If Clapham wants a gig, he needs to come and knock on Dome's door (he doesn't answer the phone apparently) and ask for a trial. He needs to be proactive, if he wants to try and make a go of it.
This. He expects something to turn up on his doorstep. Playing 14 games a season isn't enough. If he was serious about his football he'd head to the VPL and prove himself there.
Also in terms of Musa, I think Ernie has also said he would want a CB who can play as a fullback / fullback as a cb. So I think if he wants another CB as he has said, he'd be looking for a young guy who can also play RB.
But those quotes dont rule out Musa I guess
If Clapham wants a gig, he needs to come and knock on Dome's door (he doesn't answer the phone apparently) and ask for a trial. He needs to be proactive, if he wants to try and make a go of it.
This. He expects something to turn up on his doorstep. Playing 14 games a season isn't enough. If he was serious about his football he'd head to the VPL and prove himself there.
Not sure if you are aware, bu he is heading over to Sydney to play for APIA Leichhart
What do you mean "Has Clapham ever delivered when it really mattered"? Has he really been given a genuine chance on a stage greater than the ASB Premiership to show what he can offer? Most of his appearances for the All Whites have been when Herbert has thrown him on with something like 10 minutes left in a game. I wouldn't consider Tuesday's game a real opportunity either. How do you expect a player who hasn't played for his team since March to come back from holiday and perform to the best of his ability?
Would he be better than Manny or Lia? Well, no, but he's not a defensive midfielder is he? Personally, I think he is better than Sanchez, but not as good as Hernandez (though he differentiates himself from Hernandez by being able to play a deeper role). There's very little difference in terms of technical ability between Sanchez and Clapham. If anything, Clapham has superior vision, is better from set pieces and is more capable of playing himself out of tight situations. Clapham also imposes himself on the game and provides control in midfield. I've always felt Sanchez was never able to accomplish this (though not entirely his fault). The stats back this up. In 41 appearances (33 starts) for the Phoenix, Sanchez recorded 1 assist and 7 goals. 1 assist?!?! From an attacking midfielder?!?! Sure Clapham's only played ASB Premiership, but I'd confident that even at his very worst he offers more than Sanchez has done in his 2 seasons with the Phoenix.
I'm off now to start a 'Downey was never given a fair go' page. It's just not fair I tell you...
Grumpy old bastard alert
I also detest the often used phrase 'not given a fair go/not given a chance'. This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough.
Just as well Costa and Rojas didnt listen to you.
A dog with a bone :)
I also detest the often used phrase 'not given a fair go/not given a chance'. This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough.
Just as well Costa and Rojas didnt listen to you.
I also detest the often used phrase 'not given a fair go/not given a chance'. This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough.
Just as well Costa and Rojas didnt listen to you.
Grumpy old bastard alert
I also detest the often used phrase 'not given a fair go/not given a chance'. This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough.
Just as well Costa and Rojas didnt listen to you.
Queenslander 3x a year.
"Sanchez has had to run at footballers, Clapham has had to run at Myers, Cooksley, and How. If you can't deliver running at those three....."
Um you do realise Clapham scored 11 goals in the ASB Premiership. That's second in the golden boot for 2012/2013 ... and he's a midfielder. If that's not delivering, I'm not sure what it is. He's performed consistently as well, it's not as if this was a one off season. Not quite sure how he's supposed to perform any better.
"This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough."
“Never considered that players you mentioned improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...”
So let me get this right, Clapham is supposed to earn the chance to play through performance, by outplaying those who play in his position at training ... even though he doesn't train with the Phoenix??? On that basis, you rule out every single player outside the Phoenix squad and wider training squad. How about the Phoenix sign Clapham, after all he's done about all he can in the ASB Premiership, and give him a chance to prove himself at training?
I wouldn't have minded seeing what Clapham could do in the A League but it that's probably a season or two ago now. Didn't happen then and won't happen now. I'm more interested in seeing how Gulley goes at the U20 World Cup now
As for Musa I hope he lands somewhere but it won't be at the Phoenix
In terms of him being given a go I personally felt he was chucked in the deep end at LB against Melb Vic and yes sank but Jade North let him down in his 2nd game for the Nix when Dura and Siggy were suspended.
I wouldve liked to have seen him brought on gradually in his said position like Marco was but that's me. I still think he has the talent to go further...
"Sanchez has had to run at footballers, Clapham has had to run at Myers, Cooksley, and How. If you can't deliver running at those three....."
Um you do realise Clapham scored 11 goals in the ASB Premiership. That's second in the golden boot for 2012/2013 ... and he's a midfielder. If that's not delivering, I'm not sure what it is. He's performed consistently as well, it's not as if this was a one off season. Not quite sure how he's supposed to perform any better.
