Wellington Phoenix Men

Phoenix axe assistant coach

83 replies · 1,263 views
about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I hope we don't change things every 5 seconds. Stability is key for us going forward.
valeo2008-01-28 14:28:17

a.haak

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
StopOut wrote:

It's a shame Jacobs had to go but we shouldn't read too much into it. Despite all the hype and big crowds this season has always had an ad hoc feel to me: a squad, staff and backroom pulled together at extremely short notice, a style of play probably some way from Ricki's ideal because of obvious player shortcomings. So I don't see these sweeping changes as a problem, more an acknowledgement that, OK, we've got through our first year of existence with credibility intact, now let's get the structure in place to take this club to the top.

 
Very true, the staff, squad everything was pulled together very last minute, perhaps this was Terry's plan all along, and then to bring in more perm staff now that he has 6 months to put it all together.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
As with everything that the team has done so far, there are reasons which we do not understand. I have to acknowledge that it came as a shock to me also, that said, we will just have to wait and see what the rationale to this is. More importantly must be the longevity of ALL coaching staff, given their overall strategy to get into the top four next season. Once again, time will tell.
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Marama wrote:
10 hours a week - 5 x 2 hr sessions a week = 10 hours? Do you think they might combine the roles and get a goalkeeping coach who can be an assistant. - Gould was a goalkeeper and so was Milicich and they both can coach keepers.

Watch this space??
 
My first thought on hearing this news was "Jonathan Gould". He's turned Hawkes Bay into something far more competitive than they have been recently and has been involved at national level. He's the man my money's on, as assistant coach/goalkeeping coach rolled into one.
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
StopOut wrote:

It's a shame Jacobs had to go but we shouldn't read too much into it. Despite all the hype and big crowds this season has always had an ad hoc feel to me: a squad, staff and backroom pulled together at extremely short notice, a style of play probably some way from Ricki's ideal because of obvious player shortcomings. So I don't see these sweeping changes as a problem, more an acknowledgement that, OK, we've got through our first year of existence with credibility intact, now let's get the structure in place to take this club to the top.

 
Agree about this whole season feeling ad hoc. But how could it be anything else starting so far behind the "8 ball" just getting a team on the park?
 
The current moves suggest that the people at the top are not going to settle for less than the best - in all areas of the club.
 
To me, that implies a number of quality signings to follow, and a second season that will leave the rest of the A-leaque wondering what hit them.
 
Can't wait!!
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I think (and hope!) you are right Scribbler.

Terry S's first (and pretty much only) comment to some of us recently was -"We will do better next season!"
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
We can all say what we like but nobody will get to know the truth. Someboby earlier mentioned that Stu was a nice guy. I have never had a 'nice' guy as a coach that was successful. That is probably the problem. Rick and Stu are Mr Nice guys?

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Wolfben wrote:

Wolfben wrote:
Well that has bamboozled me. Totally confused by that decision. Gotta laugh at the doom and gloom merchants - by my accounts it was a successful first season.

�

how?
Stable first season, good player base, great crowds, Yellow Fever, competitive throughout.What were you expecting for us to win it? Our first season and we were a month behind everyone else!


Good points but that didn't stop Melbourne Storm first season in the NRL and the Bumbies first season in the super12 didn't it?

Anyway, Winners get bums on seats.

As for the month behind, sure it was a factor, But 8 of the players were All Whites that trained under Ricki previously. The factors are the pre-season fitness, which they should have their own All White fitness programme and the other players should be fit ready if they were looking for a transfer, they are professionals aren't?

It's too much of an excuse, if you ask me. Combining and clicking together takes a month and they show that form in the pre-season games and the first half of the year. It's just a bit hard keeping it up for the next half of the season, because they were not used to the level for so long.

But we should have nab 7th or even 6th place, not 8th.
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jonathan Gould for full time GK coach, there is none else in the country that fits the bill.

