Walker's really gone under the radar hasn't he? Usually when people talk about our upcoming talent it's usually about GSR, Supyk, or Alby, but Walker did well. Wasn't player of the match or anything but he did a good job getting the ball up the pitch for us. Could be pivotal in goal set-up for us moving forward
Walker's really gone under the radar hasn't he? Usually when people talk about our upcoming talent it's usually about GSR, Supyk, or Alby, but Walker did well. Wasn't player of the match or anything but he did a good job getting the ball up the pitch for us. Could be pivotal in goal set-up for us moving forward
Walker will be an excellent option for a scholarship whenever they decide to give it to him (have heard from January, don't ask me why, just what I've been fed through the grapevine).
He's hardly put a foot wrong in the two games he's been given, and I quietly thought he was excellent yesterday in a position that is definitely not his natural spot.
Got a soft spot for him too being out of the same club I played for at youth level - The mighty Fencibles!
What is his natural position then??
Has excellent technique and close control as well as a good burst of speed, as we saw yesterday. Raw, but a very good talent. Played predominantly on the right for the NZ U-17's at the World Cup, but is just as useful on the left, as the clip below from the U-17's world cup warm up matches played in Japan last year shows.
⚽ Adam Watson (Stoke City)
— Hamish 🐦🔥 (@YoungHeartHM) September 14, 2023
🅰️ Nathan Walker (Fencibles United)
🇳🇿 1 - 2 🔴 pic.twitter.com/xzy6nsQLc5
All things considered he did very well being shunted in to a LWB role for his first A-League start. Can't recall him ever playing in that position for Fencibles before his move to the Nix setup.
I thought he was excellent. It's not easy to play LWB and get up and down, AND square up your defender multiple times to successfully cross in.
Very underrated performance. He reminded me a little of Jacob Tratt but less gangly.
Knowing it's not even his natural position, even more impressive.
Very underrated performance. He reminded me a little of Jacob Tratt but less gangly.
Knowing it's not even his natural position, even more impressive.
a.haak
It's funny, during the game I was looking at Walker and Kosta and thinking about how much the coaching and development philosophy has changed at the club in 15 years. Remember when an obviously talented Kosta struggled to get any meaningful game time at the Nix? It just wasn't the done thing to risk throwing a youngster in at the deep end back then.
Cut to the present day and the coach shows total confidence in an 18 year old on debut to not only perform a challenging wingback role but to do it for the full 90. Not to mention bringing on a 17 year old defender to see out the last 10 minutes with the game still in the balance.
Cut to the present day and the coach shows total confidence in an 18 year old on debut to not only perform a challenging wingback role but to do it for the full 90. Not to mention bringing on a 17 year old defender to see out the last 10 minutes with the game still in the balance.
It's funny, during the game I was looking at Walker and Kosta and thinking about how much the coaching and development philosophy has changed at the club in 15 years. Remember when an obviously talented Kosta struggled to get any meaningful game time at the Nix? It just wasn't the done thing to risk throwing a youngster in at the deep end back then.
Cut to the present day and the coach shows total confidence in an 18 year old on debut to not only perform a challenging wingback role but to do it for the full 90. Not to mention bringing on a 17 year old defender to see out the last 10 minutes with the game still in the balance.
Cut to the present day and the coach shows total confidence in an 18 year old on debut to not only perform a challenging wingback role but to do it for the full 90. Not to mention bringing on a 17 year old defender to see out the last 10 minutes with the game still in the balance.
Difference in coaching philosophies is massive, along with having an academy which means that the kids are getting meaningful gametime to get them ready for the aleague.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Yeah I think the biggest change is the academy pathway and the work that has gone into that over more than a decade.
a.haak
Early days of the Nix we wouldn't play Kiwis either, which was crazy considering our coach was the NZ coach. I remember once sitting at the stadium and realising there were no NZ born players on the pitch, although there were some Australian born that got NZ citizenship.
As well we don’t have players like Bertos, previous league leader for assists, Paul Ifill, perhaps our best ever import and Greenie who’s at times been the club’s heat beat.
And the year before, Smeltz, Coveny and at times Fred.
