Liverpool are nosediving like us but selling plenty of tickets, we're not. Plus Chief already had a bad season and can't afford another one. Its clear as day Chief is out of his depth and nothing he's trying is actually working. Derby defeat number 5 is coming and then at the latest if the club has any respect for the fans he needs to get the sack
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Next 5 fixtures might decide Chiefys fate. An in-form Adelaide at home (with potentially a lower attendance than last week...) Auckland FC away, Jets and CCM at home and Victory away.
I think if Chiefy loses the next two games convincingly he will be under a bit of pressure to get 4-6 points from CCM & Jets. I think he'd be safe with 7+ points in his next 5 fixtures.
I imagine if we don't accomplish this (at least 6 pts in 5 games) I think the reigns would and probably should be given to Greenie for the remainder of the season.
Someone mentioned the Reserves performance this year as a deterrent for signing Greenie,- however keep in mind that Reserves Teams are often at the mercy of the first teams needs, so things like player availability/style of play can be affected greatly. Reserve/Youth teams are focused on development rather than results. They're also dependent on the quality of U21 players coming through and where they are in their development, we've seen in the past this is often a cyclical nature.
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
Have always been a Chief fan and prepared to cut him a bit of slack, however im starting to waver. While i think we started the season okay the last couple of games have really shown some deficiencies in the quality of players we have. Our failure to attract or seem to want to spend money on a decent 10 is being shown up big time. Eze can make runs all day and make brilliant leads but if we dont have anybody to unlock him its all wasted. Im an unashamed Rufer fan but how the hell he has ended up being the one to be trying to do it is just friggen crazy. I like Greenie but dont think he is in any way the answer, he really hasnt done much with the teams he has had. Has also only really experienced coaching in the Phoenix environment and a small bit of Rep football. Dont think thats anywhere near enough to get the job, we have tried that with Chief do we really want to go there again. Wernt we told last year the pressure would be on to achieve some things if after the 2nd Derby nothing has changed, surely there HAS to be change.
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
These youth did came through the Academy and only got contracts when they were 20....in their last year of the u20 cycle. They were then on sold at 21 or 22. For whatever reason Chief and Gill then thought it was a good idea to award contracts to 17 and 18 year olds, in some cases to players that had not even played CL football. We can all see that almost all were and are still are not remotely ready for A League football. Can anyone honestly say that any of the younger youth have actually developed over the last 2 years? Chief and Gill equally culpable for this decision making and both should go!
my question as to the whole situation is what is exactly Gill's role in this whole thing? He is "director of football" - which means exactly? Does Chiefy report to him? How much of an input does he have with signings & playing style? Surely an ideal world you want the academy to play a similar set up to the senior team so the players who do make a step up to senior side can fit in, does he have any input on this? What are his qualifications? The Auckland FC equivalent, Terry Mcflynn has a UEFA A coaching licence to go with his experience as a pro footballer experience.. the whole set up at the club just seems a little unprofessional in terms of having the right people in charge.. Footballtragic
Elemenop
Taupoboy
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
These youth did came through the Academy and only got contracts when they were 20....in their last year of the u20 cycle. They were then on sold at 21 or 22. For whatever reason Chief and Gill then thought it was a good idea to award contracts to 17 and 18 year olds, in some cases to players that had not even played CL football. We can all see that almost all were and are still are not remotely ready for A League football. Can anyone honestly say that any of the younger youth have actually developed over the last 2 years? Chief and Gill equally culpable for this decision making and both should go!
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
These youth did came through the Academy and only got contracts when they were 20....in their last year of the u20 cycle. They were then on sold at 21 or 22. For whatever reason Chief and Gill then thought it was a good idea to award contracts to 17 and 18 year olds, in some cases to players that had not even played CL football. We can all see that almost all were and are still are not remotely ready for A League football. Can anyone honestly say that any of the younger youth have actually developed over the last 2 years? Chief and Gill equally culpable for this decision making and both should go!
Old and Surman both played a decent amount of games in the first team at 19 and 18. Paulsen played 4 games at 19 which is harder as a GK.
I think only Supyk, GLS and Walker have been ones given contracts too early and GLS was more due to keep him here instead of going overseas. LKH is a debatable one but you'd say he's been mostly serviceable during his time.