"This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough."
“Never considered that players you mentioned improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...”
So let me get this right, Clapham is supposed to earn the chance to play through performance, by outplaying those who play in his position at training ... even though he doesn't train with the Phoenix??? On that basis, you rule out every single player outside the Phoenix squad and wider training squad. How about the Phoenix sign Clapham, after all he's done about all he can in the ASB Premiership, and give him a chance to prove himself at training?
Gamiero has been saying he's interested in staying in the A League now and that his agent is looking into options for him. Bit of a turn around from him and maybe reflects the fact he may not start for the u20's in the World Cup.
Not sure I'd take him though, I personally don't think he offers much more than Boyd and would rather develop a kiwi.
I also detest the often used phrase 'not given a fair go/not given a chance'. This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough.
Just as well Costa and Rojas didnt listen to you.
Never considered that players you mention improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...
Waste of time discussing a topic with someone who can't even comprehend what they themselves have written.
A dog with a bone :)
"Sanchez has had to run at footballers, Clapham has had to run at Myers, Cooksley, and How. If you can't deliver running at those three....."
Um you do realise Clapham scored 11 goals in the ASB Premiership. That's second in the golden boot for 2012/2013 ... and he's a midfielder. If that's not delivering, I'm not sure what it is. He's performed consistently as well, it's not as if this was a one off season. Not quite sure how he's supposed to perform any better.
"This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough."
“Never considered that players you mentioned improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...”
So let me get this right, Clapham is supposed to earn the chance to play through performance, by outplaying those who play in his position at training ... even though he doesn't train with the Phoenix??? On that basis, you rule out every single player outside the Phoenix squad and wider training squad. How about the Phoenix sign Clapham, after all he's done about all he can in the ASB Premiership, and give him a chance to prove himself at training?
Grumpy old bastard alert
I also detest the often used phrase 'not given a fair go/not given a chance'. This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough.
Just as well Costa and Rojas didnt listen to you.
Never considered that players you mention improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...
Waste of time discussing a topic with someone who can't even comprehend what they themselves have written.
Grumpy old bastard alert
"Sanchez has had to run at footballers, Clapham has had to run at Myers, Cooksley, and How. If you can't deliver running at those three....."
Um you do realise Clapham scored 11 goals in the ASB Premiership. That's second in the golden boot for 2012/2013 ... and he's a midfielder. If that's not delivering, I'm not sure what it is. He's performed consistently as well, it's not as if this was a one off season. Not quite sure how he's supposed to perform any better.
"This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough."
“Never considered that players you mentioned improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...”
So let me get this right, Clapham is supposed to earn the chance to play through performance, by outplaying those who play in his position at training ... even though he doesn't train with the Phoenix??? On that basis, you rule out every single player outside the Phoenix squad and wider training squad. How about the Phoenix sign Clapham, after all he's done about all he can in the ASB Premiership, and give him a chance to prove himself at training?
Lets look at some other points Richie
1: Mulligan, standout at ASBP. Phoenix, pants
2: Lovemore, 20 min cameo for the Phoenix, can't get a look in.
3: Clapham has already done time training with the Phoenix, in that environment
4: Ain't gonna play if you only play summer league (as someone else mentioned) and a 4 week stint here or there
5: RH picked him for the AWs so there is no personal bias. Why not pick him for the Phoenix (hint: not good enough)
6: Did you watch the Jordan game perchance? Gave it up easier than a K Rd candy girl
7: I have nothing against him. I thought he was one of better players in Honiara. I think he is a good footballer, just not good enough for A League. I think he really needs to simplify his game down and focus on retention and distribution better. ASBP players don't punish that, A League footballers will.
I also think I have to ask, has Clapham really kicked on since the highs of a couple of years ago where he was picked for WC2010? Peverly is much the same (just a bit more of a head case)
Grumpy old bastard alert
"Sanchez has had to run at footballers, Clapham has had to run at Myers, Cooksley, and How. If you can't deliver running at those three....."
Um you do realise Clapham scored 11 goals in the ASB Premiership. That's second in the golden boot for 2012/2013 ... and he's a midfielder. If that's not delivering, I'm not sure what it is. He's performed consistently as well, it's not as if this was a one off season. Not quite sure how he's supposed to perform any better.
"This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough."
“Never considered that players you mentioned improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...”
So let me get this right, Clapham is supposed to earn the chance to play through performance, by outplaying those who play in his position at training ... even though he doesn't train with the Phoenix??? On that basis, you rule out every single player outside the Phoenix squad and wider training squad. How about the Phoenix sign Clapham, after all he's done about all he can in the ASB Premiership, and give him a chance to prove himself at training?
