Louis Fenton Thread

Senior player, deserves his own thread as looks like he'll probably start.  Would we class him as our first ever truly home grown player?  Exciting stuff

I'll start off with this, way to manage expectations guys!  I think also a bit disrespectful to Kosta and Marco.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/252245,ifill-no-certainty-as-phoenix-teen-shines.aspx

 Really liked this guy when I saw him down here in Christchurch. I'm hoping that he gets the opportunity to prove himself.

kosta would be classed as local lad I'd say

Totally agree with PWF although we should say that he was a fringe player at best, unfortunately.

Whereas Louis looks like he might be given a lot more exposure and game time.

I'm very curious to see Ricky's attitude towards younger players this year. He has been very conservative in the past, and although I never agreed with him on that, one has to say that he got the job done.

We have more younger players in the squad this time around, so I wonder how things will go.

I'm also very curious to see how much game time Linsday will get as Ricky has spoken highly of him and mentioned he is ready to push for a starting spot, but he is yet to get his debut in a stripey.

 I reckon we'll see him (Lindsay) debut at Right back against Heart unless Vinnie is 100%.

 I like how the article says Ricki rates him more than Kosta and Marco, despite no actual quote

Quote is in the article:

" ...he's probably been the best young one we've had at the club"

Although obviously a little leap between that and 'better than marco/kosta' ;)

Im expecting him to start against Sydney...

The loss of Brown and the fact we didn't sign a RB have probably been the biggest motivators behind the push.

If Brown had not retired and we'd signed a RB, i imagine Fenton's playing time would have been quite limited with Bertos going back into a RM role which probably would have pushed Ifil more central cancelling some of Boyd's opportunities.

Brown's departure allowed Manny to go central which caused the need for the Bertos stop gap (will call it that until i'm convinced otherwise). And it also means Lindsey effectively is the back up DM (although with LIa back he'll drop in pecking order).

I also think its easier for Ricki to give attacking youth a run.... because they can't cost you a game the same way defenders can through making errors, and sometimes youthful exuberance can be rewarding.

Will be rewarding..Fenton>Sanchez and Clarke>Sanchez..and Boyd when his time comes.

Fenton is the best young player I have seen for a long time.

For those who have seen him what is his best position?  I know we're talking about playing him wide but with  Leo behind him and Totori on the other side I can see him drifting infield and leaving the width to Leo.  That's how I'd like to see us play personally

he's probably more of a natural wide player but could play central although not sure how effective he would be at this level

he played wide left against manawatu biut went back to central mid to get ball quite often.

He drifted inside against WSW and was very effective.  Seemed to have difficulty combining with Leo effectively.  But played some lovely balls to release Brockie (from both wide and more central poistions).  His confidence seemed to build over course of match, and Ricki was keen to keep him on even when he went off for treatment.

Very promising.

I'm hoping Louis gets a start against Sydney! I'll be very disappointed if Totori gets the nod ahead of him if Ifill Starts given Fentons form  during pre season. I'm picking a debut goal!!!

Play in behind 2 starker but in front of midfield in a  flat triangle.

Nix nude football...

http://www.radiosport.co.nz/player/ondemand/2105067891-louis-fenton-likely-to-suit-up-against-sydney-fc 

<Heart emoticon from old forums>

^^ Same

Not good enough defensively. Lucky goal. Will get exposed. Drop for Ifill...

Kidding.

What a gun debut. Knew he had it in him but didnt think he'd school Emerton the way he did and shine all night!

Cap him...

 Man of the match for me.

 40 Fenton's for the price of one del Piero.

Top job in attack, in defence, on and off the ball. He held the ball and turned through 3 sydney players. Is not a ball hog and not a fraid to have a shot. 

He deserves a chant of his own:

Has to be that 60s garage rock classic "Louie Louie" by the Kingsmen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vae_AkLb4Q

Louie Louie (clap-clap)... oh, oh

He's gonna score now

yeah yeah yeah yeah

Louie Louie oh baby,

He's got the goods

a - woah-oh-oh-oh

repeat ...

that song is primo, it should totally be done! perfect signature chant for the lad

I love how he just shoots whenever he can. Brockie also. 

I love that we have Fenton for three years!!!! (unless we sell him for massive profit first)

Am so looking forward to watching him develop and flourish with the Nix.

We've got him for three years and I won't settle for him leaving us for anything other than quality european league. Not keen to go through that Rojas/Judus business again, too painful. 

Glad we've learnt some lessons from our previous youth mismanagement.

I don't disagree on Kosta (although spelling his name with a "C" the whole time he was here could be considered mismanagement *joke) But we could have done things differently with Marco. Signed him on for three years initially for instance? Then we still could have had him last season and he could check out current facilities before making a decision. 

I don't really want to rehash all that Rojas stuff here but I do think there are somethings the club could have done differently. Hindsight is 2020 so I don't hold the club accountable at all for what eventuated. We were a young club then, still are, but I think we learnt some lessons about safeguarding our young talent.

My earlier statement probably sounded like I thought we completely cocked it up. We didn't but I think we could have done better and I think we will do better in the future.

 Rojas left with a whole lot of other staff - nobody knew what was going to happen to the club. Terry didnt even know what he was going to do. Rojas shouldve just come out and said what was on his mind though instead of beating around the bush. Even Gouldy made up a shit excuse to leave ... Personally i dont hold anyone accountable for what happened, it was out of everyones control.

Pre season training with the incredible hulk..... Fenton, Skull Bash, Fenton get goal.

Great debut sharp lad with a good footballing brain can't wait to see more.