Assistant coach? Well that is why they have gone overseas, Riciki has to try and get an peer of his own kind. He attend the Uefa Pro Licence � the mandatory qualification for any coach in the Uefa Champions League and must have made some contact in Coventry�s University of Warwick on the June 25-July 2 course. He had Uefa �A� Licence since 2005 so he must have picked up on some contacts for coaches over there.

The most of the coaches over here have the equivalent of 'B" Licence.

As for the nice guy coaches. Players would want to play for you if you are nice guy. It's a motivating factor that people forget and the most rewarding one too.AllWhitebelievr2008-01-28 18:52:39
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Leggy wrote:
We can all say what we like but nobody will get to know the truth. Someboby earlier mentioned that Stu was a nice guy. I have never had a 'nice' guy as a coach that was successful. That is probably the problem. Rick and Stu are Mr Nice guys?
 
What do you mean Leggy? What about Ken Armstrong???
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Ken Armstrong Was a nice guy, but when it came to trying to keep everyone happy, the team was the most important.
The point I was trying to make was that a lot of coaches try to keep everybody happy.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Wolfben wrote:

Wolfben wrote:
Well that has bamboozled me. Totally confused by that decision. Gotta laugh at the doom and gloom merchants - by my accounts it was a successful first season.

 

how?
Stable first season, good player base, great crowds, Yellow Fever, competitive throughout.What were you expecting for us to win it? Our first season and we were a month behind everyone else!


Good points but that didn't stop Melbourne Storm first season in the NRL and the Bumbies first season in the super12 didn't it?

Anyway, Winners get bums on seats.

As for the month behind, sure it was a factor, But 8 of the players were All Whites that trained under Ricki previously. The factors are the pre-season fitness, which they should have their own All White fitness programme and the other players should be fit ready if they were looking for a transfer, they are professionals aren't?

It's too much of an excuse, if you ask me. Combining and clicking together takes a month and they show that form in the pre-season games and the first half of the year. It's just a bit hard keeping it up for the next half of the season, because they were not used to the level for so long.

But we should have nab 7th or even 6th place, not 8th.


just one more point and we would have

and, as noted, these changes are intended to insure a significant improvement in season 2
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Sacking Stu was a big mistake. He is the best coach in NZ and his record is superb.
 
What has Ricki done as a coach? He is over-rated. 25 games in the A-league now and 8 wins. Why does everybody like him?
 
He knew he wasn't up to it and that is why he was playing down the first season and focussing on the second one. He tried to take the pressure off himself, but instead he failed to create a winning environment because even the players began to think they weren't supposed to do well.
 
This could be the beginning of the end if the bad decisions continue. Next thing you know they will be giving Old and Christie contract extensions.
 
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I dont know how many of you have read the following. This is just a small part of the story from The Sunday News and may give some insights as to why Stu has been dumped.
 

"Herbert was not commenting last night but last week's signing of All Whites wing Leo Bertos was a clear sign Elrich's days in Wellington were numbered.

Elrich was one of a group of six players whose Nix contracts expire in June.

Along with Aloisi, the others were midfielders Felipe, Richard Johnson and Vince Lia and defender Kristain Rees.

And because of the A-League's salary cap rules, any cull Herbert was planning could realistically only come from that group.

Any players axed who were contracted to the end of the 2008-09 season would have to be paid out. And that payout would be a part of the Nix $2.2m salary cap for the new season.

That scenario meant Herbert would be reluctant to axe players outside the six.

Given those restrictions, Hay who was Herbert's All Whites captain until his international retirement last year was encouraging his former boss to target at Lia and Rees.

"They're adequate players," Hay said. "But adequate won't get it done next season."

Herbert was to travel to The Netherlands, Germany, England and South America on a scouting mission next month, and was being encouraged to focus on acquiring defenders.

"The Nix need a striker to play alongside Shane Smeltz if they want to reach the playoffs next year," said Hay. "That's a given. But the immediate focus must be on the defence.

"The reality is they are stuck with Karl Dodd and Stephen Old.

"Old should go the way of Stephen O'Dor (the Nix back who returned to his law studies) and find a new career.

"He has had that many chances to prove himself and we're all still waiting for him to come good. He's not a kid anymore. Football at this level is clearly beyond him.

