Well either position has to be a foreigner, I don't know a striker in NZ or Australia he could possibly spend a lot of money on?
Our near golden boot winner isn't a striker?
sounds like striker ;)
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
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Probably sees Brockie as more of a wide player - Stein is the only real out and out striker in that list.
The wide forward position typically doesn't exist under what Merrick played at Victory.
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This interview is interesting. Reading between the lines he seems keen to have some young New Zealanders involved as squad players, so lets hope some stand out at the U20 world cup. Also his reference to some A-League players struggling for game time at one club then coming to the Victory and excelling. Will be interesting to see what scraps he thinks are hidden gems in the A-League.
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This interview is interesting. Reading between the lines he seems keen to have some young New Zealanders involved as squad players, so lets hope some stand out at the U20 world cup. Also his reference to some A-League players struggling for game time at one club then coming to the Victory and excelling. Will be interesting to see what scraps he thinks are hidden gems in the A-League.
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He said Kemp, then said Kruse was basically not wanted by anyone.
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He said Kemp, then said Kruse was basically not wanted by anyone.
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Not sure why Merrick is so keen on a striker - we could possibly have some expensive players not even making the bench, hypothetically (going on last few games of last season):
Bertos------Hernandez------Ifill
--------------New Striker
Bench or not in match day squad: Brockie, Husygems, Fenton, Boyd, Totori
Would prefer that we use the biggest net possible, our last foreign spot, to snare an amazing midfielder.
In saying that, this guy has just been released but not sure if he is any good: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_McGrath
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Got the nagging feeling that Ernie may play 3 at the back. That may mean Leo plays as a wing back and we can have 2 up front.
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Got the nagging feeling that Ernie may play 3 at the back. That may mean Leo plays as a wing back and we can have 2 up front.
Where does that leave Ifill? He is not going to be played as wing back on the other flank from Leo, will he be one of 2 up front or will we have a central midfield of Ifill, Hernandez and one other; or do we play a 343 with Ifill as one of the 3 forwards but that then leaves Hernandez as one of the CMs :S ; or just no Ifill?
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Got the nagging feeling that Ernie may play 3 at the back. That may mean Leo plays as a wing back and we can have 2 up front.
Where does that leave Ifill? He is not going to be played as wing back on the other flank from Leo, will he be one of 2 up front or will we have a central midfield of Ifill, Hernandez and one other; or do we play a 343 with Ifill as one of the 3 forwards but that then leaves Hernandez as one of the CMs :S ; or just no Ifill?
Moss
Siggy Dura Boxall
Bertos Lia Manny Rowe
Carlos
Ifill Brockie
Swap Lia out for a new import midfielder and I assume Rowe wins Left Back Idol. Hard to leave Waffles out but we probably need 2 CM's behind Carlos.
But as I said, it is just a nagging feeling rather than anything proven.
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Got the nagging feeling that Ernie may play 3 at the back. That may mean Leo plays as a wing back and we can have 2 up front.
Where does that leave Ifill? He is not going to be played as wing back on the other flank from Leo, will he be one of 2 up front or will we have a central midfield of Ifill, Hernandez and one other; or do we play a 343 with Ifill as one of the 3 forwards but that then leaves Hernandez as one of the CMs :S ; or just no Ifill?
Moss
Siggy Dura Boxall
Bertos Lia Manny Rowe
Carlos
Ifill Brockie
Swap Lia out for a new import midfielder and I assume Rowe wins Left Back Idol. Hard to leave Waffles out but we probably need 2 CM's behind Carlos.
But as I said, it is just a nagging feeling rather than anything proven.
Yeah, that is how I would have it we do play with a back 3. However talk of a new striker either means one of Brockie or Ifill on the bench, along with our other attacking options, or the new striker to take a spot on the bench - then what is the point.
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Got the nagging feeling that Ernie may play 3 at the back. That may mean Leo plays as a wing back and we can have 2 up front.
Where does that leave Ifill? He is not going to be played as wing back on the other flank from Leo, will he be one of 2 up front or will we have a central midfield of Ifill, Hernandez and one other; or do we play a 343 with Ifill as one of the 3 forwards but that then leaves Hernandez as one of the CMs :S ; or just no Ifill?
Moss
Siggy Dura Boxall
Bertos Lia Manny Rowe
Carlos
Ifill Brockie
Swap Lia out for a new import midfielder and I assume Rowe wins Left Back Idol. Hard to leave Waffles out but we probably need 2 CM's behind Carlos.
But as I said, it is just a nagging feeling rather than anything proven.
Yeah, that is how I would have it we do play with a back 3. However talk of a new striker either means one of Brockie or Ifill on the bench, along with our other attacking options, or the new striker to take a spot on the bench - then what is the point.