I don't think what your saying is wrong and probably a good chunk of the academy players did need an extra year before joining but it also just means they weren't as good as past academy players like Old etc that could make the jump at 18/19.
my question as to the whole situation is what is exactly Gill's role in this whole thing? He is "director of football" - which means exactly? Does Chiefy report to him? How much of an input does he have with signings & playing style? Surely an ideal world you want the academy to play a similar set up to the senior team so the players who do make a step up to senior side can fit in, does he have any input on this? What are his qualifications? The Auckland FC equivalent, Terry Mcflynn has a UEFA A coaching licence to go with his experience as a pro footballer experience.. the whole set up at the club just seems a little unprofessional in terms of having the right people in charge.. Footballtragic
Elemenop
Taupoboy
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
These youth did came through the Academy and only got contracts when they were 20....in their last year of the u20 cycle. They were then on sold at 21 or 22. For whatever reason Chief and Gill then thought it was a good idea to award contracts to 17 and 18 year olds, in some cases to players that had not even played CL football. We can all see that almost all were and are still are not remotely ready for A League football. Can anyone honestly say that any of the younger youth have actually developed over the last 2 years? Chief and Gill equally culpable for this decision making and both should go!
Spot on. What is Gill's football pedigree and for that matter the "football committee" that signs off on players?
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
These youth did came through the Academy and only got contracts when they were 20....in their last year of the u20 cycle. They were then on sold at 21 or 22. For whatever reason Chief and Gill then thought it was a good idea to award contracts to 17 and 18 year olds, in some cases to players that had not even played CL football. We can all see that almost all were and are still are not remotely ready for A League football. Can anyone honestly say that any of the younger youth have actually developed over the last 2 years? Chief and Gill equally culpable for this decision making and both should go!
You love this narrative don't you. Are you saying there are ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC.
Someone (Nelfoos?) previously took the time to go through the current list of Weenix grads in the senior squad, basically debunking what you say. But here you are again reposting same.
Unconscious or conscious bias? Surely it's conscious.
Oh and to me Greenie is the obvious half season replacement to step in if Chiefy is sacked. He's done it before joint with Des. Is more experienced now, and I think has the Pro Licence (or whatever is required) to be an ALM head coach. Knows the squad well, and his NZU20 commitments have finsihed. After the Wrexham game many wanted him made head coach immediately!
You'd just give him half a season and see what happens.
If the results are poor over the next 4 weeks, Chiefy really needs to go. Are the Nix the only club (ex Auckland) in the ALM to never fire a coach? The critics who say the club has no ambition, would have a real point if Chiefy was kept on even if the football was dire. But I think this time, Welnix and Dome won't be so patient.
Last season I still supported him and never wanted him to go. But now I am now looking at his tactics, in particular the high defensive line and now thinking that this season will be like the last one. The big question if he goes, who the hell will want the position??
Coming to this late. It's his tactics and recruitment..
He surprised the first season with an amazing keeper and some epic youth (Surman and Old).
These youth did came through the Academy and only got contracts when they were 20....in their last year of the u20 cycle. They were then on sold at 21 or 22. For whatever reason Chief and Gill then thought it was a good idea to award contracts to 17 and 18 year olds, in some cases to players that had not even played CL football. We can all see that almost all were and are still are not remotely ready for A League football. Can anyone honestly say that any of the younger youth have actually developed over the last 2 years? Chief and Gill equally culpable for this decision making and both should go!
You love this narrative don't you.
Someone (Nelfoos?) previously took the time to go through the current list of Weenix grads in the senior squad, basically debunking what you say. But here you are again reposting same.
Unconscious or conscious bias? Surely it's conscious.
Oh and to me Greenie is the obvious half season replacement to step in if Chiefy is sacked. He's done it before joint with Des. Is more experienced now, and I think has the Pro Licence (or whatever is required) to be an ALM head coach. After the Wrexham game many wanted him made head coach immediately!
You'd just give him half a season and see what happens.
If the results are poor over the next 4 weeks, Chiefy really needs to go. Are the Nix the only club (ex Auckland) in the ALM to never fire a coach? The critics who say the club has no ambition, would have a real point if Chiefy was kept on even if the football was dire. But I think this time, Welnix and Dome won't be so patient.
