I agree - we may not have to pay him a massive amount - although I'd expect he'd be on more than most nix players - but make him the marquee - and have him outside the cap - ifill becomes a kiwi next season so no pressure on import spots and then we have a striker who consistantly scores goals. And surely Wellington has to be better than Albania or wherever he was playing before the Roar.
Queenslander 3x a year.
If we sign Clapham then we may as well give the A League away. The bar has to be raised with signings. Hopefully the way we're playing now will convince our top choice target(s) to come to Wellington. Hicks was only signed after some-one in Oz said No.
That's for sure. How many of our current players would get a start in a top A league side? To be competitive we must improve the ratio and as you said, raise the bar.
Clapham's getting bagged a lot by most of you guys which is disappointing because the way we will ever know for sure if he will have an impact at A-league level is if he's signed and gets on the pitch. Often times it takes new players a while to get up to speed in a pro environment before they flourish, and there's several examples of that in the 'nix. So on the basis that he could make a significant impact further down the track, I'd sign Clapham for 2 years.
so it's our fault he's not made an impression on two coaches thus far? he has his chance to prove himself on the training pitch - it seems his attitude isn't that great and if he was going to impress anyone it would have been Ernie who has been very proactive in getting kiwi youth into the squad.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Nine times out of 10 I'd go for a locally based youth player too, and Clapham's not so young anymore granted. We gave Benji a shot so why not Clapham? He keeps getting good reviews in the ASB Premiership. It could pay off. We're a development side this year, not a championship winning team so lets try out a few more things rather than being too conservative which is how it was under Ricki.
Besart's an interesting character too that would give us colour as well as goals.
Nine times out of 10 I'd go for a locally based youth player too, and Clapham's not so young anymore granted. We gave Benji a shot so why not? He keeps getting good reviews in the ASB Premiership. It could pay off. We're a development side this year, not a championship winning team so lets try out a few more things rather than being too conservative which is how it was under Ricki.
Besart's an interesting character too that would give us colour as well as goals.
Signing Clapham is being conservative.
Saying we are a development side this year appears to me to be making excuses for below par squad.
Is Clapham good enough to make another A league side?
If not why should we bother unless mediocrity is the target and bottom is the new top.
Nine times out of 10 I'd go for a locally based youth player too, and Clapham's not so young anymore granted. We gave Benji a shot so why not Clapham?
If you're not starting eleven material for our A league championship push, then you won't be signed now. Clapham doesn't qualify on that basis, and also doesn't qualify for developmental, as he's too old. End of story. Ernie will only sign players who are better than our existing starting eleven. (emergency injury cover excepted)
We have our emerging younger talent already on the books, of which Ridenton and Rufer are the two most likely to emerge at some stage when they are ready.
Massive lol at milkweedman's argument that we should sign Clapham because we gave Totori a shot. Wow.
Are we there yet? Who have we got?
Sort of like another Christmas knowing we are going to get another goal-scoring-box-to-box-read-the-game-defend-on-the-wings player (preferably local).
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Can we put this to bed now ?? Pleeease
"There is no interest in All Whites and Canterbury United midfielder Aaron Clapham, who is "not the type of player" Merrick is looking for."
More interested in young NZ player we are hoping to get released from club for month lomg trial.
Payne? Howieson?
More interested in young NZ player we are hoping to get released from club for month lomg trial.
Payne? Howieson?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9558492/Phoenix-veterans-tipped-to-renew-their-contracts
the last paragraph here
That whole article indicates that this team is the team that will roll out next season. Hmmmm
Grumpy old bastard alert
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9558492/Phoenix-veterans-tipped-to-renew-their-contracts
the last paragraph here
What was that kids from Dunedin that was a defender.. Joel Stevens? Something like that?
Grumpy old bastard alert
What was that kids from Dunedin that was a defender.. Joel Stevens? Something like that?
Oh and re: Riera, if it was me I'd be looking to sign him on a extend his contract already regardless of the fact that he's an import. Our imports should be going to dependable 1st team starters, which he is showing that he is, and I think he will continue to develop further. We'd all love a marquee import box to box midfielder who bags 10 goals a season, but I think its safe to say that we're going to be very lucky to get that.
Corey Brown from the U17s might be an option.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9558492/Phoenix-veterans-tipped-to-renew-their-contracts
There is no interest in All Whites and Canterbury United midfielder Aaron Clapham, who is "not the type of player" Merrick is looking for.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
Yeah Stevens is a striker. All the potential good fullbacks in the ASBP (Scott, Hogg, Pritchett etc) are too old so it'd have to be one of the younger, less talented ones to come in on trial. Brown is an option, but it'll interesting whether Wanderers would be too keen to release him for a trial in which it's highly likely nothing comes of it.
All the ACFC guys are completely adamant that David Browne is not classified as an import so why not him?
Grumpy old bastard alert
I thought there was a consensus that he'd be looking for a wingback/fullback? That's what I've heard at least.
That whole article indicates that this team is the team that will roll out next season. Hmmmm
A player from ASBP to replace Iffy? Emi Tade short term?
Fuck this stupid game
A player from ASBP to replace Iffy? Emi Tade short term?
A player from ASBP to replace Iffy? Emi Tade short term?
People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people.
I'm throwing his name in because he plays a very similar role for ACFC to what Iffy does for us. If Ernie isn't getting any bites and has to look in the back yard for short term cover it would have to be someone like him or Krishna
Fuck this stupid game
Well he's not off contract is he?
Re: Caira replacements. what are the following ex NZ reps up to?
Ian Hogg
Adam Thomas
Anthony Hobbs
Luke Rowe
Hogg - Waitak
Thomas - Fuck knows?
Hobbs - Spose to beTW but injured?
Rowe - England. Not playing
A player from ASBP to replace Iffy? Emi Tade short term?
I certainly think Tade would have at least half a dozen goals under his belt so far the chances the Phoenix are creating. His finished against HBU recently was lethal. I really think he could step up, like Riera, not that I want to lose him from ACFC. He makes great runs, is clever on the ball and has an eye for the goal.
On another note I have to admit I'm impressed with the loyalty shown by the likes of Lia, Muscat, Ifill and Durante. They are now veterans of the Phoenix when I've been guilty in the past of labelling them journeymen only coming to Wellington for a pay packet. I was wrong and readily admit it. They seem to like the team and the city which is to your credit.
How do you rate Krishna vs Tade? I haven't seen Krishna play that much to be honest.
Fuck this stupid game