Not saying I would do it, but Or Brockie moves to Wing back like he has played for the All Whites
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Ifill has to be one of the 2 up front, I think. Honestly, I prefer Iffy out wide but I think the older he gets, the more he probably suits it up top.
Merrick has already spoken about the 'back 4' , though, so he might want to get a solid foundation before messing with around with a back 3.
a.haak
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he has also spoken of having a front 4 with total attacking freedom.
Also has said he wants all his attackers to be scoring goals (hinted that was the wider men as well)
On top of that he said he wants his fullbacks being an attackive outlet.
For me this means we will get most of our width from the fullbacks, and the front 4 will all play a little more inside the line and tucked in.
Sort of how he played the narrow game with victree.
Im expecting a 4231/ 433
Moss
Sigmund Durante
Muscat Lia Lindsay Rowe
Hernandez
Ifill Brockie Stein
I also think he has said he sees Huysegems as a player colser to Ifill
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The role of Hysegems this year will be interesting as I don't feel we really got the best of him last year with all the long balls played to him when clearly he's not a target man.
He has played alot as a wide winger so its possible he 'll ge pushed out wide left, but how high up will be interesting. His close control and touch is a step above the majority of the squad... only thing he really lacks is that little bit of pace.
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from the latest releases from premier league or championship clubs, any thing worth us trying to pick up? as long as it not gallas.
I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological.
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The role of Hysegems this year will be interesting as I don't feel we really got the best of him last year with all the long balls played to him when clearly he's not a target man.
He has played alot as a wide winger so its possible he 'll ge pushed out wide left, but how high up will be interesting. His close control and touch is a step above the majority of the squad... only thing he really lacks is that little bit of pace.
I think Stein will play well as the kind of wing forward who can come in and score and play around the sideline, slot a pass. Seems like a good place for him. Don't think he's slow but not quick.
Brockie could probably fill wing/striker role too, although he will need regulars kicks up the backside to keep his work rate up. I certainly don't think Ifil is up for a wing so I'd put him in centre.
Then does Hernandez play as a deep striker/CAM or does Fenton or Boyd or new striker step up to the other striker position with Ifil
"Yellow Fever are fantastic – I have to say that"
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he has also spoken of having a front 4 with total attacking freedom.
Also has said he wants all his attackers to be scoring goals (hinted that was the wider men as well)
On top of that he said he wants his fullbacks being an attackive outlet.
For me this means we will get most of our width from the fullbacks, and the front 4 will all play a little more inside the line and tucked in.
Sort of how he played the narrow game with victree.
Im expecting a 4231/ 433
Moss
Sigmund Durante
Muscat Lia Lindsay Rowe
Hernandez
Ifill Brockie Stein
I also think he has said he sees Huysegems as a player colser to Ifill
A back two?
Still think we can do much better than this, especially in the midfield. I don't expect to see Lia or Lindsay near the starting XI. I'd have Brockie where Ifill is, put Ifill on the bench and have a new striker leading the line.
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he has also spoken of having a front 4 with total attacking freedom.
Also has said he wants all his attackers to be scoring goals (hinted that was the wider men as well)
On top of that he said he wants his fullbacks being an attackive outlet.
For me this means we will get most of our width from the fullbacks, and the front 4 will all play a little more inside the line and tucked in.
Sort of how he played the narrow game with victree.
Im expecting a 4231/ 433
Moss
Sigmund Durante
Muscat Lia Lindsay Rowe
Hernandez
Ifill Brockie Stein
I also think he has said he sees Huysegems as a player colser to Ifill
A back two?
Still think we can do much better than this, especially in the midfield. I don't expect to see Lia or Lindsay near the starting XI. I'd have Brockie where Ifill is, put Ifill on the bench and have a new striker leading the line.
and Stein/Ifill sharing game time alternating 60/30s
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A back two?
Still think we can do much better than this, especially in the midfield. I don't expect to see Lia or Lindsay near the starting XI. I'd have Brockie where Ifill is, put Ifill on the bench and have a new striker leading the line.
Lol that was a formation based on or current personnel.
Was a back 4 that just showed the role it sounds Merrick wants our fullbacks to play.
I think we may see him do close to what you say - have Manny + new player in midfield, sign a right back, and add another striker up top.
If its not a 4231/433 then I will be surprised
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^ that seems fairly logical.
Also quite like the quality/balance of our squad if he signs three - MF/FB/ST - means the likes of Boyd, Fenton etc will be fighting eachother for bench spots which is great for our depth.
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If its not a 4231/433 then I will be surprised
What makes you so certain about this? Imo based on what he has said so far and how victory used to play the most likely formation will involve 2 strikers and a central attacking mid so either a 4312 or a 41212. Much narrower.
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If its not a 4231/433 then I will be surprised
What makes you so certain about this? Imo based on what he has said so far and how victory used to play the most likely formation will involve 2 strikers and a central attacking mid so either a 4312 or a 41212. Much narrower.