So am I wrong? Who of the younger youth in your opinion are A League ready and have developed...with the possible exception of LBS but even he has not kicked on as much as he should have imo? By all means point me to Nelfoos debunking what I have said previously. I recall us disagreeing (which is after all part of what this Forum is for) but you interpreting it as debunking what I said is perhaps your bias? At no stage did I mention any issue with the players (Conch, Sheridan, LKH) you have mentioned. The fact that Chief waited until the 88m to bring on any of the younger youth pretty much reinforces this view. Agree re Greeny btw
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for the last campaign, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently. The age/experience balance of the squad is much better this season.
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
coochiee
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
No I have never had an issue with any of Conchie, Sheridan and LKH. imo LKH could have spent another year or so in the Reserves but not a biggie either way. My issue is with the other kids (through no fault of their own) getting contracts before they were ready.....with LBS being the one possible exception. IMO the timing with Loke was about right....proved himself at CL level and imo is ready for minutes at A League level. However not as an AW as some on this forum are suggesting.....
I could be wrong but from what I have figured out the committee is only Dome, Chief and Gill.
Yeah could be and what are Dome's footballing credentials
You could ask the same about Gill, Operations Manager for a number of years at the club, which is normally on the more administrative side instead of the technical side, before being promoted to Director of Football which is a pretty technical role. Any coaching/analysis/scouting roles/experience before this?
Comparing this to Auckland FC having Terry McFlynn - hundreds of games for Sydney FC, post career he was GM of football at the club. He was a player and coach agent, has his UEFA A Licence and a masters in coach education.
I personally think all of our youth are looking better this year.
I just don't thing we have the quality around them to make relying on a few youth to bolster the squad workable.
Yeah, thats exactly it tbh I said we needed at least 1 higher local quality player in the transfer window. The Aussies we signed are all more squadie type players though Armiento has proven good value. If you added a Waine, Singh or Tulimoa and another import now Ishige is gone the first team would be a lot stronger and would help any of the younger guys filling in.
I personally think all of our youth are looking better this year.
I just don't thing we have the quality around them to make relying on a few youth to bolster the squad workable.
Yeah, thats exactly it tbh I said we needed at least 1 higher local quality player in the transfer window. The Aussies we signed are all more squadie type players though Armiento has proven good value. If you added a Waine, Singh or Tulimoa and another import now Ishige is gone the first team would be a lot stronger and would help any of the younger guys filling in.
Of the three players you've mentioned, one is off contract - but is a defender, he would certainly add some experience to our backline but is defence where we need to be building? The other 2 are singed to a club so are only coming back on a loan deal, obviously we'd take Singh in a heartbeat, but I dont see him coming back, if he moves he'll want to be in Europe. As for Waine I honestly dont see him giving us much more than any one for our current front men - maybe Supyk?? Given his current lack of football and lack of output when he was here (71 games 17 goals). I honestly dont see where the hype for him is coming from.
Besides, 1 player is not going to turn our season around, assuming the identified issues are bigger than just player resources.
I personally think all of our youth are looking better this year.
I just don't thing we have the quality around them to make relying on a few youth to bolster the squad workable.
Yeah, thats exactly it tbh I said we needed at least 1 higher local quality player in the transfer window. The Aussies we signed are all more squadie type players though Armiento has proven good value. If you added a Waine, Singh or Tulimoa and another import now Ishige is gone the first team would be a lot stronger and would help any of the younger guys filling in.
Of the three players you've mentioned, one is off contract - but is a defender, he would certainly add some experience to our backline but is defence where we need to be building? The other 2 are singed to a club so are only coming back on a loan deal, obviously we'd take Singh in a heartbeat, but I dont see him coming back, if he moves he'll want to be in Europe. As for Waine I honestly dont see him giving us much more than any one for our current front men - maybe Supyk?? Given his current lack of football and lack of output when he was here (71 games 17 goals). I honestly dont see where the hype for him is coming from.
Besides, 1 player is not going to turn our season around, assuming the identified issues are bigger than just player resources.
Yeah thats why I said + an import. If we were to sign just 1 player only Singh would make a big enough impact. Waine I could see not working out with his spell in England, he may of stagnated too much but he's always played better in a 2 striker system so him and Eze I could see working well with both of them being good pressers and then able to capitalise their poacher traits from the press. Eze also likes to drop deeper so would be good to have a player higher up like Waine when he does that.
