Just in case there was confusion I was referring to Pearce not Mulligan. I think Mulligan is a top signing.
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I sometimes think that people would prefer some Brazilian called Fabio, who no-one knows anything about, but there are a few shots of him playing in the Brazilian top division in 2003 doing some step overs for us to get excited about. Been there, done that, let's grow up a bit.
Well I was referring to an attacker named Fabio, nothing to do with defense. I don't see any harm putting a name out there.
I am stoked Mully is in the team.
Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro and Wellington Phoenix, my two teams til death do us part.
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spot on JD
I 2nd that
third, maybe we should have a poll. It'll be quite interesting to see how many people disagree with Ricki and Tony's decision?
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Good signing for us, things are looking better and better as time goes on.
My only concern is that one or 2 people have said that our midfield trio will provide goals to take pressure off Smeltz...is my memory turning to crap with age or was Bertos a lil scared to shoot in the AWs games?
My only concern is that one or 2 people have said that our midfield trio will provide goals to take pressure off Smeltz...is my memory turning to crap with age or was Bertos a lil scared to shoot in the AWs games?
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Admittedly I haven't been watching highlights of the Spanish 5th division for the past 10 years so a lot of you will have a bit better background knowledge of the players than me, but from what I can see our signings have been fantastic. We wanted to sure up our defence, they signed Durante & McKain. We wanted a bit more attacking flair with Felipe leaving, they signed Leo & Gao. We needed another striking partner for Smeltz, they went all out to secure Porter, but came up short so secured Kwasnik as a "plan b". We absolutely desperately needed a right back (general consensus was even more than a striker), they signed Mulligan. I mean, if the Porter thing had of come through we would have got everything (and more) that we asked for. So I say top work Tony P & Rikki!
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Good signing for us, things are looking better and better as time goes on.
My only concern is that one or 2 people have said that our midfield trio will provide goals to take pressure off Smeltz...is my memory turning to crap with age or was Bertos a lil scared to shoot in the AWs games?
My only concern is that one or 2 people have said that our midfield trio will provide goals to take pressure off Smeltz...is my memory turning to crap with age or was Bertos a lil scared to shoot in the AWs games?
Not going to comment on the AW's matches, however previous seasons he hasn't been very good in front of goal for the Glory. In saying that- he does have a very good record for getting assists. And I do realise that assists are not goals, but that does mean he can get players into goal scoring position.
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Phoenix mamagement have done an awesome job and it can only get better from here. 
Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro and Wellington Phoenix, my two teams til death do us part.
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Phoenix mamagement have done an awesome job and it can only get better from here.
I totally agree. An absolutely brilliant job at recruiting this season. It all looks great on paper, and judging from what I saw on Sunday it's beginning to look great on the pitch too.
They seem to have covered all our weak spots from last year. I think that Kwasnik was a great aquisition and is a great back up to Smeltz - after all he was the Mariner's top scorer. And Mulligan just completes a very imposing looking backline. Dodd looks the part as DM and, well, what can you say about the skill and flair of the 3 AMs?
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Bertos wasn't afraid to shoot in the first half against CCM, he didn't really test Vukovich but it was only in the second half when they were shooting at the Fever end that Bertos (and indeed most of the nix) seemed reluctant to shoot and just passed it around the box.
We'll have to see how we go in terms of shooting but both Daniel and Smeltz at least are proven scorers, plus we have Kwasnik and Coveny to come off the bench if needed. Also after getting Mulligan to fill in the defense this means any marquee player signed can be a striker and that may make for very attractive football.
Bertos was played out on the wings and pretty much stayed there for Glory, he's getting around more in the nix formation and Gao seems to have a good shot on him as well.
We'll have to see how we go in terms of shooting but both Daniel and Smeltz at least are proven scorers, plus we have Kwasnik and Coveny to come off the bench if needed. Also after getting Mulligan to fill in the defense this means any marquee player signed can be a striker and that may make for very attractive football.
Bertos was played out on the wings and pretty much stayed there for Glory, he's getting around more in the nix formation and Gao seems to have a good shot on him as well.
