Phoenix Transfer - speculation (Part 1)
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Back on the strike partner for Smeltzy, not sure if this video has been posted on Joel Porter before but it's well worth a watch....https://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=PnALQvm_25g&feature=relatedGets my vote.....sign him please Tony P.....
He then came to New Zealand where Winston Peters doesn't like foreign folk, and encountered, yet again, more visa problems.
Class player by the looks of that vid and the reviews I've been getting from mates back home.
Christ he's been shafted by visa issues innit.
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Hard to see any good from the A-leagues releases but these players are worth a second look.
Simon Lynch is worth a look at after being released from Queensland Roar, he's 25 and was very unlucky with injuries at the beginning of the season and with Frank Farina obsession with the other two brilliant youth strikers performances saw him having disruptive game time. But he was a crowd favourite a couple of times.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic is released by Melbourne Victory after being on the bench behind many other defenders but was unable to get a work permit in the UK after trials with Arsenal and Newcastle United at the beginning of last season. But then we don't need a central defender or central midfielder unless Ross Aloisi goes. So someone to keep an eye out for if Ross goes.
I think that we may need to look aboard for our right back. If we can't find anyone, Darren Bazeley may be a better stop gap measure over Jonathan Perry but he may be committed as a Area 3 Coach now. I am not convince that Jonathan Perry had a chance with a decent Coach to go to the next stage up since Rufer was coaching the Football Kingz so whos to know what he is capable of with decent players around him for once. A potential wasted over the years, I feel.
Looking at the players at the NZFC level, I would be reluctant to bring on board any player through although I may get a loan for the young Solomon Islander striker to test him out because he is smaller and fast with some foot speed but he is a bit greedy and a risk taker as well and not sure whether A-league would workout. I would take a punt on him TBH. NZFC level is far too easy for him. So A-league would be a real testing ground for him now than ever.AllWhitebelievr2008-03-19 04:12:28
Simon Lynch is worth a look at after being released from Queensland Roar, he's 25 and was very unlucky with injuries at the beginning of the season and with Frank Farina obsession with the other two brilliant youth strikers performances saw him having disruptive game time. But he was a crowd favourite a couple of times.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic is released by Melbourne Victory after being on the bench behind many other defenders but was unable to get a work permit in the UK after trials with Arsenal and Newcastle United at the beginning of last season. But then we don't need a central defender or central midfielder unless Ross Aloisi goes. So someone to keep an eye out for if Ross goes.
I think that we may need to look aboard for our right back. If we can't find anyone, Darren Bazeley may be a better stop gap measure over Jonathan Perry but he may be committed as a Area 3 Coach now. I am not convince that Jonathan Perry had a chance with a decent Coach to go to the next stage up since Rufer was coaching the Football Kingz so whos to know what he is capable of with decent players around him for once. A potential wasted over the years, I feel.
Looking at the players at the NZFC level, I would be reluctant to bring on board any player through although I may get a loan for the young Solomon Islander striker to test him out because he is smaller and fast with some foot speed but he is a bit greedy and a risk taker as well and not sure whether A-league would workout. I would take a punt on him TBH. NZFC level is far too easy for him. So A-league would be a real testing ground for him now than ever.AllWhitebelievr2008-03-19 04:12:28
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my team for next season...
new right back--durante--dodd--lochead
lia, mckain, johnson(?)
bertos gao
danny
smeltz joel (hopefully)
although nix website says mckain is a CB so maybe we'll see him there next to durante and dodd might be more of an impact player off of the bench 
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I'd just like to say I'm not excited by his signing.
ah ever the optimist..
what exactly is the problem? or should we sign super mario or something? he might play a good holding role in mid field (for about a meter radius)
The guy never plays? Ask yourself why that is. In the last year he's played 4 games.
When he did play for the knights he showed he has great skills but he was always getting pushed off the ball. I dont think he's strong enough to be a force in this league. I'm not saying he's rubbish, I'm just saying I'm not excited about his signing, he needs to prove himself.
