Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2013/14

I would go as far as rating Lochhead higher than Neill in general. Neill was great 6-8 years ago, but has poor vision and makes mistakes (that is apart from not having any form to speak of now, and being a CB rather than a FB). In the later stages of his career he was dispossessed too often. And while a nice guy, he has a sense of entitlement and does not understand he is well past his best.

Lochhead may have limited skills, but does them competently within the limited plan of "direct" football. He may be a good stopgap fill, but not sure if Ernie would not prefer someone more suited to his passing-style game. Which Neill is not, by the way.

I didn't realise that other A-League squads could have 26 players while the Phoenix can only have 23, doesn't seem fair.

I feel like we should have an additional 3 spots for only under-21 players then. That the classificaton of NYL players anything to do with it is just silly. They are youth players, why not call them that.

Unless there is some other reason for this? Can NYL players be signed by anyone and are the extra NYL contracts a protection against this?

So, realistically speaking, if we do sign anyone up in January, what are the odds of them NOT coming from the ASB Prem?
And if they do come from ASB, are we looking at anyone in particular? I assume some ACFC lads may be keen to step up? 

Woah woah woah, let me stop you right there mate, this is not the place for speaking realistically. Easy mistake to make, so we'll forgive you this time.

:)

What position(s) are you looking to fill?

Just to throw a new name out there: Freddy Adu.

Kid had a big future and crumbled. Released by Bahia in Brazil and a free agent since November. AM/Wing/Striker.

Crazy how young he still is.

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/take2/2013/11/12/its-not-fair-to-call-freddy-adu-a-soccer-failure/

We can also sign players from both nz and Australia as locals. 

What about giving Ian Hogg another go - could flourish under a decent coach and wouldn't take up an import slot?

Krishna?

If Freddy Adu was to take a step back and re-establish himself, he would go back to his home (America) and get a contract with pretty much any MLS team. Won't consider the A-league.

That ACFC Cristaldo guy interests me. Made a handful of La Liga appearances and was a consistent starter in the second/third Spanish divisions. Ramon is really good at attracting these types of players.

In fact, I still reckon he should be considered for coaching the AWs as a part-time gig, while keeping his Auckland City hat on.

Does the 'Haremai' allude to anything?

If so, then it would mean someone with maori connections, not Fijian.

I remember there was a lot of talk in Italy about Adu 6-7 years ago as he was one of the youngest players ever to sign a pro contract. I actually saw him play on tv a few times and thought he looked OK.

I would definitely give him a go - especially as an injury replacement, but I highly doubt any of the Nix are aware/thinking about him - and the latest press teaser alludes to a domestic player being signed.

Here are my guesses:

- Justin Gulley

- ACFC player

- Hamish Watson 

Hope it's David Mulligan!!!

I'm with Justin Gulley as well

Does Gulley have Maori heritage?

I'm gonna take a punt and say that Haremai has nothing to do with Haere Mai at all.

I think that Ernie has showed he's not really that loyal to TW and the FSE and will go for the ASBP cream instead. The question is what position/vacancy is of the highest priority to fill?