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Bertos wasn't afraid to shoot in the first half against CCM, he didn't really test Vukovich but it was only in the second half when they were shooting at the Fever end that Bertos (and indeed most of the nix) seemed reluctant to shoot and just passed it around the box.
We'll have to see how we go in terms of shooting but both Daniel and Smeltz at least are proven scorers, plus we have Kwasnik and Coveny to come off the bench if needed. Also after getting Mulligan to fill in the defense this means any marquee player signed can be a striker and that may make for very attractive football.
Bertos was played out on the wings and pretty much stayed there for Glory, he's getting around more in the nix formation and Gao seems to have a good shot on him as well.
We'll have to see how we go in terms of shooting but both Daniel and Smeltz at least are proven scorers, plus we have Kwasnik and Coveny to come off the bench if needed. Also after getting Mulligan to fill in the defense this means any marquee player signed can be a striker and that may make for very attractive football.
Bertos was played out on the wings and pretty much stayed there for Glory, he's getting around more in the nix formation and Gao seems to have a good shot on him as well.
Well said, I would be very, very surprised if Gao, Daniel and Bertos don't all score at least a couple each over the course of the main A-League season. I'd expect Daniel to get anywhere between four and six goals, assuming he continues to take penalties and stays out of trouble with the refs. Kwasnik will surely get at least a couple, perhaps more if he gets some reasonable first team action, while I suspect Ferrante will also get more than one goal this season. Who knows, maybe Dodd will even contribute with a couple long range piledrivers!
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Doesn't Lia being out for the season mean that Mulligan signing is now a no-brainer of a good move?
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Doesn't Lia being out for the season mean that Mulligan signing is now a no-brainer of a good move?
It always was a no brainer of a signing if you ask me...
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For me too, but for the doubters surely Lia's injury means the doubt is cleared - there being no other apparent candidates.
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it's just bloody lucky, or, Ricki Herbert signed Mulligan cos he knew that lia's injury was serious
You know we belong together...
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The seriousness of Lia's injury only became apparent on Tuesday according to reports.
So unless Ricky's clairvoyant, he'd always intended to strengthen the RB position. And rightly so.
So unless Ricky's clairvoyant, he'd always intended to strengthen the RB position. And rightly so.
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Does anyone know if Mulligan is a spot kick taker is well as a free kick one?
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I'd be surprised if a forward, Smeltz, would ever let anyone else take the spot kicks
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Daniel took quite a few of our penalties last season.
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ricki and Tony P and even Terry S probably have been superb in improving the nix for this year! :)
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Yeah Daniel is the penalty taker...I'm interested in the timing as well regarding the Lia injury.
I actually just plucked the name Fabio out of thin air, but there you go, there actually IS someone who has been mentioned called Fabio!
I actually just plucked the name Fabio out of thin air, but there you go, there actually IS someone who has been mentioned called Fabio!
Normo's coming home
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it's just bloody lucky, or, Ricki Herbert signed Mulligan cos he knew that lia's injury was serious
Lucky timing for Ricki and Mulligan. They were negotiating the contract for months now and Lia was one of the fitter players planned as RB cover if Mulligan signs up or end up as RB prime if Mulligan didn't sign. We would have been in total problem if Mully didn't sign after that injury. BTW it also means that our left midfield is now weaker in depth without Lia. So added pressure on the left backs.
I haven't really seen much of Gao and Bertos. My impression so far are that they are fantastic attacking midfielders with great goal set ups by creating space for the next players to shot by dragging the defenders out of position. But lack accurate shooting composure and haven't place themselves in optimum goal shooting positions or even body orientation to allow their shooting to be effective. Either the shots are to close to the keeper or just missing the post.
Maybe it's the way that the coaches use them as a winger first and so they they unable to develop their shooting prowess like what coaches are doing with Michael Owen in the last ten years. But then if they take a leaf out of Sir Alex book with Rolando, then you should see how this can change within a season or two into a formidable striking force to be reckon with.
However the fact that you have two players that can interchange positions on both the left and right sides of the field means that as a pair (along with Daniel in support) they could set each other up for shots on goal if they get their off the ball movements correct and timing/owning their optimum goal shooting positions. As they master that for the team, they could occasionally develop their own one on one directly shooting at goal to pull in the defender even more out of position catching the defence in two minds.
