in a Retro or Nix colours?

Anyone read "Is Premier league Killing Nigerian football?"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7526005.stm

And I'm sure that The Bulldogs are also delighted that Sonny whats his name has buggered off to France to earn more money; it will raise their profile no?

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

james dean wrote:

And you can't compare the A-League to the German or Dutch leagues. I think youre being a little irrational fortean, we're all disappointed but...

I am maybe a little irrational and maybe somewhat overboard and I think I've moved this off topic from lochhead going to our players being plundered by richer leagues. Just got me when eveyone wet themselves cuse one of our players got picked to play in one of "the big leagues".

If people think that this will improve football here they are deluded. Will will just get farmed by big teams. You think the premiership is interested in improving other leagues and other peoples football?

Read that BBC article I just posted about Nigerian football.

I'll shut up now.

ForteanTimes2008-07-30 01:34:08

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Players going from the A-League to a 'big league' like the La Liga, Serie A or EPL will improve football here by displaying to players that you CAN use the league as a stepping stone to higher ambitions. Better players will come because of it. valeo2008-07-30 01:36:30

a.haak

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Fortean T. The way I see it. Kids now know that there's a route to the Euro/MLS leagues via the A-League. They don't have to give up after a couple of financially tortuous post High School seasons hoping they'll get noticed overseas before they're resigned to the fact they need to go back to selling crap furniture to support their recently preggers teenage sweetheart.

"Sharing rewards the weak"- Steven Colbert

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over 17 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I just want to stop seeing every kiwi "going overseas for trials" at 17-20. It's rarely been succesful and it doesn't help thme become better players at 18 slogging round the lower leagues, which is where they inevitably end up. if kiwis are going to head overseas they should be going as kids to youth academies to improve or as the fnished product from the A-League or another established league. For me that would be the best solution so we see the best of those who make it big and the rest play their best football in NZ in the A-League (including for other A-League sides).

Normo's coming home

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