Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2012/13

 Siggy will have to master the Vicelich 50 yard welly from the edge of the penalty area to Hoggy way out on the left.

 Hogg signs!! Good news for him, the club and the country.

Welcome back Cleberson.

Oh wait, Hogg? Meh.

I can see why the did not bother with a Press Conference...... "Yawning Emoticon" 

Reeks of a "makes up the numbers signing"

 Aussie clubs give their local lads a crack. Good to see a kiwi side giving quality young players a go here!!

Good signing Ricki. Always going to be people who see it differently of course.

 just a weak signing, nothing more than another bench warmer - this is a "just in case" signing

not sure what else people were expecting tbh

Apparently only short term 3 month contract...  almost a sink or swim trial. 

Not every player signing is a star. He gives us options, will give lochead a much needed push and may even turn out better. What is there to complain about? 

Great signing for the Phoenix  - Shame for Auckland as I thought we might be getting him back.

Now Ricki - DO NOT RUIN HIM or waste him on the bench.

Good signing but to those underwhelmed, what did you expect? 

Have you suddenly forgotten we have 5 imports? 

Have you suddenly forgotten that they are not going to make a marquee signing? 

Have you suddenly forgotten that is was well signposted it was a young player being given a chance to impress?

Jesus Christ on a fucking bicycle. Some people...

If I was Lochhead, I would start looking over my shoulder. Granted he is not getting tossed out just yet but if anything, it does signal (and the comments in the paper about getting 3 odd games) that he needs to lift himself and that the management are not overly impressed with him at the moment (or why sign another player to his spot?)

Some people probably dont spend all day on here. Chill

         Siggy  Dura  Lochhead

Bertos/Fenton   Lia   Smith    Hogg

                Sanchez

       Brockie        Boyd/Huysegems/Totori/Fenton

As long as he is into total football he'll be fine

I'm in a rain forest - I'll lift my game. Honest boss...

Rest my case

Great to see Hogg is signed. Pity Clapham wasn't added but gee, Boxall, Fenton, Boyd, Brockie and now Hogg makes a huge change from a revolving door for Aussie journeymen. The credit must go to Welnix behind the scenes rather than Ricki suddenly wanting to develop local talent. Otherwise why has this suddenly happened this season? 

Now, the big issue is whether Ricki will give Hogg enough game time to prove himself? I have no doubt Hogg will excell as a wing back in the A League but he needs proper game time. That may even mean asking Lochhead to park his zimmer frame on the bench, gasp, shock. I still don't trust Ricki's ability to know what he's got so I fear Hogg will be given five minutes at center forward then ignored.

Trouble is Ricki would give him eight minutes as a centre back and then wonder why he cost so much?

Cant be bothered strolling back, but i can not see us going back to a 3 man back line after it failes so miserably last time.

However, if he did and was implemented right I think it would suit our balance a little more and help the midfield where I always feel we tend to get over run at the moment.

If Hogg takes Lochy's place he'll get picked up by another A League team, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

No pressure Hoggy.

Good solid signing, Lochead is well past his use by, and making some real bad decisions on the park, just need Moss back and the season could still offer a glimmer.

I do commend welnix for making this team kiwi-ised and youthful kiwis at that.. However that being said. This league is not established enough to look at long term goals based on developing youth. The players who stay within the squad 4-5 years are those winding down their careers. Any young talent will either jump round from club to club inside the a-league or if they do outdo themselves will go to Europe or elsewhere. It's a nice theory building an a-league club for long term success but in reality this league is based on season by season results . I would love to be proved wrong but trying to get the youth to be the future of this club just ain't gonna happen.. Not in next 10-15 years anyway. 

"Cant make the top 6 out of a Hoggs ear"...but welcome and hope he ousts Lochy.  Still not sure about rebuilding with Kiwis...mixing agenda's here.

Although the club somewhat shun the idea of a marquee player I really think we should look into it.
Benefits crowd numbers and the football.
Look at Heskey at Newcastle, Delly P at Sydney and Ono at WSW. All have done decent jobs and drawn in the crowds.
2 problems that we have at the club. Crowds and general Footy.

Owen is genuinely interested in coming to the A-League, Perth were approached by his agent.
"In terms of Michael, there was contact from an agent if we were interested, it was discussed at a good level, but I have made the decision he is the not the player needed at Perth Glory."
Should we not have a crack at it?
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/no-glory-for-owen/57547

Owen would generate lots of media....and quite a few "lets go and look at Owen" punters, for the first few weeks at least. But there is no club interest in marques. Plus we would struggle to get him the ball where he wo

We can't sign him, we have no import slots available. Only option would be to do an injury replacement for Ifill, but that would mean giving Owen a two week contract.