A dog with a bone :)
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The guy never plays? Ask yourself why that is. In the last year he's played 4 games.
When he did play for the knights he showed he has great skills but he was always getting pushed off the ball. I dont think he's strong enough to be a force in this league. I'm not saying he's rubbish, I'm just saying I'm not excited about his signing, he needs to prove himself.
Just like Glen Moss has, you mean?
Jag2008-03-19 09:24:07Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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Did you get to any Nix games last season Buff?
No. But i promise/threaten (delete as necessary) to get down to one this season.
You gonna bring Ted down with you, Buffy?
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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The guy never plays? Ask yourself why that is. In the last year he's played 4 games.
When he did play for the knights he showed he has great skills but he was always getting pushed off the ball. I dont think he's strong enough to be a force in this league. I'm not saying he's rubbish, I'm just saying I'm not excited about his signing, he needs to prove himself.
Just like Glen Moss has, you mean?
Wouldnt that be fantasic. I dont recall Glen Moss always be injuried though.
So Jag, are you excited with his signing? If so why?
nightz2008-03-19 10:07:27A dog with a bone :)
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Yeah, I'm fairly buzzed about him signing. Why? From going to watch the Knights games, he always struck me as a more than decent player and the kind of player that YF will love. To look good while playing in the sh*tpile that the Knights was, suggests that he does have some quality.
You may well be right that he needs to prove himself, but from what I've seen of him I think he'll be a great addition to the squad.
As for his lack of game time in the last year, who knows why that is. I would hope that Ricki, Tony and Terry have learned from the Fatboy Elrich disaster and wouldn't be throwing contracts out to people who are looking at free rehab for a season.
That's all, nothing more scientific than that. We both agree he's got the skills, maybe I'm just looking back through rose (yellow?) tinted specs.
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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Did you get to any Nix games last season Buff?
No. But i promise/threaten (delete as necessary) to get down to one this season.
You gonna bring Ted down with you, Buffy?
Is there really a need to answer that?
Three for me, and two for them.
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Just thought I'd ask 
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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[/QUOTE]
The guy never plays? Ask yourself why that is. In the last year he's played 4 games.
When he did play for the knights he showed he has great skills but he was always getting pushed off the ball. I dont think he's strong enough to be a force in this league. I'm not saying he's rubbish, I'm just saying I'm not excited about his signing, he needs to prove himself.
[/QUOTE]I have faith that Ricki and co know why he only played 4 games.
They know him from before and think he is still up to the standard required in this new season.
He didnt always get pushed off the ball, he beat good defenders consistently and was a potent attacker and is a proven goal scorer. I think he will do all right.
The addition I'd like to see in the forwards is a strong tall holding player. We do have a shortish line up
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Tony can you shed some light on this rumour from 442
Hearfield to Phoenix [RUMOUR]
Following a recent fall out with head coach Gary Van Egmond, Troy Hearfield has been granted an early release from the last year of his contract and he is expected to follow team-mate Andrew Durante to Wellington Phoenix. Leaves the Phoenix with a very good looking squad at the moment.
This article has been provided by:
Shazza of Newy
This article has been provided by:
Shazza of Newy
FourFourTwo Belief Factor: 6/10
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Here is the final and undeniable proof that we should be delighted that we've signed Gao:
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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Jag I hope I'm wrong. 4 games and he didnt start them all and in a sh*t league has me worried.
Hepatitis, hardly a proven goal scorer. How many goals in the last 2 years 
.
.Lets just wait and see, I dont mind being wrong.
A dog with a bone :)
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Jag I hope I'm wrong. 4 games and he didnt start them all and in a sh*t league has me worried.
Hepatitis, hardly a proven goal scorer. How many goals in the last 2 years .
.Lets just wait and see, I dont mind being wrong.
