Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2013/14

So do you think we need some pacey players??

As much as I feel for players cut and probably more for NZers. Im pleased that Eddie is endeavouring to improve the team within the constraints of existing player contracts, salary cap and import restrictions.

Pace isnt always the bees knees ie Downey but it is one thing you cant teach.

I don't know if its been pointed out yet but Kenny Cunningham played 14 games for LD Alajuelense in 07/08 while Carlos Hernandez was there, so I presume they have played together before.

I always thought that Hogg was the better of 2 options between him and Rowe although Hogg needed some defensive work positionally.

Anyone still care to take Lochhead? I do think we will regret releasing him (assuming it wasn't because of OTT salary demands) 

We now have no LB, no RB, trying to convert a winger into a RB, no midfielder and just rumoured to have signed another striker. How is the recruiting any better? This has similarities to Ricki's recruiting and had he done this, (bought in Hogg, tried to convert Leo, signed Totori, no midfielder) he would have been howled at and demanded to be fired. Guess it just shows the bias against Ricki.

I think Leo showed some positive signs as a fullback last year. While he got caught out defensively on several costly occasions, I feel he performed quite well. I don't think I'd be too upset if Leo played there next season, as long as we keep an eye out for young players with potential as fullbacks. The amount of quality domestic fullbacks in Nz and Australia that are available is slim at this stage. You are left with the options of picking up rejects from other clubs (ie Foscini), taking a gamble on unknown domestic or Aussie state league players or bringing in an import. I personally don't know if I'd want an import to play as a right back (unless its Traore... that guy is a beast).

Cunningham is a midfield. Mostly a wide one.

your comparison is interesting. at this stage, Ernie knows what qualities he wants in each position, and is looking for players who have those qualitites.  Sure he could have put Lochhy/Hogg/Rowe in at left back, but clearly he feels those players can't play the way he want to play.  I'm not sure Ricki recruitment even had that kinda process.

FWIW, I think Fenton has the ability to be a better RB than Leo. He certainly likes a tackle.  And if you think about it, Fenton will be competiting with Huysegems, Ifill, Carlos, Brockie, Cunningham for one of the front 4 positions.

Ricki recruitment was based on who we can get for the right price - then shape the team accordingly - at least that was my read on how things worked. At least Ernie appears to be targetting players that will fit his team shape and style of play. Targetting a new young striker would seem to indicate that Brockie, Stein and new guy may be playing up front with Ifill Hernandez and one other midfilder and a back four.

I think the thing that strikes me about Merrick is he knows the exact type of player he wants to fit his style. He has given the incumbents a crack and they were not good enough so no one can say 'so and so never got a shot'. I never had a problem with Leo at RB but a few did. Fenton at RB is interesting in that it would force him to get his head up and find options when he was in defence because he does stare at the boots and ball a lot. I think that's a weakness in him but then that's youth and coaching.

Midfielder. I thought he was a striker. I stand corrected. Does anyone know what type midfielder he is? Hopefully a box to box and not an attacking as that would be a waste of an import slot.

I think he has Ifill, Stein, Brockie in some configuration upfront, then Hernandez in behind. Manny sits in front of the back 4 as a screen and then a box to box guy than can get up and down, defend and facilitate.

What position shall the last import fill? Looking at this lineup, on paper we appear to be half decent attacking wise, which leads to suggesting the last import player could actually be a quality fullback.. Could also potentially look at bringing in an import winger if Fenton is playing RB.. this would leave Bertos, Boyd and one other out of Ifill, Brockie, Huysegems to come off the bench perhaps. 

 4-3-3 (best formation for our team/players imo). Ernie also said that he likes 3 players that can all roam and attack/score in the final third.

                                                                                -----------Moss--------------

                                  ---Fenton/Bertos?--------------Sigmund-----------Durante--------------  ? -----------------

                                                                                      ------Manny/Lia-----

                                                                         Cunningham----------Hernandez

                                              -------Ifill-------------                                                      ----Brockie-------

                                                                                   -----Huysegems----

Bench:

-Italiano

-Lia

-Adams/Box

-Boyd

Why on earth do we need another winger? That's the last signing we need to make.

According to COCACAF website he has played LCM, RCM, and LM in a 442, and ACM in a 4331 in the Gold Cup.

Reeca Caira is alright aint he?

id happily have carney in the team if we could get him

but what is the latest with Kosta? any chance of getting him back?

Its still early days to be comparing Rickis recruitment to Ernies. At least  Ernie has clearly articulated what style of football he wants to play and is ruthless in shedding players who do not fit into his plans. The Cunningham signing is classic Merrick.....exactly the sort of player you would expect him to sign. Looking at what we have got up front now Ifill, Stein and Brockie are not going to tear up the A-league with their pace and movement. We have quite a few players on the wrong side of 30.

A Cunningham type player will offer the pace and movement that Ernie is looking for. We are going to have a lot of competition for places up front...probably Carlos is the only one guaranteed a place......thats great for the team as the players will have to work their arses off to impress the coach. This makes a nice change from previous years where it appeared form or effort did not play a huge part in getting regularly selected. Ernie is going to really put his stamp on this team. There are going to be some players who won't see too much game time.

Ernies key signing is still to come.....the DM who can pass accurately with either feet. Get the right player for that slot and we can look forward to a very exciting season for the Nix

May EM is asking CH as a  source to find good players? 

The Luke Rowe situation is an interesting one, purely because it kind of haults his football career big time. Time to look overseas again?

So we're always lacking a decent defensive mid - is it worth giving Justin Gulley a shot? I remember Millicich saying he was the best performer at the Oceania U20 Championship and he obviously started tonight.

Keep Ernie under control then...

BTW - If Kosta is coming back I sure hope we're in the running. Pacy striker?? He's our man!

Won't come back to us

if kosta goes to the victory i will shoot myself. Their yuppy fans don't deserve anyone.

Kenny Cunningham deal "as good as done"

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/phoenix/8955080/Cunningham-to-join-Nix-on-two-year-deal

Everyone already knew this. I confirmed it a few pages back.

I didn't know

Turns out Kenny is actually Carlos' brother:

Haha! How many names has this guy actually got?

i guess all we need now is another costa rican with the first name beginning with an 'F' to complete the tri-force of 'K-F-C'

Fabian Alonso Garita Garcia, Costa Rica Under-20's attacking mid.

Are Costa Rica still in the frame to play the All Whites? Would be cool if there's a Nix player in the opposition.