"And Dodd isn't good enough to lead the backline but the Nix are stuck with them. But O'Dor's departure along with that of Rees means Ricki's got some room to move.

"At the moment the defence is his Achilles heel. It's what let the team down this season."

Sunday News understood the Nix were close to agreeing terms with Newcastle Jets defender Andrew Durante who would be a good acquisition. But more reinforcements were needed.

Said Hay: "The Nix have said they will finish in the top four next year. And good on them for saying that. They are setting their standards high. Ricki will know more than anyone he can't afford to carry players next season."

To me it looks like the coaching changes have been made to free up money from the Salary Cap so that they can sign more quality players.
 
Anyone else think this could be the case?

A dog with a bone :)

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
finisher wrote:
Sacking Stu was a big mistake. He is the best coach in NZ and his record is superb.
 
What has Ricki done as a coach? He is over-rated. 25 games in the A-league now and 8 wins. Why does everybody like him?
 
He knew he wasn't up to it and that is why he was playing down the first season and focussing on the second one. He tried to take the pressure off himself, but instead he failed to create a winning environment because even the players began to think they weren't supposed to do well.
 
This could be the beginning of the end if the bad decisions continue. Next thing you know they will be giving Old and Christie contract extensions.
 


Are you Matthew?
Are you Matthew?
Are you Matthew in disguise?
Are you Matthew in disguise?


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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
when i saw PHOENIX AXE COACH on the front page I thought it was ricki
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
nightz wrote:
 
To me it looks like the coaching changes have been made to free up money from the Salary Cap so that they can sign more quality players.
 
Anyone else think this could be the case?
this may be a dumb question but do coaches come under the cap?

www.kiwifromthecouch.blogspot.com

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
on sunny days
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
nightz wrote:
 
Anyone else think this could be the case?

Its the only conclusion I could find - the reasons given are very vague and dont have much behind them.
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
pedersen wrote:
when i saw PHOENIX AXE COACH on the front page I thought it was ricki


That's exactly what they wanted you to think. Pretty sh*t journalism, but what do you expect.

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Maybe this part of the release in the Latest News section gives an indication of whats happening.

"The new position, and that of strength and conditioning coach, will be advertised in the coming weeks.

"People will read into it want they want," Pignata said, "but we've made these changes as stage one of our recruiting phase.

"It's all about gearing up for season two."

Maybe its not just players they will be scouting on their trip.Also i would guess Terry has let it be known that a similar season next year will not be tolerated hence making sure the responsibility for results rest in only one place.

.



GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
bopman wrote:
nightz wrote:
 
To me it looks like the coaching changes have been made to free up money from the Salary Cap so that they can sign more quality players.
 
Anyone else think this could be the case?
this may be a dumb question but do coaches come under the cap?
 
Yes

A dog with a bone :)

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I'm sure in the fullness of time we'll see the direction the owners of the club want to take. An old but valid cliche. I think they're aiming high and realistic. Shame about Stu but I am sure he'll bounce back and be successful with who ever he coaches.
 
Perhaps this paves the way for Jose Mourinhio to come in??
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Lonegunmen wrote:
I'm sure in the fullness of time we'll see the direction the owners of the club want to take. An old but valid cliche. I think they're aiming high and realistic. Shame about Stu but I am sure he'll bounce back and be successful with who ever he coaches.
 
Perhaps this paves the way for Jose Mourinhio to come in??
Na salary cap is to low.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I don't believe coaching staff come under the cap.  News?

Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
nightz wrote:
bopman wrote:
nightz wrote:
 
To me it looks like the coaching changes have been made to free up money from the Salary Cap so that they can sign more quality players.
 
Anyone else think this could be the case?
this may be a dumb question but do coaches come under the cap?
 
Yes
 
i find that hard to believe. especially from you

Founder

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Coaching and backroom staff do not come under the cap. Hard News2008-01-28 21:44:43

How's my driving? - Whine here

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Where did you get the info on the coaches HN. I was going on my memory (dulled by alcohol) of the rules when the league was launched 4 years ago.