Tulimoa is in a less needed area for us but he'd still be a lot better option than LKH, Sheridan in the back 3, would add some experience, better passing range, more pace and a set piece threat.
" Tulimoa is in a less needed area for us but he'd still be a lot better option than LKH, Sheridan in the back 3, would add some experience, better passing range, more pace and a set piece threat."
Since when did Bill offer more pace than anyone, no thanks think our young guys are doing enough in defence, thats not where the problems are. Also think LKH is showing weekly he is starting to develop into a useful player and for me dosnt deserve some of the rubbish thats said about him.
I could be wrong but from what I have figured out the committee is only Dome, Chief and Gill.
Yeah could be and what are Dome's footballing credentials
In the past I'm somewhat sure Dome wasn't part of the football committee (maybe as an observer but not a voting member lets say), and coaches have never been.
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
coochiee
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
No I have never had an issue with any of Conchie, Sheridan and LKH. imo LKH could have spent another year or so in the Reserves but not a biggie either way. My issue is with the other kids (through no fault of their own) getting contracts before they were ready.....with LBS being the one possible exception. IMO the timing with Loke was about right....proved himself at CL level and imo is ready for minutes at A League level. However not as an AW as some on this forum are suggesting.....
He has said he is part of it along with saying Gill and Chief are in the team, which makes sense.
The only question mark is if anyone else is part of the team - but I suspect there is no one else. Bullion
Footballtragic
AucklandPhoenix
I could be wrong but from what I have figured out the committee is only Dome, Chief and Gill.
Yeah could be and what are Dome's footballing credentials
In the past I'm somewhat sure Dome wasn't part of the football committee (maybe as an observer but not a voting member lets say), and coaches have never been.
He has said he is part of it along with saying Gill and Chief are in the team, which makes sense.
The only question mark is if anyone else is part of the team - but I suspect there is no one else. Bullion
Footballtragic
AucklandPhoenix
I could be wrong but from what I have figured out the committee is only Dome, Chief and Gill.
Yeah could be and what are Dome's footballing credentials
In the past I'm somewhat sure Dome wasn't part of the football committee (maybe as an observer but not a voting member lets say), and coaches have never been.
Chiefy is definitely not. I haven't heard anything that suggests Dome is now, but could be.
Are you going to have to make me listen to a David Dome one hour podcast again and suffer “without a word of a lie” several times to prove you are incorrect?
I don’t think I have the mental fortitude to endure it again, so please tell me your info, to save me.
Are you going to have to make me listen to a David Dome one hour podcast again and suffer “without a word of a lie” several times to prove you are incorrect?
Next 5 fixtures might decide Chiefys fate. An in-form Adelaide at home (with potentially a lower attendance than last week...) Auckland FC away, Jets and CCM at home and Victory away.
I think if Chiefy loses the next two games convincingly he will be under a bit of pressure to get 4-6 points from CCM & Jets. I think he'd be safe with 7+ points in his next 5 fixtures.
I imagine if we don't accomplish this (at least 6 pts in 5 games) I think the reigns would and probably should be given to Greenie for the remainder of the season.
Someone mentioned the Reserves performance this year as a deterrent for signing Greenie,- however keep in mind that Reserves Teams are often at the mercy of the first teams needs, so things like player availability/style of play can be affected greatly. Reserve/Youth teams are focused on development rather than results. They're also dependent on the quality of U21 players coming through and where they are in their development, we've seen in the past this is often a cyclical nature.
More like next 2 fixtures. Do we want to go down to Auckland yet again and hope things will maybe improve with a bit of time... and luck... and tactics? No thanks
Ok, but I am going to count the “without a word of a lie” and “to be honest” lines, just so you know that it is from the horses mouth.
Give me until after the next game however, when hopefully I will be in a good mood and will be able to stomach the lines slightly better.
Just link the podcast, I probably missed it. In my mind it just doesn't make sense for the coach to be part of the football committee, and all media going back to when Welnix took over and the football committee laid out expectations for the style of football for Ricki to play has always had the coach subject to, with input or making their case in regards to Chiefy, to the football committee.
