Pre-Season 2012/2013

Better than the Lia idea imo. A lot more to offer going forward than most RBs in the A-League. 

Fair point.  I wouldn't know as all my gear is plastic.  Although I've been told plastic is waterproof, I've never actually tested that claim.

I had never thought of this at all but Bertos at RB - could that solve all of our problems??  Any sense it was an actual plan or just needs must?

I can't recall specifically but wasn't he a bit shaky defensively as a wing back for the all whites? Granted it was the world cup I'm thinking of,and a different position...but I'm not sure it'd solve all out problems. Is it worth a go? Maybe. 

Assuming he was filling in as Vince is injured. 

Leo at RB would terrify me.

Would Leo be worse than Lia?

Also if you had Lia-Brockie along the wing, they could switch at points in the game to change up the attack.

How did Boxall and Totori play?

Do you think we'll actually be back to 433 once the competition starts?

Boxall didn't really have much to do after coming on, and Totori was, like 2B said, underwhelming.

Are the nix still coming to India?  I am in India at the moment - it is very hot and alcohol is very cheap so it will be a good tua for them

PHOENIX PRE-SEASON GAMES IN NORTH-EAST INDIA - BRAVE OR FOOLHARDY?

PLEASE SEE UK & NZ GOVERNMENT TRAVEL WARNINGS FOR IMPHAL AND GUWAHATI DUE TO TERRORIST THREAT (click and scroll down ): 

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/india#localtravel

http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/india.shtml

Reviewed: 15 June 2012, 15:40 NZDT
Still current at: 13 August 2012  North eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur high risk

"We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to the north eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur due to the threat of terrorist activity, violent crime and demonstrations. There is also a risk of insurgent groups in the rural areas of these states. We also advise the need for additional caution if travelling in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram."  

More Below.

A close friend of one of my friends here in Christchurch, an Indian scientist, died from his injuries after a hand-grenade was thrown into a crowd in Manipur whilst he was giving a talk about seven years ago.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Indian press release yesterday on the three-team tournament:

http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2012/08/12/the-north-east-lajong-super-series-to-feature-a-league-club-wellington-phoenix/

 ‘THE NORTH EAST LAJONG SUPER SERIES’ TO FEATURE A-LEAGUE CLUB, WELLINGTON PHOENIX

Published On: Sun, Aug 12th, 2012 Indian Tournaments | By Indian Football Network 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Guwahati (Assam): Attractive city of 1.5 million on banks of Brahmaputra River (one of India's largest). Game scheduled for midst of monsoon season - avg. August rainful = 264mm/ 18.5 rainy days; not a mountain area- only 55m elevation; area famous for wildlife and historic temples; BUT NOTE THERE IS A REAL TERRORIST RISK IN THIS AREA...

 Guwahati

Imphal (Manipur): State capital in mountains of remote Manipur state - 786 m elevation, pop 265,000; avg. rain Aug = 195 mm (monsoon season); not as hot as lowland India - avg. Aug temp 20-32 degrees C.; unique culture and Krishna worship the main religion; many terrorist incidents in Manipur the last decade and remains problematic, a large-scale terrorist assault on Manipur 21/10/08 by separatists. Two kinds of separarist militants: Manipuris wanting independence from India and tribals wanting their own autonomy.

NOTE THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ADVISE AGAINST TRAVEL TO MANIPUR (IMPHAL):

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/india#localtravel

Safety and Security - Local Travel - East and North East India
We advise against all travel in Manipur and against all but essential travel to Imphal. If you plan to travel to Imphal then do so only by air. There is a risk from insurgent groups, mainly in rural areas. Although foreigners have not been the deliberate targets of violence, attacks can be indiscriminate. Although the overall security situation in the northeast has improved in the last year, kidnapping, banditry and insurgency still take place. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk. Review your travel insurance policy, security arrangements and be aware that the level of consular assistance that we can provide may be extremely limited.

We advise you to take particular care while travelling to Assam in the lead up to, during and after India’s Independence Day (15 August) and Republic Day (26 January) celebrations. Rebels in Assam have in the past boycotted the celebrations and run-up to the events have been violent.

Kokrajhar and adjoining districts in Assam had been disrupted by violence in July 2012, leading to disruption in transport services. Visitors to Assam and neighbouring areas are advised to carefully consider the local situation, seek advice from local authorities while planning travel in and around the region and to avoid large crowds.

On 3 August 2011, an IED exploded in downtown Imphal, Manipur, killing five and injuring at least 20.

On 8 November 2010, eight separate attacks on civilians were co-ordinated by the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), claiming at least 19 lives across different locations in Assam. The attacks took place some distance from the state capital Guwahati (a 4+ hour drive).

On 30 October 2008, 11 bombs exploded in Assam. Guwahati and the Barpeta, Bongaigoan and Kokrajhar districts were affected. 77 people were killed and over 300 injured. Since then there have been a number of isolated attacks in Assam, most recently on 22 November 2009 at Nalbari.

On 21 October 2008, a bomb exploded in Imphal, Manipur killing 17 people and injuring many others.

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Avoid India’s NE: Australia to tourists

Melbourne: Australia has issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to reconsider their travel plans to India's north eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura.

Issuing a new advisory on Wednesday, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said, "We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur because of the risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism-related incidents."

"If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution.

"Insurgent groups have attacked civilians and bombed buildings. There is also a risk from insurgent groups in rural areas of these states," it said.

