R2 vs WSW, Sunday 7pm SS1

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/videos/aleague/Wellington-press-conference/9003/1

Some thoughts on Sunday's game

http://aleftfootforstandingon.blogspot.co.uk/

A good read JD. Interesting comments on Lia. I agree that he deserves criticism for some of the "slopiness" he does show, it is just that in my opinion the level of criticism he receives boarders on vitriolic at times, following very similar patterns (and probably worse than) what has been seen in the recent past with both Brown and Lochhead .

The pattern is that lia has been consistently dreadful for years. 

And despite searching for at least 3 or 4 years, the club have found no one that is a) any better b) willing to come to Wellington c) Accept the salary the the Nix is able / willing to pay.

Jackson Bollock : Blue Poles diptych.

Oddly enough though, we can get a Costa Rican international.....

God imagine if he ended up being available for AWs

Ricki would pick him!

ACFC knitting circle pattern (sox X 2)

Is Lia eligible for NZ??

That would be hilarious!!

Thankfully, no. That ship had sailed before it ever arrived.

And the sad thing is that if he were, knowing Ricki he'd probably be in the squad. Much like Lochead he'd probably be "the best in the country"

I wouldn't be surprised if Lia is still on quite a bit, seeing as he's been here since Terry.

Ernie picked Vinnie to play and, yes he made  number of errors, but he obviously offers plenty for Ernie. We drew away at the minor premiers, and Vinnie had a shot saved on the line. With the slightest bit of luck he could have been named the match winner.

Give him some respect.

if luck had gone against him we could have conceeded 3 more

When you consider the cap space and Lia's wage, you could afford to pay a little bit (before Riera was signed) for a DM.

Lia's start to that game was about as crap as anyone else. The lack of a decent pre season was totally evident as everyone struggled to get into the torrid pace of the first half hour. Surprised me that everyone lifted to the extent they did, including Lia. After what he's been through at the Phoenix, he deserves a break from us. I wasn't expecting that sort of second half team performance until about December. At least we have a coach now that will drop anyone who doesn't perform, because we have depth now, and Ernie won't be afraid to play any kids who show they've got it, headed by Rufer when he's back.      

^ lost it

Lia is the Lochhead who was the new Paston who was the new Brown.

This Lia bashing is getting a little over the top. I can't say I particularly like him as a player but you guys are getting out of control.

The stats, as others here have posted, tend to support him. His passing accuracy overall is not unreasonable and his tackling rate is as good as any in the league. It is unfortunate that he gets caught out often, the few poor passes he makes are often particularly bad. This could be at least as much due to a lack of supporting options and hospital passes as poor ability.

Yes it would be nice to have two Mannys in midfield but we only have one and that's how it'll be until next season and it'll be long and tiresome season if all the threads are full of bitching about Lia after every game. He might not be the best passer, or good at holding up the ball but he can tackle and break up play which are important and necessary functions that our midfield needs and until Riera proves otherwise he is the best we have.

Deal with it.

If he were to cut out those dreadful passes straight to the opposition, he would be fine. There is no questioning his engine or desire but time after time and year after year, the perception is that he gives the ball away too easily. I think critisism on that level is fine but agree straight out calls as he's crap etc are unhelpful.

Watching the replay- love how poor we are giving the ball away with a poor pass, but the same from wsw is a slight mistake. According to commentators

Lia is a nice guy to talk to. An engine better than most, he'll run all day for you. It's just his passing at times is quite wayward yet he has been know to do the odd 40 yard pass successfully. His shooting ability is only dangerous to the members in the stand behind the goal/s. Some of his tackles are borderline red cards yet Lia will give you everything he's got. Commitment, bravery, effort (For the most part). He's not Franz Beckenbauer but he is better than some DM's around for sure.

No pleasing some people...

"Yeah his stats are good but those stats are bullshit and I know he is no good so there..."

Stats are one data point. Vinnie's aren't bad.

New scapegoat for sure.

Over this shit. 

Going to be a long season. 

Mods take control

And as soon as you start picking on a guy you tend to go looking for his mistakes.  I have a feeling Vinnies mistakes are going to show up like dogs balls this year simply because we're all watching him with a magnifying glass.