Many foreign players don't really get a fair go in leagues like the Finnish one, imo.
a.haak
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Hepatitis, hardly a proven goal scorer. How many goals in the last 2 years .
.�
Lets just wait and see, I dont mind being wrong.
Gao got 3 goals in the last 2 years from 11 starts. That stat would put him 3rd on the Phoenix list behind Smeltz 9 from 19 starts and Daniel 4 from 17 starts.
I dont know why he didnt start more, it is a bit concerning, would love to find out if anyone can elucidate.
Looking forward to seeing him play here regardless
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Hard to see any good from the A-leagues releases but these players are worth a second look.
Simon Lynch is worth a look at after being released from Queensland Roar, he's 25 and was very unlucky with injuries at the beginning of the season and with Frank Farina obsession with the other two brilliant youth strikers performances saw him having disruptive game time. But he was a crowd favourite a couple of times.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic is released by Melbourne Victory after being on the bench behind many other defenders but was unable to get a work permit in the UK after trials with Arsenal and Newcastle United at the beginning of last season. But then we don't need a central defender or central midfielder unless Ross Aloisi goes. So someone to keep an eye out for if Ross goes.
I think that we may need to look aboard for our right back. If we can't find anyone, Darren Bazeley may be a better stop gap measure over Jonathan Perry but he may be committed as a Area 3 Coach now. I am not convince that Jonathan Perry had a chance with a decent Coach to go to the next stage up since Rufer was coaching the Football Kingz so whos to know what he is capable of with decent players around him for once. A potential wasted over the years, I feel.
Looking at the players at the NZFC level, I would be reluctant to bring on board any player through although I may get a loan for the young Solomon Islander striker to test him out because he is smaller and fast with some foot speed but he is a bit greedy and a risk taker as well and not sure whether A-league would workout. I would take a punt on him TBH. NZFC level is far too easy for him. So A-league would be a real testing ground for him now than ever.
Simon Lynch is worth a look at after being released from Queensland Roar, he's 25 and was very unlucky with injuries at the beginning of the season and with Frank Farina obsession with the other two brilliant youth strikers performances saw him having disruptive game time. But he was a crowd favourite a couple of times.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic is released by Melbourne Victory after being on the bench behind many other defenders but was unable to get a work permit in the UK after trials with Arsenal and Newcastle United at the beginning of last season. But then we don't need a central defender or central midfielder unless Ross Aloisi goes. So someone to keep an eye out for if Ross goes.
I think that we may need to look aboard for our right back. If we can't find anyone, Darren Bazeley may be a better stop gap measure over Jonathan Perry but he may be committed as a Area 3 Coach now. I am not convince that Jonathan Perry had a chance with a decent Coach to go to the next stage up since Rufer was coaching the Football Kingz so whos to know what he is capable of with decent players around him for once. A potential wasted over the years, I feel.
Looking at the players at the NZFC level, I would be reluctant to bring on board any player through although I may get a loan for the young Solomon Islander striker to test him out because he is smaller and fast with some foot speed but he is a bit greedy and a risk taker as well and not sure whether A-league would workout. I would take a punt on him TBH. NZFC level is far too easy for him. So A-league would be a real testing ground for him now than ever.
Totori is still young and he does need to play at a higher level I think but the A-league could be too much too soon. He hasn't been quite as effective this season as he was last season, he had scored about 19 or 20 goals at this point last season, he's only got 10 right now. But if he trained hard, got less lazy, and continued to progress well then I wouldn't be suprised to see him in the A-league. Victorian Premier League or one of the other aussie leagues would be a good stepping stone.
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When you look at the full picture of the Nix comings and goings so far this off season you have to be very impressed at the ability of the management team to plan out and execute the development of the team's talent pool and the addressing of weaknesses i.e. having the courage to take the hard decisions (moving on weaker links) and the ability to secure class replacements.