Mainly he has said plaenty of times he wants his front 4 players to have creative freedom. Hernandez is obviously one of those.
So the other 3 would either play in front of him or next to him.
So the other 3 would either play in front of him or next to him.
Unless we play 2 attacking mids and two strikers then that doesnt fit with his "four attackers"
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Ifill has to be one of the 2 up front, I think. Honestly, I prefer Iffy out wide but I think the older he gets, the more he probably suits it up top.
Merrick has already spoken about the 'back 4' , though, so he might want to get a solid foundation before messing with around with a back 3.
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Well you can bet your backside for sure, one of the imports will be a DM. The other.....
I actually feel infinitely better knowing Totori is gone and a lot of driftwood has been carved off. Next is Lindsay.
Lia looks to be the scapegoat for this year.
Grumpy old bastard alert
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Well you can bet your backside for sure, one of the imports will be a DM. The other.....
I actually feel infinitely better knowing Totori is gone and a lot of driftwood has been carved off. Next is Lindsay.
Lia looks to be the scapegoat for this year.
Lia will definitely firm as the number one scapegoat but with a bit of Crystal ball gazing I can sense Ifill moving up the Scapegoat ranks this year
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Yup. Too old, too slow, not in shape, never passes. I can see it all now. (Hi Paul: as you do read this place, that's what I think others will say, not what I am saying)
Grumpy old bastard alert
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Lia won't be scapegoat as he won't get near the pitch. I'm voting the Sea Monster (sadly)!
E + R + O
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Yup. Too old, too slow, not in shape, never passes. I can see it all now. (Hi Paul: as you do read this place, that's what I think others will say, not what I am saying)
ha ha....goes for me too Sir Paul..!!
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I think Iffy will actually do well under Merrick - hopefully he puts in a good pre-season shift this year and gets as fit as possible.
Am a little worried about having Iffy and Carlos on the pitch at the same time - they both like a bit of a free role and while Ifill tries his best to track back, that isn't his strong point.
a.haak
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If its not a 4231/433 then I will be surprised
What makes you so certain about this? Imo based on what he has said so far and how victory used to play the most likely formation will involve 2 strikers and a central attacking mid so either a 4312 or a 41212. Much narrower.
Mainly he has said plaenty of times he wants his front 4 players to have creative freedom. Hernandez is obviously one of those.
So the other 3 would either play in front of him or next to him.
Unless we play 2 attacking mids and two strikers then that doesnt fit with his "four attackers"
One very fast import striker playing more central
Hernandez sitting behind
Brockie wide on one side, Ifill and Stein fighting out a share of time on the other. And being older guys expected to play full on for the game time they get.
That would be my starting front four creative players, based on what he has said so far.
Fenton and Boyd given a bit of a run from the bench.
Behind that the two more defensive and distributing mids, one of whom will definately be a new signing, and a back four.
4-1-3-2 attacking or 4-2-3-1 and playing more on the break
Candidates for scapegoat of the year. Sig, Manny, LB. An underperforming Hernandez; what a waste of money. Or Ifill/Stein; too old too slow. But we may not need a scapegoat.
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What does that say for us as so called supporters if we're trying to name a scapegoat. I actually thought Lia played some of his best games under Greenie last year. He was great in the Dunedin game.
I think Ernie will get the best out of the players and they should all be trying to impress if they want to make the playing eleven. Unlike Ricki, I don't think Ernie will tolerate non performance.
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Its good he has cleared that second import spot. I team with less NZ players winning the league is better for football in this country then a team full of NZ players languishing at the bottom of the table.
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Well you can bet your backside for sure, one of the imports will be a DM. The other.....
I actually feel infinitely better knowing Totori is gone and a lot of driftwood has been carved off. Next is Lindsay.
Lia looks to be the scapegoat for this year.
Lia will definitely firm as the number one scapegoat but with a bit of Crystal ball gazing I can sense Ifill moving up the Scapegoat ranks this year
Ifill shouldn't be asked to carry our team this year. Ideally we should be in a position where he can be an impact player as we have sufficient players of quality not to revert to the tactics of pass it to Ifill and hope. The problem with any tactics Merrick tries to implement, same as Ricki had is if the players simply aren't able to cope with the game plan he wants to play.
Lia may suprise. Once again, like Lochhead he's a pro who is capable of doing a job. I don't recall too much blame going his way in the last year, except for that handball!!
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What does that say for us as so called supporters if we're trying to name a scapegoat. I actually thought Lia played some of his best games under Greenie last year. He was great in the Dunedin game.
I think Ernie will get the best out of the players and they should all be trying to impress if they want to make the playing eleven. Unlike Ricki, I don't think Ernie will tolerate non performance.
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