Lets look at some other points Richie
1: Mulligan, standout at ASBP. Phoenix, pants
2: Lovemore, 20 min cameo for the Phoenix, can't get a look in.
3: Clapham has already done time training with the Phoenix, in that environment
4: Ain't gonna play if you only play summer league (as someone else mentioned) and a 4 week stint here or there
5: RH picked him for the AWs so there is no personal bias. Why not pick him for the Phoenix (hint: not good enough)
6: Did you watch the Jordan game perchance? Gave it up easier than a K Rd candy girl
7: I have nothing against him. I thought he was one of better players in Honiara. I think he is a good footballer, just not good enough for A League. I think he really needs to simplify his game down and focus on retention and distribution better. ASBP players don't punish that, A League footballers will.
"Sanchez has had to run at footballers, Clapham has had to run at Myers, Cooksley, and How. If you can't deliver running at those three....."
Um you do realise Clapham scored 11 goals in the ASB Premiership. That's second in the golden boot for 2012/2013 ... and he's a midfielder. If that's not delivering, I'm not sure what it is. He's performed consistently as well, it's not as if this was a one off season. Not quite sure how he's supposed to perform any better.
"This is pro football, you EARN the chance to play through performance, it's not given to you. You do that by showing you are better than the guy thats in that position and thats compared at training when you are in the same environment against that guy (not withstanding injury/form). If you don't get one, its cause you were not fucking good enough."
“Never considered that players you mentioned improved themselves to put themselves in a position where they were better than the other guy? Probably not...”
So let me get this right, Clapham is supposed to earn the chance to play through performance, by outplaying those who play in his position at training ... even though he doesn't train with the Phoenix??? On that basis, you rule out every single player outside the Phoenix squad and wider training squad. How about the Phoenix sign Clapham, after all he's done about all he can in the ASB Premiership, and give him a chance to prove himself at training?
Lets look at some other points Richie
1: Mulligan, standout at ASBP. Phoenix, pants
2: Lovemore, 20 min cameo for the Phoenix, can't get a look in.
3: Clapham has already done time training with the Phoenix, in that environment
4: Ain't gonna play if you only play summer league (as someone else mentioned) and a 4 week stint here or there
5: RH picked him for the AWs so there is no personal bias. Why not pick him for the Phoenix (hint: not good enough)
6: Did you watch the Jordan game perchance? Gave it up easier than a K Rd candy girl
7: I have nothing against him. I thought he was one of better players in Honiara. I think he is a good footballer, just not good enough for A League. I think he really needs to simplify his game down and focus on retention and distribution better. ASBP players don't punish that, A League footballers will.
1 & 2. So your argument is previous players were good in the ASBP, but weren't good at the Phoenix and, therefore, all ASBP players will not be good at the Phoenix? Can't comment on Lovemore, haven't really seem him play. As for Mulligan, doesn't he play a different position now to the one he played for the Phoenix. Not that I would argue he is good enough for the Phoenix anyway.
3. This was under Herbert, not Merrick. Different coaches have different opinions and look for different things from players. Herbert doesn't have the greatest record at judging player talent either.
4. Once again by this definition, you rule out basically every player in the ASBP.
5. If I remember correctly, Herbert ruled Clapham out because he didn't consider him to be better than players such as Brown, Smith, Ward etc. He never said he wasn't good enough for the Phoenix. All those players have left so that argument no longer applies.
6. I did watch the game. He had a very mixed performance. Some nice moments and good balls from set piece, but some horrific touches as well. What do you expect from a player that hasn't played a game for his club since March and came back from holiday to play in this game?
Hang on hang on hang on. YOU were the person that used the player comparisons to support your argument and YOU used his form in the ASBP to argue his case. I just did exactly what you did and used a lot more examples so don't put words in my mouth that all ASBP players are not good enough. If you don't like your argument being used back at you or you think it's off base, what does that say for your point of view?
I'd also like to close the door on this with one last point. Carlos Hernandez.
Grumpy old bastard alert
6. I did watch the game. He had a very mixed performance. Some nice moments and good balls from set piece, but some horrific touches as well. What do you expect from a player that hasn't played a game for his club since March and came back from holiday to play in this game?
If he wants to get signed, having 2 and a bit months off and turning in that performance is not going to help his cause. If his goal is to play pro football he should be playing and 'in form' when he gets asked for a trial. Going to a club and going 'sorry I've had 2 months off and i don't usually play winter football so I am a bit rusty' doesn't get him signed.
At the moment his current form is what he did in his last game and that says 'not good enough'. Why would Merrick offer him a trial based on that?????
