Knights fan base player of the season, golden boot for the Knights, utility player, hugely experienced�.but old and slowing down�should he be signed for the Phoenix?
He�s played a few games for Puerto Rico (since the Knights) with Alen Marcina but desperately wants to stay in NZ for his family. Apparently hasn�t talked with Herbert yet(according to interview with Dewhurst on Radiosport) so my guess is that it is unlikely to happen, but they could do a lot worse.
To take the team forward I think they probably need new/fresher/faster players, but if they sign some of the low impact/average players from the knights ahead of Emblem � I�ll be pissed off.
Let's hope we don't look at him. Four places for overseas players
had better go to some quality players.
Preferred him upfront with Marcena at end of year, rather than in
defence.
Yes, perhaps too slow, another year older. But I did
warm to his ability on the ball, and his physical presence
upfront. Coupled with a fast striker, like Totori, or
Marcena, could be interesting striking combination.
Don't think it will happen.
football tragic for too long
Firstly his name is Emblen and we dont need him.
Hes awesome, and in the end of the day if we cant attract any better foreigners, embo will do the job time and time again
Hes awesome, and in the end of the day if we cant attract any better foreigners, embo will do the job time and time again
He semed to do alright in the last few games - but he looked
pretty average to me before that. Maybe he was played in the wrong
position but as previously stated, hopefully they'll pick better
imports.
It's no coincidence that the Knights best results happened when he
moved up front. Sure I'd like to see someone
younger/faster/cooler but a physical presence up front is crucial
in this league. Keep him as a backup if he's desperate
to come back.
Normo's coming home
Plus he was never played beside someone half decent until he was put beside Marcina
It's no coincidence that the Knights best results happened when he
moved up front. Sure I'd like to see someone
younger/faster/cooler but a physical presence up front is crucial
in this league. Keep him as a backup if he's desperate
to come back.
I'm desperate to play for them as well - but I wouldn't suggest picking me. However - perhaps if he is that keen he could be on the coaching staff.
Emblen was the second best player in a Knights shirt last
year, when moved up front. Salley was the best.
But to sign him, you would also have to sign a striking
partner in the mould of Marcina. That is effectively using two
spots.
Much as I really like Emblen, I just wonder if that is the
best use of your import spot.
He should be kept him heart is in the right place & he put the
ball in the right place when required.
Dont sign him, we have limited import slots so we need to fill them
with players of immenseley superior quality
A dog with a bone :)
He's sh*t. You can do a lot better. Much better getting someone
younger who can develop into a good player. Emblen will only be
around for one or two years and you'd realistically be wanting to
work towards A-league season 4 or 5 before you're really
competitive. There will be better players overseas than Neil Emblen
who would love to play in NZ.
I think Neil did well in the circumstances of last season and we
should be grateful. Without him things would have been worse.
He was one player who clearly cared whether we won or lost. I
hope he finds a useful final club to play for this season (for
example he would be a saviour for Torquay or Rotherham who need an
experienced core player).
However, he is not the right kind of signing for the new club; we need mainly Kiwis with s few up and coming Oz or Asian players around the 21-22 year old range We do not want "sunset" players this year.
However, he is not the right kind of signing for the new club; we need mainly Kiwis with s few up and coming Oz or Asian players around the 21-22 year old range We do not want "sunset" players this year.
He scored for Waitakere City (not United) in Northern football last
week.
They can keep him. He's gave his best (thanks) but he's history
now.
A dog with a bone :)
My 5c worth: Neil Emblen is definitely past his best and no use at
all in defence. I would consider taking him on for the Phoenix
depending completely on the overall balance of the squad and the
availability of better (but not "maybe" better) foreign
players. He would bring experience and a goodish finishing touch to
the team. This team must look to be more attacking than the Knights
were. I mean I saw them go behind and still fail to get even a shot
on target at times.