R13 v Adelaide United | Sun 1st Jan | 7:35pm | Kids Go Free

Well they have taken 4 points off us in two games. What does that say?

In my opinion the problem lies with the midfield. More specifically Bonevacia and Finkler.

Bonevacia is probably our most dangerous player on the ball as he has such a wide variety of skills at his disposal. His problem is being in enough time and space to properly execute his variety of passing and dribbling. In the past 2 seasons the opposition midfield were able to quickly shut him down and/or double team him in order to reduce his impact on the game. Now that we have players like Kosta and Finkler, along with Krishna and Parkhouse.The other team should not be able to do that without exposing themselves to penetration from our other threats. In theory anyway......

In reality our forwards aren't given enough chances due to our midfield not being able to effectively work together to create chances. Finkler pushes much to high, almost playing as a second striker, and although reduces pressure on the forwards allows the opposition midfield to close down Bonevacia without fear of over exposing themselves in the midfield. This means that Bonevacia is unable to make a substantial impact on the game. Also, because of the lack of passes coming through the midfield our forwards are forced to drop in to receive the ball. Krishna and Kosta aren't able to make those runs in behind because of how deep they have to drop in order to even touch the ball, let alone have a chance on net. The same applies to Watson. This was clearly evident in last nights game as I saw Kosta quite a few times back in to the oppositions defenders rather than make those crucial runs in behind the defense and Watson being caught deep while Krishna or Kosta runs at the defense rather than be in a position to hold up play and bring the rest of the team into the game.

Personally I think that the solution is to bring either mcglinchy( when he gets back from injury) or A-rod for Finkler. Stop relying on singular chance creator from the midfield who can't play that role effectivly (Finkler) and bring in two very capable players that are able to share the load and create chancesin a much more effective way.

It seems to me that Buckingham and Greenacre won't drop Finkler untill he either gets banned or injured.  I don't know what they see in him as although he does provide that moment of class every now and then for the other 89 minutes of the game he just gets caught out of position and loses the ball when in possesion.

Hi there all you Phoenix supporters. I've only just joined the forum but I've been following the Phoenix since "the man" made the decision at the barbers back in 2006/2007. 

  I follow the team from Philippines/Thailand where I live so I've never seen the team play in person but follow via all the social media sites and here for fans banter  and views.

  I've just done an analysis of the A-league teams last 4 games in the time that Buckingham/Greenie have been in charge. The only result outstanding is the Victory vs Jets match to be played later today. (We are 6 hours behind NZ).

  Sydney           10 pts from last 4 matches

 Victory               9 pts from last 3

  Jets                  7 pts from last 3

  Roar                 7 pts from last 4

  PHOENIX        6 pts from last 4

  City                  3 pts from last 4

  Wanderers       3 pts from last 4

  Glory                2 pts from last 4

  Adelaide           1 pt   from last 4

  Mariners           1 pt   from last 4

  Its not all doom and gloom. Of course all the Aussie teams are safe in their 20 year license and aren't under the same pressure as the Phoenix and that is just how the Aussies like and want it. 

  Have a great 2017 everyone and we can only move onward and upward from here. Don't look down in the cellar for that is for dwellers.

We also played the bottom teams.

So did the Jets  (7 pts)..... Phoenix, Adelaide and Glory. Actually both the Jets and Wanderers are above us and they drew against us so does that make them bottom teams ? 

It's been clear all season that the main problem with the team is the lack of midfield cohesion. Rather than shoehorn all our best players into the starting lineup, I'd like to see a formation better suited to our strengths.

A 3-4-3 would be a great fit. 

             Moss 

     Dura Fox Rossi 

Tratt- ARod Bonevacia Doyle

Kosta Krishna Parkhouse?

Roy needs to play through the middle. He scores goals (which we are in dire need of). Also Parkhouse was by all accounts the best State league winger in New South Wales so would like to see him get a bit of freedom to attack defenders. Also, our fullbacks are all arguably better in attack than defence. Tratt/Doyle/Parkhouse/Fenton could all play well in this type of system.

Finally, I think Rogerson should be given a fair go off the bench. We are struggling for creativity and he has been hugely impressive in the ASB Premiership for WeeNix (outshining Fox, Italiano, Rufer and McGarry). Tyler Boyd was a wildcard in his final season, offering positive impact off the bench. I think Rogerson could do the same. 

Des and Greenie have chance to have a gamble now. We're sitting at the bottom end of the table with relatively low expectations. They could do a lot worse than have a gamble. 

