Sigmund came from the NZFC and was an excellent signing, Costa looks like being likewise. Luis as a yougster (apparently) played at the same level in Costa Rica that Carlos Hernandez played at, and Krishna has never had a chance to play at a level higher than the NZFC seeing as he's only just over twenty.
Sigmund has proven to be a very good defender HN - however, I don't think he's a fantastic footballer (in my view Karl Dodd is the best we have in that regard in the central defence) , but he's a good, solid, reliable defender. And Costa is a good young talent but as yet unproven in the A-League (I'm a bit concerned he hasn't been used more as he is at an age now where he should be getting more game time, if he's good enough - I do hope he goes all the way). Luis is now in his late 20s I think, and if he were good enough he would have been noticed by now.
However, I still think HN that it will be very rare for players to make the grade in the A-League from the NZFC - Sigmund is the exception rather than the rule. The NZFC is simply too piss poor, and in my view has gotten worse over the last view years. It's interesting that Kerryn Jordan came out with the same view just after retiring from playing. Moreover, the Phoenix needs to seriously strengthen its current squad with the remaining small number of vacancies, which, in my view, means signing up proven performers in the A-League or from higher leagues than the A-League. Otherwise, I think we're going to seriously struggle next season, including against the newcomers, GCU and Nth Queensland.
Yeah, I think Sigmund's earned his keep. It's a shame if he is an exception, but realism has got to rule.
We need some high class imports. Not players who might step up and make the grade. But players who are already there or have been there recently enough. Still with a few years gas in the tank and who could be interested in maybe playing out their careers with us.
Apparently Ricki and Tony P are lining up some strikers to talk to who have been doing a decent job in English League One (3rd divison), and in their late 20s, which would fit the job description nicely.
We don't have to find another Smeltzy. We just need a couple of competitive out-and-out strikers with the right professional attitude who could work together to give us some serious firepower.
