Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2013/14

You can see why Ernie likes the look of Fenton as a RB. He has already flagged that he wants his RB/LB to act as semi wingers. They will be an important part of his attack. Fenton has all the attributes....he has good pace and footwork, has a good work rate and positive attitude. Time will see if he can be converted but he could turn out to be a good RB.

Watching the Confederation Cup you could see many teams using their LB/RB's in this way. Brazil in particular always seem to have Alves and Marcelo high up the pitch. The key for the Nix will be the quality of the DM's. if you are playing your wide defensive guys high up you can't afford to turn the ball over or you will be caught out on the counter attack. You need people there who can retain possession under pressure and can regularly and accurately pass to the front and wide guys.

Defensively you need your DM's switched on as well. Brazil would always use one of their DM's to move wide and fill in the gap when Alves or Marcello went forward...the other DM would stay deep and screen centrally in front of the CD's. Looking at our current DM's I don't think Lia has the skillset to play this role effectively. He has is good days but when he is under pressure he tends to spray his passes. Manny has been good there but needs to up his game from last year.

Ernie has already flagged the need for another midfielder.....he's on to it. This will absolutely be the seasons key signing. Get the right player and we will tear it up this year. As for the defense....who cares.....we will win all our games 4-3.....Arf!!!

Good post and I agree. My concern with your comparison is that FBs you speak of are already defenders who get forward so there is a natural defensive instinct. Yes Fenton can get forward but he is not a natural defender as far as I can see. If he was, I guess it would be easier to relax. It also relies on Manny and the other person to be 'on' so if we get last years Manny, we're fucked.

I think in that respect there needs to be a careful emphasis that getting forward is good as part of the game plan, but to also be mindful of his defensive positioning, awareness and workrate. That's the thing that should be focused on preseason because we know he can get forward.

Wish we could pick up a Paartalu. I think he was overrated at Brisbane, and a bit of a cock, but still double the player either Manny or Lia is in that DM position.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/8973081/Oui-oui-Kiwi-teen-Tuiloma-signs-for-Marseille

Come on TV, you can say it.....

Probably try to say it in French.

It is a first team contract right? 

Tell us a story....

This will be good.......

To be honest, at 22, he'd have to be a bloody decent player to walk into the Nix anyway. Playing in Dunedin would suggest otherwise. 

He's got a decent throw. 40 yards on the fly easy.

We have 1 more import slot correct? Do you use it for DMF or LB?

I imagine a top class DMF and a Hogg/Rowe/Lochead calibre LB is better than a top class LB and a Vinny Lia in DMF.

In fairness to Lia whenever he plays that midfield role he always switches the ball, something Manny doesn't seem to do often.

Need more transfer talk in here, less thinly veiled flirting between TV and everyone else

Is Matthew Ridenton trialling yet? Along with Rufer, he's the best player in his age group. Should be being looked at

holey moley Cunningham got confirmed!

Well- no brainer Costa Rica national player is going to be better than Benji or Smith. And probably better than Dani Sanchez. 

Ifill, Hernandez, Cunningham, Stein, Brockie, Bertos

MEAN, MEAN!

as long as they don't lose the ball...

but beginning to believe in the Ernstar

Geez and I forgot Boyd and Fenton...let's be fair they shouldn't have been expecting to start last year and the fact that Louis did means we were light on recruitment. To give Ricki props if Kosta and Marco hadn't had to fight for a place they might not have improved the way they did...

Time for the pod to investigate?

Blew 2.0 sounded close to it Luis.

Blew - you reading this?

Ernie was at a capital football evening tonight and answered a few questions so I'll throw it out there to fuel speculation...

He said Clayton Lewis was best player on park yesterday. 

FSE will now be a younger group. 

2 offers out at moment sounds like young kiwi and young aussie. 

On separate note but could be linked he thinks he's got his left back (made me wonder Tuiloma but maybe not)

Mentioned young fella (16) Joe(?) from down south is doing well. 

Fenton could be right back in future and very encouraging but unlikely to be starting right back this year. 

Reiterated his stance on crucial experienced spine with youth on wings.

Probably only a squad of 21 to start season. 

He will be heavily involved with FSE himself (and therefore TW)

Said end of first 8 week training block this week. Players get week off then back into it to build for season. 

Also, more focus on sports science, training etc. 

Very interesting, enjoyed hearing some of his philosophies and stressed importance of connection with community and impact it had on members and attendance in Melbourne (Domey and marketing manager Kyla were also there.) Encouraging stuff

Will probably be Caira. He spoke pretty highly about him, worries me a touch as others spoke so poorly of him.