Let face it, with Smeltz, Daniels, Gao, Bertos, Kwasnik and Hearfield wizzing all sorts of attacking combination with Coveny, Ferrante, Mulligan and Dodds in support, we basically have a stronger attack than last year. All player are quite reliable.
Last year we had the lowest 25 goals for but Adelaide (6th) team had 31 goals for. Newscastle and Queensland had 25 GFs as well in 2nd and 4th place. We had the worst GAs in the comp with 37 goals, Perth was next on 34. The best GAs were Newcastle and Queensland on 21, which is the reason why they were placed 2nd and 4th.
I reckon that we have certainly boost both attack and defence significantly.
The season goal targets for each of our A-league scorers it would be something like this;
Kwasnik 15
Smeltz 15
Gao 5
Daniel 5
Bertos 5
This gives us about 45 goals in 21 rounds. Any other scorers are bonus to the 45 goals target. 45 goal this season is possible with these players fit through the season. Any injuries to one of these 5 players would be like a equivalent to losing 5 GFs a season at least.
So I suppose that we need to aim to score about just over 2 goals per game.
We also need to aim keep the GA at 1 goal per two games. Bonus if we let in 1 goal per three games.
Looking at the squad, we have 12 international or former international plus 4 youth internationals players in our club. Sooooo unlike the "Auckland" Knights club.
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The season goal targets for each of our A-league scorers it would be something like this;
Kwasnik 15
Smeltz 15
Gao 5
Daniel 5
Bertos 5
This gives us about 45 goals in 21 rounds. Any other scorers are bonus to the 45 goals target. 45 goal this season is possible with these players fit through the season. Any injuries to one of these 5 players would be like a equivalent to losing 5 GFs a season at least.
So I suppose that we need to aim to score about just over 2 goals per game.
We also need to aim keep the GA at 1 goal per two games. Bonus if we let in 1 goal per three games.
Kwasnik 15
Smeltz 15
Gao 5
Daniel 5
Bertos 5
This gives us about 45 goals in 21 rounds. Any other scorers are bonus to the 45 goals target. 45 goal this season is possible with these players fit through the season. Any injuries to one of these 5 players would be like a equivalent to losing 5 GFs a season at least.
So I suppose that we need to aim to score about just over 2 goals per game.
We also need to aim keep the GA at 1 goal per two games. Bonus if we let in 1 goal per three games.
How realistic are those targets though? Kwasnik and Smeltz didn't have 15 goals BETWEEN them last season, and now they're expected to get 15 each?
Daniel from memory got 3 last season (+ a missed penalty), he may get around 4-5, but Bertos' goal scoring record in HAL is far from impressive. Not sure about Gao's regular scoring ability, but it hasn't seemed clinical to me so far.
We need someone to get 10+ (hopefully Smeltz), with Kwasnik and probably Daniel having significant contributions, and the odd goal fromhe rest. If we get somewhere around 35 we should be in good shap fr the top 4.
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it's just bloody lucky, or, Ricki Herbert signed Mulligan cos he knew that lia's injury was serious
Lucky timing for Ricki and Mulligan. They were negotiating the contract for months now and Lia was one of the fitter players planned as RB cover if Mulligan signs up or end up as RB prime if Mulligan didn't sign. We would have been in total problem if Mully didn't sign after that injury. BTW it also means that our left midfield is now weaker in depth without Lia. So added pressure on the left backs.
I haven't really seen much of Gao and Bertos. My impression so far are that they are fantastic attacking midfielders with great goal set ups by creating space for the next players to shot by dragging the defenders out of position. But lack accurate shooting composure and haven't place themselves in optimum goal shooting positions or even body orientation to allow their shooting to be effective. Either the shots are to close to the keeper or just missing the post.
Maybe it's the way that the coaches use them as a winger first and so they they unable to develop their shooting prowess like what coaches are doing with Michael Owen in the last ten years. But then if they take a leaf out of Sir Alex book with Rolando, then you should see how this can change within a season or two into a formidable striking force to be reckon with.