And other subs such as Caceres and Diego who were handy.
And Kosta got enough game time to be scouted by Ange.
But yeh, much rougher league, without a reserve team, much more difficult for a young tricky forward to break in. Remembering we were a tough defensive team with a home fortress for a long time, too. And a crosses into the box team rather than a ball to feet team.
And no one considered kids ready. A real catch 22.
And the year before, Smeltz, Coveny and at times Fred.
And other subs such as Caceres and Diego who were handy.
And Kosta got enough game time to be scouted by Ange.
But yeh, much rougher league, without a reserve team, much more difficult for a young tricky forward to break in. Remembering we were a tough defensive team with a home fortress for a long time, too. And a crosses into the box team rather than a ball to feet team.
And no one considered kids ready. A real catch 22.
So what’s the deal with him then? Is there a risk of someone poaching him given he doesn’t have a deal or is his academy deal sufficient? Seems a bit mental to be waiting until Jan when you know you’re going to be giving him one?
I din't think he even had a scholarship deal??
So what’s the deal with him then? Is there a risk of someone poaching him given he doesn’t have a deal or is his academy deal sufficient? Seems a bit mental to be waiting until Jan when you know you’re going to be giving him one?
There's only one team that would poach him, and if that happened I would be extremely annoyed as I personally think he has a very high ceiling. I don't know the full details around his potential scholarship being held until January, because it came out of chatter from coaches that worked with him in Auckland, but we'd be foolish not to put that FIFA partnership $$$ to good use. I'd also like to know how perhaps someone like mrsmiis would rate his potential, given not too many people know too much about him. But only if he's got the time that is. 👀
I've seen more of him than I have of a few of our other academy lads, and I don't even live in Auckland anymore, but the times I saw him for Fencibles and for NZ age grade sides I thought he was excellent. Even in his first game against South Melbourne in the cup I thought he gave a very good account of himself in what was his natural playing position.
Might be a good question for the pod?
Even if he is from the 09, he'd be silly to sign for Auckland FC now. They look stacked withe experienced, ALM quality attacking wide players.
Rogerson, Gillion, Champness, Moreno, Randall. Shrewsbury even played Mata as a winger. Walker likely wouldn't get much of a look in there.
The only Academy kid to start against SM, and now starting in the ALM season opener. Chiefy obviously rates the youngster.
Rogerson, Gillion, Champness, Moreno, Randall. Shrewsbury even played Mata as a winger. Walker likely wouldn't get much of a look in there.
The only Academy kid to start against SM, and now starting in the ALM season opener. Chiefy obviously rates the youngster.
I would suggest that Auckland FC may have enough "promising young Kiwi players" and to establish their credentials on the field they will rely more on the "proven quality" players as they are the ones that will win them any early silverware.
We already know how to find good potential players and develop them already, and we are a proven channel for kids to progress. And we cannot splash cash as readily on "proven potential" as A-FC right now. I would keep him and he may even get more play time with us in suitable games than elsewhere.
We already know how to find good potential players and develop them already, and we are a proven channel for kids to progress. And we cannot splash cash as readily on "proven potential" as A-FC right now. I would keep him and he may even get more play time with us in suitable games than elsewhere.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
Will he play again in Perth I wonder
Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet
Will he play again in Perth I wonder
I would not be surprised if he features off the bench in Round 3 against Auckland.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
Nathan Walker 🤝 Wellington Phoenix
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 31, 2024
The Wellington Phoenix have signed one of Auckland’s brightest footballing talents in the week of the inaugural New Zealand derby on a four-year deal through to the end of the 27/28 season!
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano is delighted to have… pic.twitter.com/xxqvQz0ha3
Very well deserved. A top young talent 🌠
Nathan Walker 🤝 Wellington Phoenix
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 31, 2024
The Wellington Phoenix have signed one of Auckland’s brightest footballing talents in the week of the inaugural New Zealand derby on a four-year deal through to the end of the 27/28 season!
