For starters we've been given the distinct impression we're pushing the cap already so I'm not sure there are dollars remebering any pay out of the remainder of a contract still applies to the cap.
Hogg took us to 20 excluding Pantelis. SInce then we've signed Cernak and Gamiero.
There was a rumour bouncing around of another signing befoire the Culina dust up - no names - but I have heard no more rumours on that, although would assume it would be an injury replacement for Pantelis so can't be someone already in the A-League.
Paston Moss Sigmund Boxall Dura Bertos Hogg Lochhead Cernak Manny Lia Smith Downey Lindsay Huysegems Brockie Sanchez Totori Boyd Fenton Brockie Pantelis Gamiero
It seems you are both suggesting that Pantelis was not included in the squad when we signed Hogg to bring us to 20, but at the same time including him in the squad limiting us to our maximum 23. Which is it? We either had 20 when we signed Hogg (Hogg being #21, Cernak #22 and Gameiro #23) and all media reports are wrong (could well be) or Hogg could be an injury replacement player for Pantelis which would make him #20 and give us 1 more space in the squad.
In regards to cap space, I know that any payouts would be counted in the cap so if our squad is full (max 23) and Downey was on $75k/yr and his contract is 'til Apr we pay out the remaining $ since we are not looking at keeping him (maybe around $15-20k we have to spend anyway) and IF we have cap space left over (and we want Culina) we offer what is left. Not sure how much the minimum would be, is it the minimum yearly salary of ~$50k for the remaining 7 games or can offer the equivalent of that yearly salary but only for the remainder of the season ~$4k/month 'til the end of the season (maybe 2 more months so only $8k?) Hypothetically speaking he wants min wage, but I assume, unless he breached a term in his contract, Sydney paid him out so he is sweet and any $ from us is a bonus - plus he gets to try and prove he is not crook beyond playing for prospective clubs next season.