However the fact that you have two players that can interchange positions on both the left and right sides of the field means that as a pair (along with Daniel in support) they could set each other up for shots on goal if they get their off the ball movements correct and timing/owning their optimum goal shooting positions. As they master that for the team, they could occasionally develop their own one on one directly shooting at goal to pull in the defender even more out of position catching the defence in two minds.
Let face it, with Smeltz, Daniels, Gao, Bertos, Kwasnik and Hearfield wizzing all sorts of attacking combination with Coveny, Ferrante, Mulligan and Dodds in support, we basically have a stronger attack than last year. All player are quite reliable.
Last year we had the lowest 25 goals for but Adelaide (6th) team had 31 goals for. Newscastle and Queensland had 25 GFs as well in 2nd and 4th place. We had the worst GAs in the comp with 37 goals, Perth was next on 34. The best GAs were Newcastle and Queensland on 21, which is the reason why they were placed 2nd and 4th.
I reckon that we have certainly boost both attack and defence significantly.
The season goal targets for each of our A-league scorers it would be something like this;
Kwasnik 15
Smeltz 15
Gao 5
Daniel 5
Bertos 5
This gives us about 45 goals in 21 rounds. Any other scorers are bonus to the 45 goals target. 45 goal this season is possible with these players fit through the season. Any injuries to one of these 5 players would be like a equivalent to losing 5 GFs a season at least.
So I suppose that we need to aim to score about just over 2 goals per game.
We also need to aim keep the GA at 1 goal per two games. Bonus if we let in 1 goal per three games.
Looking at the squad, we have 12 international or former international plus 4 youth internationals players in our club. Sooooo unlike the "Auckland" Knights club.
Those goal targets are in some cases waay too optimistic, have a look at the goals table last season, there aren't enough games in the league for two players to get 15, even for one to get that many (especially if they arent the main PK taker) would be remarkable. Bear in mind that Griffiths was the top scorer with 12 (and by all accounts had a wonder season).
Targets for attacking players IMO:
Smeltz: 10
Kwasnik: 5 (perhaps 7 or 8 if he starts regularly)
Daniel: 6 (assuming he is our PK taker)
Gao: 5
Bertos: 4
Ferrante: 3
Very unlikely that all the players would make/exceed their targets, but I guess you have to be optimistic.
KTBW2008-07-23 19:20:46
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Smeltz: 10
Kwasnik: 5 (perhaps 7 or 8 if he starts regularly)
Daniel: 6 (assuming he is our PK taker)
Gao: 5
Bertos: 4
Cost: 3
Kwasnik: 5 (perhaps 7 or 8 if he starts regularly)
Daniel: 6 (assuming he is our PK taker)
Gao: 5
Bertos: 4
Cost: 3
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Giving players goal targets?
WHAT A LOT OF TOSS
WHAT A LOT OF TOSS
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Smeltz: 25
Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 mins
Daniel: 12
Gao: 12
Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 mins
Daniel: 12
Gao: 12
Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
You heard it here first.
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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Smeltz: 25Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal� in every last 15 minsDaniel: 12Gao: 12Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
�
�
You heard it here first.
What about Ferrante- He's classy.
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Smeltz: 25Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 minsDaniel: 12Gao: 12Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
You heard it here first.
What about Ferrante- He's classy.
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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Smeltz: 25
Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 mins
Daniel: 12
Gao: 12
Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 mins
Daniel: 12
Gao: 12
Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
You heard it here first.
and you've been right before when?
Founder
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Smeltz: 25
Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 mins
Daniel: 12
Gao: 12
Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
Kwasnik: 20 - super sub, to score a goal in every last 15 mins
Daniel: 12
Gao: 12
Bertos: 0. Cant shoot for sh*t
You heard it here first.
and you've been right before when?
When i won the competition? and uhh... when Scotland would win a world cup 
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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Which i am so grateful for (the boots and shirt)
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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yep, the whole squad will score 
goals each.
goals each.
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when Scotland would win a world cup
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when Scotland would win a world cup
Homeless World Cup Champions 2k7
Thank you very much
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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Homeless World Cup Champions 2k7
Thank you very much
Is that all you can win!?
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Homeless World Cup Champions 2k7
�
Thank you very much
Thats coming from NZ?
At least there able to Choke at world cup.....we cant even make them!(excluding '82 and 2010 onwards!)