Overall picture, courtesy of https://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=21379 is;
Wellington Phoenix
Re-signed � Vince Lia (2 years)
In � Leo Bertos (2 years - Perth Glory), Andrew Durante (2 years - Newcastle Jets), Jon McKain (2 years - from Politechnica Timisoara, Romania*), Leilei Gao (MyPa, Finland)
Out � Steven O�Dor (released), Cleberson (released), George Paladini (released), Ahmad Elrich (Central Coast Mariners), Felipe (released), Kristian Rees (short-term player, released)
A class right back and a class striker completes the squad - unless someone else leaves and creates another vacancy.
Roll on August 15.
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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sorry guys, but Gao was actually injured after 5 games with that team and when he finally got fit they changed the manager, so Gao wasn't trusted to be selected as first XI. However, he earned his place later for the UEFA cup match against Blackburn Rovers...
As Chinese we know and love him a lot, because of his personality. When he returned to China from Finland he invested a lot of his own money to build primary schools for children in poverty.
Hope this helps.
As Chinese we know and love him a lot, because of his personality. When he returned to China from Finland he invested a lot of his own money to build primary schools for children in poverty.
Hope this helps.
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When he returned to China from Finland he invested a lot of his own money to build primary schools for children in poverty.
That's pure class - don't you love it when a very good player is a good guy as well.
Just makes it that much easier to shout for him.
Can't wait to welcome Gao Lei Lei to the RoF
Whitby boy2008-03-19 19:02:20He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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Hard to see any good from the A-leagues releases but these players are worth a second look.
Simon Lynch is worth a look at after being released from Queensland Roar, he's 25 and was very unlucky with injuries at the beginning of the season and with Frank Farina obsession with the other two brilliant youth strikers performances saw him having disruptive game time. But he was a crowd favourite a couple of times.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic is released by Melbourne Victory after being on the bench behind many other defenders but was unable to get a work permit in the UK after trials with Arsenal and Newcastle United at the beginning of last season. But then we don't need a central defender or central midfielder unless Ross Aloisi goes. So someone to keep an eye out for if Ross goes.
I think that we may need to look aboard for our right back. If we can't find anyone, Darren Bazeley may be a better stop gap measure over Jonathan Perry but he may be committed as a Area 3 Coach now. I am not convince that Jonathan Perry had a chance with a decent Coach to go to the next stage up since Rufer was coaching the Football Kingz so whos to know what he is capable of with decent players around him for once. A potential wasted over the years, I feel.
Looking at the players at the NZFC level, I would be reluctant to bring on board any player through although I may get a loan for the young Solomon Islander striker to test him out because he is smaller and fast with some foot speed but he is a bit greedy and a risk taker as well and not sure whether A-league would workout. I would take a punt on him TBH. NZFC level is far too easy for him. So A-league would be a real testing ground for him now than ever.
Totori is still young and he does need to play at a higher level I think but the A-league could be too much too soon. He hasn't been quite as effective this season as he was last season, he had scored about 19 or 20 goals at this point last season, he's only got 10 right now. But if he trained hard, got less lazy, and continued to progress well then I wouldn't be suprised to see him in the A-league. Victorian Premier League or one of the other aussie leagues would be a good stepping stone.
Simon Lynch is worth a look at after being released from Queensland Roar, he's 25 and was very unlucky with injuries at the beginning of the season and with Frank Farina obsession with the other two brilliant youth strikers performances saw him having disruptive game time. But he was a crowd favourite a couple of times.
Former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic is released by Melbourne Victory after being on the bench behind many other defenders but was unable to get a work permit in the UK after trials with Arsenal and Newcastle United at the beginning of last season. But then we don't need a central defender or central midfielder unless Ross Aloisi goes. So someone to keep an eye out for if Ross goes.
