Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2012/13

On current form I'd argue that it wouldn't be an improvement. 

The designated scapegoat isn't as bad as the unwashed masses go on about and - to use a popular phrase - Manny is currently honking.

Got lost with the Badger post earlier, but what about O'Keefe as a bench keeper for next season? I know Basalaj is highly rated, but would sitting on the bench help his development.

O"keefe didn't look out of place at the Olympics, and has had a recent AW call up but don't think he will get a MLS deal.

Speaking of O'Keeffe, just had a look at his team the Fairfield Stags. Kiwis galore.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfield_Stags_men%27s_soccer

I know he was asked a straight up question but I was a little disappointed to hear Ricki criticising Lochhead, especially when you consider how few of the players have performed with any consistency. Generally I don't like hearing coaches singling out players for blame.

Jonny Raj (2011)
Must be a Fair few others that weren't selected for All Star teams as well.
US College system real breeding ground for NZ Football.

 If they had signed Hoggy for 18 months maybe but as it's just a three month deal (like he had in portland) I think it is a lot more open than that.

 I wouldn't be surprised if Hoggs only signed a 3 month deal to allow himself to follow Nelson to Toronto. I think if Hogg plays well early on Ricki will snap him up for another year or two straight away.

Manny can stay. If we're going to play tiki-taka Manny should be capable of playing the destroyer role in a midfield 3. Would be to have direct competition for him though. He's had two fantastic seasons, if we give him less work to do, less to think about, he should return to form.
What about Smith getting Australian citizenship? if that happens I would keep him, other-wise replace with a better import.
When people complain about Smith and Totori not being good enough for import slots, are you remembering that we weren't planning to fill them all this season and they probably don't get paid much?
Would be good to see improvements on any player, but where are they coming from and how much money do we have to spend?

So everyone sounds like they want a "ball playing" attacking midfielder to be signed?

But what about the holding deeper midfielder who is actually the crucial linchpin in a fluid passing system? Or will manny suddenly wake up next season feeling like sergio busquets?

Thats kinda the point I made earlier in another thread that El Grap and I were discussing. 1 person is not going to fix this team... 

Manny will be gone next season IMO. Likely destination will be Heart. Hisnhead obviously isn't in it being away from his newly born.

or export him to china!

I think its a bit premature to say manny is done with...

Manny has been solid for his entire 100 games except his last 12. I put it down to form, formation, a kick in the ass, focussing on kicking things that are actually round, full of air and have a 'FIFA approved' stamp on it, and perhaps a position change to RB (next year) to do the job. He is also only 28 so hitting his prime now (hmmmm)

yeah think manny is still a quality player 

Even quality players have form slumps... look at Broich this year. 

The reason Manny is struggling this season is the same reason why pretty much everyone else is

Spit it out son

3 week break. Hopefully he comes back as the Manny of old.

I did say that players being away from their families can be a factor. Never said it was a dilemma.

Since you have found the reason, Ricki should revert back to route 1 football and everyone will return to form. (oh the irony in that statement as it would probably happen)

What amazes me about this is that people think if we play route 1, we will be better. That involves passing the ball over a longer distance and is inherently less accurate than a short pass. 

I dont get that our players arent able to play the shorter ball...