Grumpy old bastard alert
6. I did watch the game. He had a very mixed performance. Some nice moments and good balls from set piece, but some horrific touches as well. What do you expect from a player that hasn't played a game for his club since March and came back from holiday to play in this game?
If he wants to get signed, having 2 and a bit months off and turning in that performance is not going to help his cause. If his goal is to play pro football he should be playing and 'in form' when he gets asked for a trial. Going to a club and going 'sorry I've had 2 months off and i don't usually play winter football so I am a bit rusty' doesn't get him signed.
At the moment his current form is what he did in his last game and that says 'not good enough'. Why would Merrick offer him a trial based on that?????
People have been a bit harsh saying he needs to get off his ass etc without any intimate knowledge of his situation etc.
But clapham to phoenix is done! End of.
Grumpy old bastard alert
Would someone like Hitzlsperger be semi-realistic as an import to replace Dani?
a.haak
He did ok at Everton this year and seemed to do okay with his injuries. Still a quality player and not that old si doubt he'd come down here. I'd imagine he will look to head back to Germany and tee up with a smaller team in the Bundesliga or maybe one of the top teams in the second division.
Would be awesome to have, but a big gamble fitmess wise even if we could afford him.
Billy celeski might become a real possibility if victory sign karagounis as rumoured
Hang on hang on hang on. YOU were the person that used the player comparisons to support your argument and YOU used his form in the ASBP to argue his case. I just did exactly what you did and used a lot more examples so don't put words in my mouth that all ASBP players are not good enough. If you don't like your argument being used back at you or you think it's off base, what does that say for your point of view?
I'd also like to close the door on this with one last point. Carlos Hernandez.
Would someone like Hitzlsperger be semi-realistic as an import to replace Dani?
Newcastle Jets have been chasing him for a while, I believe, so he might already know a bit about the A-League. I've heard about links to the MLS, so it's not completely unlikely. Not many big clubs will take a punt on an old, reasonably injury prone player. Probably more towards a 'marquee' type signing, though.
I'm just wildly speculating, of course!
Karagounis is on a similar level and he is being courted by Ange at the Victory.
a.haak
Forum equiette require you to deliver random names and their wiki page. Not a list!
Really not much to choose from on that list that would realistically come to NZ - shows how tough Ernie's recruitment job will be.
a.haak
hopefully both of these are better than Lia, I cans ee him sitting on the bench most of the season
Queenslander 3x a year.
Hang on hang on hang on. YOU were the person that used the player comparisons to support your argument and YOU used his form in the ASBP to argue his case. I just did exactly what you did and used a lot more examples so don't put words in my mouth that all ASBP players are not good enough. If you don't like your argument being used back at you or you think it's off base, what does that say for your point of view?
I'd also like to close the door on this with one last point. Carlos Hernandez.
If your argument is that Carlos Hernandez is better than Clapham ... well duh. Why does he have to be better than Hernandez though? We only have two midfielders at the moment in Hernandez and Lia (assuming manny plays at right back). So apparently your suggestion is that we play Hernandez and Lia in midfield for the entire season and don't sign anyone else.
You're forgetting Bertos and Fenton. Both played midfield for us last season. Fenton opffers way more in the middle of the park than Lia. And then of course we have 5-8 slots to fill in the squad, at least 2 of them will be ball playing midfielders - hopefully better the Lia. And then of course we have Lindsay, who coulld push lia for a bench spot.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Hang on hang on hang on. YOU were the person that used the player comparisons to support your argument and YOU used his form in the ASBP to argue his case. I just did exactly what you did and used a lot more examples so don't put words in my mouth that all ASBP players are not good enough. If you don't like your argument being used back at you or you think it's off base, what does that say for your point of view?
I'd also like to close the door on this with one last point. Carlos Hernandez.
If your argument is that Carlos Hernandez is better than Clapham ... well duh. Why does he have to be better than Hernandez though? We only have two midfielders at the moment in Hernandez and Lia (assuming manny plays at right back). So apparently your suggestion is that we play Hernandez and Lia in midfield for the entire season and don't sign anyone else.
You're forgetting Bertos and Fenton. Both played midfield for us last season. Fenton opffers way more in the middle of the park than Lia. And then of course we have 5-8 slots to fill in the squad, at least 2 of them will be ball playing midfielders - hopefully better the Lia. And then of course we have Lindsay, who coulld push lia for a bench spot.
Grumpy old bastard alert
Forum equiette require you to deliver random names and their wiki page. Not a list!
Jesus Ryan, you missed out Frank Lampard.
There is just no telling some people :op
Grumpy old bastard alert