"In July 2012, inter-communal violence in the Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri districts of Assam reportedly caused a number of deaths and injuries. There are reports of displacement and disruption to transport services. Various districts have put curfews in place. Further violence may occur," it said.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Shillong (Meghalaya): mountainous location at 1500 m in small tribal state; pop 315,000; cool climate - 18-25 degrees avg. in Aug., 741 mm rain/ avg. 16 rainy days - one of the wettest places in India during August monsoon when the Phoenix are visiting! Three times the rainful of Imphal or Guwahati on average in August; intermittant flights and no rail connection.

There is only a minor terrorism problem in Meghalaya state - army units have been attacked this year in rural areas. The HNLC, a tribal Khasi terrorist group fighting for an independent homeland, mount sporadic attacks from their bases across the border in Bangladesh.

So no game at Pori park tomorrow night?

I know it's Porirua but don't think there is a travel advisory against it.

As far as I'm aware it's still on, that was from Miramar folks on Friday.  I will verify that tomorrow and post here.

19:30 Porirua.  Confirmation from Mar that it is on.

Porirua Park? Is that on Mungavin Avenue?

Yes.  The floodlights will be on so hard to miss.

Cheers. I know the club do not officially promote these "friendlies" but Victory and Sydney seem to splash similar matches all over Twitter. I suppose being Bling and Tards they get an emption from the rules everyone else must follow.

More likely theirs are FFA sanctioned.  Those are the equivalent of our India jaunt as opposed to these which are more just opposed trainings (officially).

Updates once again here: 

https://twitter.com/simonhampton9

Still you would think they would at least publicise these a bit better, even if just as training sessions. I live 5min drive from Pori park, will never pass up the oppurtunity to see the nix play on whats basically my doorstep, if only more people knew im sure they'd pop down too. Especially the young'ns. Would be a good way to get everyone in the mood

@JRBrockie has confirmed the game as well.

It's a little ridiculous the FFA have to sanction friendlies. I can't see any benefit to such a rule, and can only see it having downsides such as people not knowing about games such as these that are organised 'unofficially' 

Have decided I'll head along. Should be interesting enough.

For those who can't be @rsed:

3 nil through ifill. Awful defence from Mar

Simon Hampton ‏@simonhampton9

Totori makes it 1 nil. Same starting lineup as against lower hurt. Leo at rb

@simonhampton9 Hows Bertos at RB?

@Azevo looks solid. But not being tested much. Needs to play against decent opposition to be properly judged.

4th and 5th goals - Brockie

Just a guess, but it must be to do with money. Surely they'd want a slice of the pie when huge European or South American clubs tour, and decided that the easiest way to ensure that happens is to put a blanket ban on all unlicensed matches.

Final score 9 nill.

Interested to hear how the young guys are fitting in with the rest of the squad. Lindsay has always impressed me so hope hes looking good when coming on

Ft 9 nil to Phoenix. Boyd 4, Brockie 2, ifill, Doyle, totori the goal scorers.

Miramar were awful at the back. Boyd looks impressive, and I am a big fan of Lindsay in the holding role in front of a back four. Early days and not much of an opposition, will be good to see how they go on tour against better sides. 

Starting XI

                          Paston

Bertos     Sigmund       Durante        Lochhead

                         Manny

Brockie              Smith                  Totori

             Boyd                Ifill

Finished something like this.

                          Moss

Bertos           Boxall       Soloman        Rowe

                          Lindsay

Fenton                 Doyle            Biss

              Watson              Boyd

Couple of thoughts

- Certainly note Mar full team.  They coughed up a couple of simple goals.

- Defence looked a bit shaky at times.  Mar should have scored a couple.

- Totori looked much more involved, beating players and looking much more dangerous.

- Brockie again looked good.

- Boyd looks like a decent prospect.  Definately likes the ball in front of him, whereas Ifill was playing more back to goal type role.

The Nix defense was weird and unnecessarily stretched at times in the first half. Bertos and lochead were pushed way up,almost like wingbacks. That left siggy and dura getting sucked apart and out wide. 

But they weren't put under much constant pressure,so wasn't much of an issue in the game. Just an observation of some odd positional play (or formation experimentation?).  

Sydney FC playing McArthur.  Talk is some West Sydney fans have turned up and there has been a ruck.

@piignata9 Very disappointed in what happened tonight. Not needed and a few spoil it for everyone. Needs to be stopped now.

@piignata9 On the football front. Good display by @sydnetfc Plenty to be excited about for the up coming season #ramsydfc

(Hopefully they sort it and we don't get thugs in the Aleague)

Really impressed with Boyd, Id hope to see him get some game time this season. And Totori played well, i think he will be a handful.

Has Totori played CAM or striker yet in these games or has he just been a left winger? 

Primarily as a left winger. Ocassionally moved wide on the right. Has pace to burn and looked ok taking players on. He drifted out of the game a bit later in the first half, but nothing on the game so would be easy to do so. Youngsters  looked okay when they all came on in second half. 

Impressed with Boyd,  full of running and had some nice touches and stuck four away, so well done even if it was only agains Miramar.

While not Miramars full first team they were fucking woeful and although probably good for a change was probably of very little benefit to the Nix.

I suppose its early days yet but I kinda assumed he would play more as a striker - effectively replacing Greenacre up front.

Interesting that Bertos has been the only RB we've used so far, also thought that they might give Brockie, Boxall, and Siggie runs there.

Probably shouldn't read too much into these matches though, potential transfers still possible, and players like Lia and Sanchez out injured

Sounds like a few wankers out to cause trouble

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/outrage-as-boy-6-injured-in-brawl/story-fn63e0vj-1226450457937

Sounds like Boyd is taking his chances which is great - I guess a striker is gonna be measured by his goals and hes doing it so far.

I personally thought we'd play a 433 this year but the way we are lining up is making me question that