I usually only get to see the first half at home as I can't attend any games because of work at the moment. I will however use that 45 mins to pop balloons in my living room in support of Hatter. (even though it sounds like a completely stupid thing to do at the match)

This is from pages back but since I've only just seen the game I thought I'd quote it because it sums up how I feel about things, gloomy as it is. A massive Smeltz-inspired turnaround aside it seems clear that the season will be yet another damp squib. I was trying to find the positives in our performance but it's dispiriting trying to do so in the face of so much mediocrity. In a normal situation I wouldn't get so upset about that - after all, football is often full of mediocrity.

But as Conan says we aren't in a normal situation. With the future of the club once again right there in the limelight mediocrity cannot be an option for us. Whatever the hurdles, complications and caveats are - and we all know every tiresome detail of these by now - somehow and by someone the club needs to be taken by the scruff of the neck and turned into a winning outfit very soon. I don't mean a moneybags glamour club like Sydney FC but one with a hardnosed winning mentality that fans and bandwagoners alike will want to turn up and cheer for.

The club set a target of top 2 this year, now top 4 is the target. They know they can't rebuild, so the pressure is on Des and Chris.

Are you doing your hair differently these days FT? I hardly recognize you!

Why do you still come here?

It amuses me that you can recall everything that you think I post, you are wrong again. 

I have never made any useful contributions to this forum! 

well at least I no longer have to say it behind your back

Not really comparing apple with apples. Ernie had a proven track record and deserved to be given some time to make his mark. These two have experience as assistants in a mostly poor side, although I think Des has a little bit more than that TBF but is hardly Ernie.

Well I think the annoucement today gives at least some hope to my claims anyway. I could be wrong, but i think unless we finish at the very least 7th, the FFA will probably put a little bit of pressure for a new coach.

Most of that sounds true though. Not only are you a Herbert and Merrick apologist, but a Red Badge one too!

No more balloon chat in this match thread.

On topic posts (as in, the football match) only.

Well that burst this thread with a pop.

Question, should players and coaches be given normal contracts, performance based contracts or incentive based contracts?

Normal = guaranteed wages with some bonuses

Performance = like normal but but final finishing position determines size of the bonuses

Incentive = basic wages with massive bonuses for scoring, keeping clean sheets, reaching number one  on the table etc

(you would need to pay them there PFA Rate and find away to make payments outside the cap, oh like perth was it)

I think the latter. We like to think we are intrinicly motivated but money has a powerful meaning beyond its value tied up in pride and worth for a job well done. It would also create more competition for starting positions = no play less pay.

However it might burst the happy family bubble at the Nix.

Some of that exists (to a point) in that second year of a contract gets activated once a certain number of appearances is reached. This has happened with some of the players we previously contracted for a 1+1 option.  I know it is not the same but it is in the same vein.

I take issue with this. I would like to state for the record that I am not a public servant. 

Mods, take control, etc...

What is a public servant??

How about that muppet on the drum.

They should of been thrown out instead of Hatter

The drum was brought up, discussed and agreed upon at the hui. Which you chose not to attend. 

Thought it was bloody awesome the game before Christmas. Think drummer was a bit out of practice this time round, but will get better again. 

I think the drummer needs a second drum stick.two drum sticks and a drum make a better sound.

Stop talking out your arse.

The drum is supposed to keep the rhythm of the chant going. Its a bit difficult to keep the rhythm going when the drum beats are all over the place & often drown out the chant. 

Just my opinion

snare on 1 and 3, kick on 2 and 4

Get Up! I feel like a Sex Machine

Sounds like we have some volunteers for the drumming at next home game 

It'll get better as I work out what's best for each of the chants. Bass drum won't fit between the seats so this is all we can do.

Although if enough people really do hate what we are trying to do then I'll say fudge it and throw in the towel. Whats the point.

From what I'm reading, the general gist of thing's are that the majority AREN'T opposed of the drum in the Fever Zone, but perhaps the execution of it so far. Keep at it, it adds more noise and thus adds to the atmosphere in a stadium that looks large and lonely unless it's full. It's not often a new signing sets the world on fire! 

Don't think that is what Patrick meant.

it was agreed at the Hui that we'd trial it this season. So if the overall feedback at the end of the year is that it's not working then we'll stop.

The game before Christmas was bloody good with it. I was a convert then, after being somewhat skeptical before that. It'd be a hard (and apparently thankless) job, so good on you Patrick for taking it on. 

The drum is to help keep rhythm so chants don’t suffer from other sections picking up the chant late.

This is not what is happening. Good on Patrick for taking on the role, however, it could be carried out better to assist in the chants, not hinder them.