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Goodness me, I only gave top end targets not predictions. Target are not suppose to be too realistc for the challenge. It's a 50/50 challenge. This is only to get them thinking optimistic. I am coming from a coaches perspective. It is still reachable and not impossible.
A super end target would be 20 goals by someone having regular one goal per game and that has been with masterstoke support play. That has been done before in other leagues by great players. I am not making such a prediction here.
Normally you get your best two strikers to aim at 0.75 goals per game (15 goals in 21 rounds) and they end up about 0.66 goals at the best which gives about 13 goals in 21 rounds. At the less than average season, you are looking at 0.33 goals per round giving about 7 goal in the 21 rounds which is an average of an very successful attacking midfielder.
All these targets would usually be given with a range so they are able to feel good about their progress during the season as well as assessing how well they are gong be as a league winning team.
Also if you aim low, you end up sitting too comfortable at a less than positive season and that is a misdirection of target. You either hit the target or not, it then becomes a 50/50 challenge for the season.
So if they fall just short of their personal target, it still end's up on a positive note for the season and looking for more improvements. You have to place challenges in the squads especially placing targets with your key players.
I should have know you guys are driving the skeptic wheel again.
If three of the five hit their target, that's an very successful overall target for the attacking first team players.
If only two hits their target then you starting question how you have helped your fellow teammates reach their targets towards the backend of the season. It's not a selfish target, it's a collective target. This way you set up your teammates goals as well and not just your own. So during the game play, the players would have to assess whether they are closer to their own target or that another players is close to their target and oriented their game accordingly.
Player personal targets;
Kwasnik 15
Smeltz 15
Gao 5
Daniel 5
Bertos 5
Actual successful season at 80% prediction for the whole team.
Smeltz 12
Kwasnik 10
Daniel 7
Gao 3
Bertos 3
Mulligan 3
Hearfield 2
Coveny 2
Ferrante 1
Dodd 1
Johnson 1
45 goals including playoff goals.
Is that what you all are after? Are you all happy now?
I wonder what the TAB prediction if any.
A super end target would be 20 goals by someone having regular one goal per game and that has been with masterstoke support play. That has been done before in other leagues by great players. I am not making such a prediction here.
Normally you get your best two strikers to aim at 0.75 goals per game (15 goals in 21 rounds) and they end up about 0.66 goals at the best which gives about 13 goals in 21 rounds. At the less than average season, you are looking at 0.33 goals per round giving about 7 goal in the 21 rounds which is an average of an very successful attacking midfielder.
All these targets would usually be given with a range so they are able to feel good about their progress during the season as well as assessing how well they are gong be as a league winning team.
Also if you aim low, you end up sitting too comfortable at a less than positive season and that is a misdirection of target. You either hit the target or not, it then becomes a 50/50 challenge for the season.
So if they fall just short of their personal target, it still end's up on a positive note for the season and looking for more improvements. You have to place challenges in the squads especially placing targets with your key players.
I should have know you guys are driving the skeptic wheel again.
If three of the five hit their target, that's an very successful overall target for the attacking first team players.
If only two hits their target then you starting question how you have helped your fellow teammates reach their targets towards the backend of the season. It's not a selfish target, it's a collective target. This way you set up your teammates goals as well and not just your own. So during the game play, the players would have to assess whether they are closer to their own target or that another players is close to their target and oriented their game accordingly.
Player personal targets;
Kwasnik 15
Smeltz 15
Gao 5
Daniel 5
Bertos 5
Actual successful season at 80% prediction for the whole team.
Smeltz 12
Kwasnik 10
Daniel 7
Gao 3
Bertos 3
Mulligan 3
Hearfield 2
Coveny 2
Ferrante 1
Dodd 1
Johnson 1
45 goals including playoff goals.
Is that what you all are after? Are you all happy now?
I wonder what the TAB prediction if any.
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far out those predictions are ridiculous
maybe smeltz to get around 8 or 9 and kwasnik will probably only get around 4 providing he starts on the bench and daniel about the same with people like mully lochhead gao bertos and ferrante to chip in with a goal or 2 at most
but jeez some of those targets are ridiculous i could be a bit low on daniels target thow hes shown some good goal scoring form lately
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