A dog with a bone :)

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Pignata told The Dominion Post last night that Jacobs' axing had nothing to do with his performance during the first season and that it was more about what shape they wanted the coaching structure to take.

"It was about moving away from having two assistant coaches, which Ricki felt he didn't need if he was going to be more hands-on," Pignata said.

"It was a difficult decision, because everyone contributed a lot to this season, but for us going forward it's about results and we feel we have to beef up certain areas in the football department - just as we do with players - and that's what we're doing."

 
See my comments above. Stu was not sacked and the headline today was out of order and very disappointing.
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
is ricki quiting all whites?
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
nightz wrote:

Where did you get the info on the coaches HN. I was going on my memory (dulled by alcohol) of the rules when the league was launched 4 years ago.

 
I think Littbarski would have blown the full cap

Founder

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
is Ross gonna coach?(just to start up a bit of a stir)

Founder

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Feverish wrote:
nightz wrote:

Where did you get the info on the coaches HN. I was going on my memory (dulled by alcohol) of the rules when the league was launched 4 years ago.

 
I think Littbarski would have blown the full cap


Exhibit A.

I have sources nightz.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Provided it was Ricki's decision to axe Stu and provided Ricki has sole discretion over his replacement I have no problem with this move.

If Ricki beleives he can produce better results with a change of assistant then you have to let him do it.

Not sure what it does for Stu's relationship with Ricki at All White level. It seems difficult to axe him in one role but tell him he still has plenty to offer at international level.

However, if it was not Ricki's decision then the club is on shifting sands. Whenever administrative staff get involved in Technical decisions the final out come is disaster.
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Greek-Boi wrote:
is ricki quiting all whites?
 
That was my assumption from reading between the lines of Ricki's quote.
 
Remembering from the start of the season that the aim was 'not to win the wooden spoon' and that wasn't achieved, there was probably a lot of hard talking about Ricki's time commitment - what with time off for the AW debacle and time off for surgery (both probably unavoidable).
 
So a greater commitment is expected from Ricki and one way to show that is to remove the assistant coach and the other is to resign from the AW role.
 
Stu Jacobs is just the fall guy.
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
smithy246 wrote:
Fitness dude: out.
 
 
Paul Emanuel is leaving for personal reasons

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

What the sacking of Jacobs shows is there is going to be a hard nose approach with the running of the Phoenix.

Terry is a tough businessman...you don't have the success that he has had by being sentimental and accepting second best. He will be spitting about coming last. He is NOT a coming last sort of guy. He is strong on getting the right people to do the job.
 
We came last....right, first thing lets sort out the coaching staff and back room support crew. Next they will move on the players. You can gaurantee that non performing Phoenix players will be sacked too. I applaud this hard nose approach. Too many kiwis accept that being nice is important .... I would rather win!!!!!! 
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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Wasn't one of the reasons for the two Assistants, that Ricki had his AW commitments and they needed extra to cope with his absences?

Now that the A-League is going to comply with International windows, that is no longer needed?

Possibly more of a realigning to the environment for the next year, dont know enough about the relative strengths of Stu and Wayne, but Terry may see a better use of resources than currently available.

I would also expect that Ricki had a big say in who was to go and who the likely replacement is.

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about 18 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Tony P wrote:

Pignata told The Dominion Post last night that Jacobs' axing had nothing to do with his performance during the first season and that it was more about what shape they wanted the coaching structure to take.

"It was about moving away from having two assistant coaches, which Ricki felt he didn't need if he was going to be more hands-on," Pignata said.

"It was a difficult decision, because everyone contributed a lot to this season, but for us going forward it's about results and we feel we have to beef up certain areas in the football department - just as we do with players - and that's what we're doing."

 
See my comments above. Stu was not sacked and the headline today was out of order and very disappointing.
 
Stu was not sacked. Interesting. Reorganising the set up behind the scenes. A fair call after the debut season especially if the club wish to move forward. Tony, I have 7 weeks A/L up my sleeve and a valid passport if you need a baggage boy on your trip!
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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