Phoenix Transfer Speculation 2013/14

Who would move into the holding midfielder role if there was an injury? Even if we don't get a starter, I feel there is a lack of depth there.

Edit Although I can see Durante filling the role with Boxall coming on at the back I guess.

Also if Cam is released then someone like Gulley may be signed which would be depth there. But yeah not happy we have fallen off the search for a DM..

Disappointing but not surprising we can't find a DM. 

Dura.

yeah that was repeated on Stuff this morning, Boxall arrived back stronger, quicker and with a better understanding of the game. Apparrenlty Ernie sees him as a cover for all four defensive spots but also the DM role. Also made comments about Manny, Lia and Carlos being the likely starting mids, saying that with Carlos in the mix Lia and manny had a new avenue to get the ball forward.

I'm not sure about Boxall anywhere else but CB. I think he is good there and that is where he should play. At a real pinch you could put him at RB, but from previous viewing I seem to remember him very uncomfortable there. Would actually prefer Siggy or Bertos there so I don't support that. Never seen him play in the midfield but have similar concerns, Durante looks more suited to that position for me and wouldn't mind him getting a run there.

Hopefully Ernie is just being coy about the visa spot. Its a decision that will define the season.

From this morning's Lindsay axing report:

"... the Scotsman is encouraged by several other young Kiwi talents.

Alex Rufer has signed, while Justin Gulley, Joel Stevens, Matthew Ridenton and Clayton Lewis are also in the shop window.

Gulley and Stevens could potentially win A-League contracts, while Ridenton and Lewis are more likely football school of excellence candidates.

"Some of the young, up-and-coming players have been quite outstanding in trial matches. Now it's about playing competitive football on a regular basis."

Opinions from those who've seen them on Gulley, Stevens, Ridenton and Lewis? Never heard of Stevens or Lewis.

No mention of that young right back in that article?

Good for Michael Boxall, gutted for Cam Lindsay. Where does he go from here? Maybe in one of the leagues that Dan Keat, Kris Bright or Craig Henderson are in could be a stretch, but they are more established than him. Is it his career over already?

Looks like he might just use Boxall to cover across the entire backline and not bring in any other cover at the moment?

Knew something like this would happen. Really disappointing if this is the case, was looking forward to a quality DM import.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9042816/Nix-tell-unwanted-Lindsay-to-look-elsewhere

Worst news ever. No midfielder, not good, not happy, hypothetical starting 11 quality just took a nasty dip.

Lack of midfielder Midfielder not Lindsay.

I don't think he has given up, but is being realistic that we may not find one so we need to work on who we have currently at our disposal and do as much with them as we possible can.

So we continue to work on Lia and Manny's game whilst we keep our eyes open in case any decent DM become available.

How old is Clayton Lewis, what position does he play??

so the consensus is not happy with Boxall playing as DM? Couldn't develop like Milligan?

seems to be the general opinion, I tend to disagree, if boxall has come back from his VPL stint a better player who is adaptable then the nix will be all the better for it,

Craig Henderson is not playing in a league beneath the A league. If anything it is better. Given up on a DM? How hard can it be. The football league is a large one and it surely is easier to find a DM then a speedy. skillfull striker/winger? I hope he is still lookimg

god the prospect of having vinnie lia starting most games this season is scary.

I think Ernie's talking out both sides of his mouth here. You can't seriously convince you're happy with what you've got after clearly looking for someone in that position while holding onto the visa spot and the cap space for it. Still a long way until the season and things change when euro transfer window shuts and guys don't have a gig. Lindsay was clearly signed sight unseen because RH was under pressure to add young kiwis.

I just think Ernie is dampening down expectations of finding an import DM. He has the slot open, has the money....I think they will still be looking. He just wants to avoid the "when the new DM arriving" questions popping up every time he is interviewed.

No way we can go confidently into next season with Lia and Muscat as the two DM's. Transitioning the ball from defense to attack has always been one of our weakest areas. Its a critical part of Ernies new setup. Lia can't pass accurately enough under pressure to make Ernies game plan work properly IMO.  

Exactly I'd guess they've missed out on their current targets but I doubt the search is off

At the members' meeting, Ernie said that Manny and Lia were doing fine getting the ball forward, but they kept losing possession. However, he said he'd seen them improve out of sight since last year.

Yes the import DM is key. May not happen for a while, but I hear from good source that it will happen. Has to really. Last season's Muscat and Lia will not cut it away from home, where the Phoenix have to have a transition on the ground option to succeed.   

I guess the last few posts have summed it up. They have thrown darts at the board and nothing has stuck. Again there is plenty of time on the clock but you don't release an import (Totori) to improve the import situation then decide 'we'll stand pat and I'm happy'. Thats just bollocks or as you said JD, talking out both sides of his mouth.

I have some questions around the Lindsay one though. Theoretically we are at 19 players including Lindsay. We can got to 23 so we can sign 4 more assuming for cap space. Thats probably not possible because of the cap situation but we are going to have to pay Lindsay in full or a decent chunk of it. Why would you make this move unless you need to save a bit of coin? Unless someone wants a decent offer... say a DM we cannot get?

Manny and Lia could not pass water.

They can pass gas.

Yeah that's where I was coming from, that 10k-20k could make a difference. That's probably why you would do it.

People on here keep talking about Dura as a possible DM.  When has he ever done this?  Who has seen him do this?  Was he actually any good in that position if he played there in the past?

We could sign ol' Ljubo...

just sign matt thompson for christ sakes. can play DM and RB and has a lot of a league experience. better than having no one.

I think privately Ernie would be well aware of need for a quality defensive midfield player at least, and knows the limitations of Muscat and Lia based on last year. Right now can't see any other outcome than the top A League sides pushing up and strangling us, forcing a bombs away approach again. But will be very surprised if he doesn't move in the market to fix that.  

Nah, Timmy V has just given hung up his megaphone so Ljubo will be needed in the Squadron this season