Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2013/14

Id gladly go a season or 2 of not really prioritising development (ie. youngsters on the bench every week) if it meant winning the league and boosting the clubs profile further. This seasons been a huge kick in the face we can all agree. We need some real success and we need it fast before we sink 

boosting the clubs profile? can't do that beyond australia if we cant enter champions league or have a NYL side

I dunno how the NYL would boost our profile. In the short-med term the best we can do is win the league and at least be in a position to send a fax to FIFA asking how we can qualify for the WCC. Are there any other (professional) clubs in the world that can't?

^^^ exactly (referring to post 161 top of page) It's not like we are ignoring nz talent. The fact remains that we have to compete in the a- league and we can't do that with nothing but developing kiwi players. We need finished product too and more of it than developing players or potential.

What's the point of having an nz team in the a-league if it isn't competitive or economically viable? The Phoenix aren't an nz football development program, they exist to win games. If they don't do that they won't be developing anyone.

I think my point is there has to be a balance. I like what the Phoenix are doing now with all the Kiwi talent they are developing and I hope the likes of Fenton and Boyd become real stars.

On the other hand if the Phoenix aren't winning then fickle fans stay away. It's a debate we're having at ACFC with all the Spanish imports. Do you go for buying in success which then blocks opportunities for local players? I tend to favour developing local players if possible but I also like to watch quality. 

Interesting discussion. But would WSW be attracting their mammoth support without 1. winning lots of games and 2. doing it with imports. No. The Phoenix get one chance now Herbert's gone. Only winning will reignite the Phoenix club, and you always have to ask yourself what would you do if it was your money (as an owner). Kiwi players will get their opportunity regardless if they're good enough. If the objective becomes developing Kiwi talent above anything else, then NZF should be paying for it. I'm personally hoping they appoint an Oz coach with connections to get the right Oz players here. The need to get back to the old fortress thing at the Cake Tin is a given, but this new squad need to lift the bar away from home with mentally hard and tough customers that won't give a damn yard. We won't do that with a Kiwi player development focus. That's why our young guys tend to do so well when they move to oz clubs. The bar is just so much higher.  

I think all these players are coming off contract and wont take up an import slot (midfield and FB):

• Nick Ward
• Fabian Barbiero
• Richard Garcia
• Matt Thompson
• Mitch Nichols
• Billy Celeski
• Nick Kalmar
• James Meyer
• Storm Roux
• Tarek Elrich

Storm roux, kiwi, young and a rb. Be good for him to develop his game alongside his potential all white team mates

Just on the players in regards to performance.

I thought Richard Garcia was really good.

James Meyer could be good.

I don't think we need a player like Richard Garcia. Yes, he was Hearts best player of the season, but we already have Huysegems, Brockie and Boyd that play in the same positions, as well as Ifill and Hernandez that also play up front. I think Garcia would be surplus to requirements, and I also think that there is a high probability that Garcia will be offered another contract by Heart. We really need central (non-attacking) midfielders, and a right back.

Just like what he brought this season.

Also an aging hipster. 

Troy Hearfield is looking for a club I hear...

Ticks a lot of boxes.

How can you not like a player with a name like that?

The Pablo Esco Bar.

Randy Jackson, dawg

Troy was never used in his correct position. I thought we let him go too early as such. Mind you, he's not or wasn't the only player to be used in a position that is/was not the correct one. I liked Try on and off the pitch. Cool guy with a good attitude.

In my opinion, Troy came in as an attacking footballer and showed that he has versatility. What his best position is, who knows. Josh Rose was a striker for the Knights and is a very effective defender for CCM. When he was here, he did a job. I think he chose to move on rather than release/not re-signed but I could be wrong.

Hi lads

Long time reader, first tme poster.

Here are my thoughts.

Off contracted players confirmed to leave are Paston, Pantelis and Downey

Players I dont think we can re-sign, although I'd like to are Cernack and Gamerio

That leaves Sanchez, Smith, Lochead, Bertos, Hogg and Rowe.

I'd like to see us keep Bertos, I think he was one of our better players this season however keep him as a RM NOT an RB.

Sanchez and Smith can go as far as im concerned. I'd like to see us retain Rowe as he shows potential and one of Hogg or Lochead. Unsure as to which one as Lochead did have a bad season by his standards, but a new coach may fix it. Hogg did play better when he had chances.

Hernandez coming in will be awesome.

With Bertos going to RM, we'd need to sign a RB. I havnt seen much of Storm Roux personally, but he wouldnt break the bank or use the international spot, he could be alright. Hard to judge but he seems rated on here. Manny to play a more defensive role, maybe could slot into there.

I'd like us to pick up Clapham, I've never understood why he hasn't signed for us in the past. Plus, imo, He would do better than Smith.

We need a marquee signing with our international spot. Look at other teams, Heskey, Del Piero, Shinji......We are missing that x-factor.It would boost crowds coming in and would generate more revenue, its a basic business stragedy which would also show results on the field. I dont know which marquee players would consider coming over to the A-league

I'd give Spoonley a contract and be back up to Moss.

Leaving then would be: Paston, Pantelis, Downey, Sanchez, Smith, Lochead/Hogg, Cernack and Gamerio

Coming in: Spoonley (on a pro contract), Hernandez, Clapham, Roux, a big name signing and then that would leave few more spots open for any academy players and/or Australian players to fill gaps. Its a bit hard to say who until we know who is definately staying and who is going.

Note, with Jeremy Christie returning, I really, REALLY hope we do not make a play for him. I doubt he would be A-league level considering his injuries since the WC.

Roux plays anywhere along the back four, which makes him even more interesting

Left Right same thing. Do the same job just on different sides.

Pretty much yeah, left and right back are the same, just use different feet.