Phoenix Transfer - speculation (Part 1)

Pretty sure we're in the market for a partner for Smeltz

regarding Vicelich, he would be an awesome signing. I heard (I know, that is not a proper source) that he was closing to signing..hope it's not all bullocks!

https://www.stuff.co.nz/4420464a18075.html

According to that link the Nix are looking at signing at least 3 new players. No real surprise there, but looking at who is signed up and whose contract expires at the end of the season reveals that more players to go. Ross, Richard and Vince are yet to have their contracts extended and with 18 players already signed for next season and beyond, there isn't space for 3 more players if those 3 mentioned stay, only space for 2 more.

So I would think you would see at least one of those players released, I would think Ross, and 3 new players or all 3 to go and 5 new players.

The two easiest positions to suggest new signings are a RB (Ricki could still go for a back 3) and ST, any other signings depend on where Ricki will be using the players, eg. if Daniel is played in the centre of midfield who players left wing? Which could result in a new left winger or if Bertos plays there an new right winger etc.

The press release said that both McKain and Durante impressed the club as being "leaders" and that immeadiately made me think perhaps Ross is on the way out (or perhaps stepping into a staff role) - after all his leadership skills are probably his real remaining strength.

The other Aloisi as Nix marquee?

I am sure CCM are working hard at getting him, but as yet is still to sign so could go. I for one think he would be a good acquisition but depends on the $, probably worth more to oz clubs as he is famous for netting the penalty that got them into WC 06.

Sydney are chasing him as well.

You keep your ear close to the ground

It's not that tricky, keep an eye on a couple of Aus forums and most rumours appear.

I see

Hard News Sydney FC Fan

John ALoisi scored big goals in just about every big game (apart from the GF) and his knee was absolutely knacked!  He�s definitely been worth it for the Coast but to suggest he�ll come to the nix is fanciful

Agreed

His value in Aus is as a socceroo and for scoring 'that' penalty.  That marketability doesn't exist here, so even if he is a decent striker his value to an NZ side is less than to an aus side who can promote a name known to non-football Australians.

The attitude of �we can do better for the price� is all well and good but the issue is getting players here.  It�s certainly hasn�t been that easy to get an aussie of his quality back to the a-league and it�s just as hard or harder to bring in foreigners.  And as we have seent here are absolutely no guarantees in this business...

So...what are the thoughts on any further kiwi signings?  Mulligan?

Mully, Ivan, Siggy a distant possibility (based on yesterdays announcements), other than that just Yoof I'd suspect.

jamesnz2008-02-29 12:52:06

I think a goal scoring centre midfielder, a true box to bo player, would be crucial.  We could still use coveny up front with smeltz.  I think the spine of the team is cucial and actually, I think it was our constant chopping and changing in midfield that was as much to blame for our poor defensive record as the indiviuals at the back.   

Buggered if I know to be honest JD.  Both those are options, but Tony P is in the paper saying they are scouring the Aus leagues for a right back so maybe not.  Then there is the whole Siggy thing which would be yet another CB.

Tony P talks of three more signings, I suspect a midfielder and a 'Marquee' striker to play with Smeltz.  Someone quick (the role George was meant to have) up front to play off Smeltz, with a goal-scoring record. 

So Right Back, Midfielder and striker, where this leaves Mully, Sigmund or Ivan I have no idea. Mulligan has played Right Back, but Tony was pretty clear that that was what they were hunting in Aus.

Always lurking are the rumours linking Dodd with the Gold Coast as well...
Hard News2008-02-29 13:04:19

What about Brownlie - is he still with us?

Yes, I wouldn�t be totally surprised he he flew the coup on that one...although that leaves us bloody light, AGAIN!! 

I hate the reliance on a �marquee�strkier.  If you�ve scored goals anywhere in the world big clubs will be all over you, which means you have to be a hundred or playing in timbucktwo to qualify.  Brian Deane anyone?

Adelaide papers saying Joel Porter to be confirmed as signing for us today... Adelaide papers are notoriously rubbish.

The sooner we sign a specialist right back the better, I think dodd could get turned and/or done for pace out wide

I should add, Porter is from Adelaide.

I'll be annoyed if Siggy ends up at an Aus based side.

Well his first season with Hartlepool United was painful notching 5 goals for 31 appearances but was the crowd favourite in the second season with 14 gaols in 37 appearance as well as the fan's player of the year. However he had a 10 month injury and despite scoring within the 6 minutes as a sub, Hartlepool United is regelated down from football league one. Thats like level 3 on the pryamid. Its at a low level league and even lower next season.

I wouldn't touch him with a bar of soap. we could do better than that surely or it would be like the football kingz/NZ knights signing. Coming of an injury smell like Ahmad Elrich and playing level 3 is not worth looking for the A-league. the top half of football championship or level 2 (one under EPL) and higher where we should be looking at.

I would vomit if he is signed. I like proven players and if you look at who is interested for his signature, you have an idea that hardly a club is interested other than Perth Glory. He should be getting into his prime at 29 but it's looks like a failure to me.

Well with the CBs being signed up and some of them can play midfield, we have flexibility of the 4-4-2 and the 3-5-2 using these same players, it does look very sound.

I wouldn't be sorry if Siggy gets A-league experience with an Aussie team as long as we have a better defence unit at the end of the day with better defenders. But it should be tough when we have to face a possible entry in O-league later down the track and we lack enough NZ players in the squad. I would of course prefer that he get a chance with the nix as a squad player and he should be able to cover for and injuries to the CBs.

yea he would be good cover

Tribal football has a story saying Dwight Yorke is keen on a return to the A-league...it is Tribal Football so its probably bullsh*t...he says hes looking for a team that would be "the right fit" for him...partner for Smeltz? Although he has dropped more into midfield as of late.

Word is we have some sweet signings due to be released at the end of the week. 'ave it!

Spill the beans!

Are these Watties beans we�re talking about?

Sorry if I misunderstood, English of my so not goodly...

Maybe you should moderate yourself to the Pundemonium thread...