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano is delighted to have… pic.twitter.com/xxqvQz0ha3
Very well deserved. A top young talent 🌠
Nathan Walker 🤝 Wellington Phoenix
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 31, 2024
The Wellington Phoenix have signed one of Auckland’s brightest footballing talents in the week of the inaugural New Zealand derby on a four-year deal through to the end of the 27/28 season!
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano is delighted to have… pic.twitter.com/xxqvQz0ha3
Very well deserved. A top young talent 🌠
Noticed that too, makes it sound like they've stolen one of AFC's talents for themselves lmao
Nathan Walker 🤝 Wellington Phoenix
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 31, 2024
The Wellington Phoenix have signed one of Auckland’s brightest footballing talents in the week of the inaugural New Zealand derby on a four-year deal through to the end of the 27/28 season!
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano is delighted to have… pic.twitter.com/xxqvQz0ha3
Very well deserved. A top young talent 🌠
Noticed that too, makes it sound like they've stolen one of AFC's talents for themselves lmao
This kid has speed to burn. Great signing, so too is Piper. Solid as, not going to be pushed off the ball easily.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
I remember Brooke Walker. A leg spinner who didn't spin it that much.
One of his tests in Pakistan in about 40 degree heat with Inzaman getting a lazy 329. Loved batting against NZ Inzy
https://aleagues.com.au/news/wellington-phoenix-transfer-details-nathan-walker-auckland-derby-latest-news-a-league/
One of his tests in Pakistan in about 40 degree heat with Inzaman getting a lazy 329. Loved batting against NZ Inzy
https://aleagues.com.au/news/wellington-phoenix-transfer-details-nathan-walker-auckland-derby-latest-news-a-league/
“I always thought becoming a pro footballer was possible. My father (Brooke Walker) played for New Zealand in cricket, and he’s always been very supportive and told me to just go for it while I’m young and I’ve got the chance.
Nathan Walker 🤝 Wellington Phoenix
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 31, 2024
The Wellington Phoenix have signed one of Auckland’s brightest footballing talents in the week of the inaugural New Zealand derby on a four-year deal through to the end of the 27/28 season!
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano is delighted to have… pic.twitter.com/xxqvQz0ha3
Very well deserved. A top young talent 🌠
I remember Brooke Walker. A leg spinner who didn't spin it that much.
One of his tests in Pakistan in about 40 degree heat with Inzaman getting a lazy 329. Loved batting against NZ Inzy
https://aleagues.com.au/news/wellington-phoenix-transfer-details-nathan-walker-auckland-derby-latest-news-a-league/
One of his tests in Pakistan in about 40 degree heat with Inzaman getting a lazy 329. Loved batting against NZ Inzy
https://aleagues.com.au/news/wellington-phoenix-transfer-details-nathan-walker-auckland-derby-latest-news-a-league/
“I always thought becoming a pro footballer was possible. My father (Brooke Walker) played for New Zealand in cricket, and he’s always been very supportive and told me to just go for it while I’m young and I’ve got the chance.
Saw him absolutely rip it with tennis balls in practice. Might be that ripping it that much doesn’t usually take wickets unless you can also be as accurate as Shane Warne. A little bit of turn takes the edge or gets an LB. Monster turn gets you 4 byes in a lot of cases! It’s the control that’s tricky.
He was probably getting more success with occasional turn and variety in pace and flight. The wrong uns and flippers or top spinners are the killer variations, but also hard to do.
He was one of a handful of Kiwi leggies after Warne, but it truly is a difficult craft to master. Greg Loveridge was another chap. And in the end orthdox left armers had more success for us. That Vettori arm ball!
I see Walker is on a scholarship deal for 2 years, does anyone know how much a male scholarship player is paid?
I see Walker is on a scholarship deal for 2 years, does anyone know how much a male scholarship player is paid?
It's like $45-50k for scholarship players, and from memory that's for ages 16-19. It goes up in increments after that. Although I'm not sure what kind of bands/levels of wage there are after turning 20 to be honest.
Will, his dad played cricket for NZ replace he eas a golfing prodigy.
Superseded by the Pounds 'was a BMZ prodigy' storyline somewhat.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360537235/son-former-black-cap-and-his-surprise-wellington-phoenix-debut