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
coochiee
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
No I have never had an issue with any of Conchie, Sheridan and LKH. imo LKH could have spent another year or so in the Reserves but not a biggie either way. My issue is with the other kids (through no fault of their own) getting contracts before they were ready.....with LBS being the one possible exception. IMO the timing with Loke was about right....proved himself at CL level and imo is ready for minutes at A League level. However not as an AW as some on this forum are suggesting.....
Who do you have issue with?
IMO GSR, Supyk, Walker and Smith were signed way too soon. Supyk's contract expires end of this season so can highly unlikely the Club gets any return on him. GSR and Smith ends 2027 so unless they are getting big minutes and killing it this year (which looks unlikely) no-one is coming in for them. Walker 2028 so he may get decent minutes next year and still a bit of time on his side. If these guys were starring in CL/NL at a stretch they should only have been signed at the beginning of next year. As others have pointed out, I do not have a crystal ball so I could be wrong but if not the Club will have burnt around $150,000 per player over 3 years.
Sure but using logic Dome shouldn’t be anywhere near a football committee but he is. Bullion
AucklandPhoenix
Ok, but I am going to count the “without a word of a lie” and “to be honest” lines, just so you know that it is from the horses mouth.
Give me until after the next game however, when hopefully I will be in a good mood and will be able to stomach the lines slightly better.
Just link the podcast, I probably missed it. In my mind it just doesn't make sense for the coach to be part of the football committee, and all media going back to when Welnix took over and the football committee laid out expectations for the style of football for Ricki to play has always had the coach subject to, with input or making their case in regards to Chiefy, to the football committee.
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
coochiee
Are you saying there were ex Weenix players, let go from the club who were better than the contracted Hughes, LKH, Sheridan, and Conchie? The only 4 Acad grads (all aged 20-22) who started against MAC. Those 4 being contracted too early, ahead of other contenders?
If Mileusnic, Ishige, LBS or Walker are fit, Supyk and GSR don't enter the MAC game as late subs.
Your agrument has some truth for last season, when many of the youngsters were played at least a season too early, but not this one.
It's far from the biggest issue currently.
No I have never had an issue with any of Conchie, Sheridan and LKH. imo LKH could have spent another year or so in the Reserves but not a biggie either way. My issue is with the other kids (through no fault of their own) getting contracts before they were ready.....with LBS being the one possible exception. IMO the timing with Loke was about right....proved himself at CL level and imo is ready for minutes at A League level. However not as an AW as some on this forum are suggesting.....
Who do you have issue with?
IMO GSR, Supyk, Walker and Smith were signed way too soon. Supyk's contract expires end of this season so can highly unlikely the Club gets any return on him. GSR and Smith ends 2027 so unless they are getting big minutes and killing it this year (which looks unlikely) no-one is coming in for them. Walker 2028 so he may get decent minutes next year and still a bit of time on his side. If these guys were starring in CL/NL at a stretch they should only have been signed at the beginning of next year. As others have pointed out, I do not have a crystal ball so I could be wrong but if not the Club will have burnt around $150,000 per player over 3 years.
a lot of those guys are on scholarship deals. It gives the club and players a degree of certainty and allows them to integrate into the first team.
GSR was forced if I recall correctly by his family threatening to up sticks. That was a scholarship contract?
Brooke-Smith or Smith the defender?
I think at the time Smith was upgraded we hadn’t added James, so there was a possibility of him playing a larger role come the start of the season.
Supyk hasn’t taken his chances so far. We’re hoping to see him have some breakthrough performances.
Walker was signed because we needed players quickly last season as our injury list and squad balance was horrendous. I think he’s done well also and has easily contributed the most out of these 4.
I remember when this was turkey backwards. Old (and Surman for that matter) had been in the first team, but couldn’t get any minutes because of Kraev and there were dark insinuations. We spent a lot of money and didn’t get anywhere under Uffie. Now it’s switched and we’re also not happy.
Chiefy is "safe" even if we lose the next 5 (meaning he will still see out the season unless he himself decides to walk). Nix management aren't decisive or particularly concerned about bad results. Kalezic is the only coach in our history that we got rid of, and that was at the end of the season, not midway through.
I'd actually be impressed if they did sack Chiefy, but they won't.
Edit: i'm not saying he should be sacked right now, but I wouldnt be surprised if results end up being bad enough to justify his sacking over the next couple of months