I think that we may need to look aboard for our right back. If we can't find anyone, Darren Bazeley may be a better stop gap measure over Jonathan Perry but he may be committed as a Area 3 Coach now. I am not convince that Jonathan Perry had a chance with a decent Coach to go to the next stage up since Rufer was coaching the Football Kingz so whos to know what he is capable of with decent players around him for once. A potential wasted over the years, I feel.
Looking at the players at the NZFC level, I would be reluctant to bring on board any player through although I may get a loan for the young Solomon Islander striker to test him out because he is smaller and fast with some foot speed but he is a bit greedy and a risk taker as well and not sure whether A-league would workout. I would take a punt on him TBH. NZFC level is far too easy for him. So A-league would be a real testing ground for him now than ever.
The difference was mainly the team made up. He was used in a different manner with the Manawatu side than he was with the Waitakere side. With the Manawatu side they just feed him with the ball a plenty because they had a good midfield unit that open gaps for him to move. With the Waitakere side they had plenty of options besides him. They have less urgency for him to score and so he received less ball service per game. They also prefer him to pass the ball in their formation and less encouragement to have a go if he received the ball as a deep striker or as a wide midfield area. He is fit to cover those areas but Waitakere wasn't willing to let him roam freely as Manawatu would. He basically has potential to fit into the attacking midfielder position as "man in the hole"
Lets hope that the Wellington Phoenix gets a team in the youth league because he would be definitely first person on top of the list.
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sorry guys, but Gao was actually injured after 5 games with that team and when he finally got fit they changed the manager, so Gao wasn't trusted to be selected as first XI.� However, he earned his place later for the UEFA cup match against Blackburn Rovers...As Chinese we know and love him a lot, because of his personality.� When he returned to China from Finland he invested a lot of his own money to build primary schools for children in poverty.Hope this helps.
I have just emailed MyPA front office to check on the statistics because they have changed the squad for the European summer league (they play in their summer cause their winter is very cold) already. Don't know if I will get much feedback.
But I have heard that he was injured as well.
As I understood, when they changed managers, the assistant manager became the head manager for the season and turned their fortunes from the bottom to 8th place. The old manager was not push over as he did manage them for over 4 years and have top placings including one title.
But in the turn around season, Leilei Gao did not count easily in the around plans being injured at the time and he was only counted when he fully recovered and they were not sure where to fit him due to good results.
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I guessed he must have been injuried. Is anyone else worried about this? He also missed a good part of the season when he was with the Knights as he was injuried.
Its a worry, when he is meant to be such a good player, that a change of manager means he would miss out on a starting spot. I could understand that if he was playing in a top league but its only Finland.
A dog with a bone :)
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I guessed he must have been injuried. Is anyone else worried about this? He also missed a good part of the season when he was with the Knights as he was injuried.
Its a worry, when he is meant to be such a good player, that a change of manager means he would miss out on a starting spot. I could understand that if he was playing in a top league but its only Finland.
Relax, dont go on man, its done, just try and be positive and let it happen without getting yourself all in a tizzy
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I would'nt stress too much about what happen to LeiLei in Finnland. There are many reasons why a player does'nt adapt to a new set up. Change of coaches, inter team rivalry etc etc.
Also there is the cultural side of it as well. I have been to Finland. Late summer and you freeze your nuts off! Did'nt see any Asian people either. It may have been too much of a cultural shock. If you are not happy off the park then you won't play well.
Get him here in Wellington. He knows the coach and has played A-League before. Plus there are heaps of Chinese in Wellington so he should be OK.
It would be good if the local Asian community got along to watch the Phoenix in bigger numbers. Perhaps they might now LeiLei is in the Phoenix .
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Everyone is getting so serious here, with his performance with the Knights there is no way he can't do it at the Phoenix, and just to let you guys relax a bit and get to know more about Leilei, here are some photos of his school:
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Not too sure about the last picture 
More up Footie-Mum and Smarah's alley that one, I think.
More up Footie-Mum and Smarah's alley that one, I think.
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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