Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2012/13

Why would we want another youngster? Especially when only short term cover? Looks like mitchinson going to wanderers anyway

The statement was that we are short of attacking players and with those in the squad we are not. The quality wasn't mentioned.

Gareth confirmed at the game tonight that we're not looking for an injury replacement for Ifill.

 Balls. We really need a Smeltz-like goal poacher and Bald Belgian isn't the man for the job. Louis Fenton might be in 2 years but I'm impatient.

 Thanks, Fitzy, for deflating our hopes. It's like you killed christmas.

cough cough

Hogg's on the way apparently, had a fitness test this week.

To sign Hogg sends a couple of loud messages I think.

1: They are obviously not happy with Lochheads form. If they were happy with it, why bring in Hogg? In relation to this:

2: Cam Lindsay can play LB (and I have seen him play this position). Again if they are not happy with Lochhead and Lindsay is not an answer then thats not a glowing endorsement for either. In relation to this:

3: They are/were not happy with Rowe because he is on the academy scheme and as Gareth has said, they want to develop within, even though he is transfer restricted until January (which is when Hogg would come in anyway). Considering Pavs wage (which we assume would be low), the cost of signing Rowe (which we assume would also be low), that would be the natural solution but in light of the above rumour, maybe not.

I think Hogg will bring a lot more pace. I just hope he keeps his head and does not give away those stupid fouls that he has spent the last 18 months eliminating from his game.

I believe that they wont sign Hogg for the sake of it considering Lindsay and Rowe are there. It has to be with a view of replacing Lochhead or else why do it and add another mouth to feed to the payroll? Also anyone got the definite word on when Lochheads contract is up?

We still have the injury replacement spot for Pantelis, unsure if we could tell the FFA that Hogg is a winger tho.

I was hoping Lochy would be dragged last game as he was poo (and I usually defend him). Rowe is a long way off A- League. Getting Hogg aint a bad option.

Haha ^^

Position: outfield. 

Remember some rumours of players transferring to Wgtn  could be related to Tee Dub

 Well yeah, but they shelled out for Clarke. So im wondering why they went all half arsed. If i were signing an injury replacement id make sure 1) i have the intention of playing him, 2) hes quality and 3) hes interested in staying if things worked out, because we'll be needing some new names from next season. Or i just wouldnt bother.

Quite keen to see Hogg at the nix so hope it's true. Definitely sounds realistic. Only seen him play for the all whites but his extra speed compared to Lochead and Rowe appeals to me. Could easily see him starting this year.

I can tell you Ian Hogg will be great for the Phoenix if he does sign. He has both speed and accuracy which Lochhead doesn't have and I think he will flourish in a fully professional environment. I'm so pleased for a great lad if this proves to be true. Hogg was fantastic at ACFC and is greatly missed.

You are now officially the coal face of NZ football. It has been a long time coming but it's good for the game here.

We did always say it would take time to get there, but it probably would happen eventually. Funny how that has panned out. Roles completely reversed. 

I would say an injured player still gets paid while he is under contract. Bringing in an injury replacement is a way of paying over the salary cap. It doesn`t free up money as such

Paying addittional salaries is something Welnix don`t want do

Every player is insured. I'm not sure how comprehensive the cover is but I imagine a fair chunk of their wages is covered. 

I don't see it as a big issue. We have a squad this season full of many good attacking players. We had Smith, Totori, Huysegems on the bench last match. That's a strong bench and doesn't indicate that we are in particular need of an injury replacement. Would be fab if we were to get someone good enough to start and be better than what we have, but that'd be difficult, wouldn't know if they'd fit in anyway, and costly. We have good enough players fit, we just need to perform better.

Edit: That's re: attacking players. Get someone, anyone for Lochhead!

I still don't understand that setup. We pay twice for insurance effectively, but do we get covered twice? Or is there some deal worked out with the FFA where they cover what ACC don't and we only pay a % of what other clubs pay to the FFA insurance? Or am I way off?

I am pretty sure the FFA has nothing to do with it other than stipulate that every player must be insured. It will be done through private insurance companies. I get the feeling our insurance premiums will be low as there is little incentive not to claim through ACC which we would do whenever possible. It would certainly be a complex negotiation to handle.

You're closer than what Terry though the arrangment was...

Yeah, foreign players will still be covered by ACC.