Chief stated he was delighted with how he played in that position against Nunawading. He played at right back for Sydney quite often too IIRC. Theoretically, this move from DM to a back three should be straightforward. But the question remains whether he's actually any good or not, in any position.
Wouldnt be the first time Nix fans have been quick to judge a player as no good only to have that player win the fans over once settled and a few games under their belt. So im happy to wait till the season proper is a few games in before being judgmental about a player or the team.
My questions revolve more around Retre being played as a CB, given he barely even played as a midfielder last season. 😅
Admittedly Nunawading City wasn't a high level but Retre brought the ball out from the back & helped launch our attacks in the second half in that match. Maybe that is what the thinking is behind this. When Piper is back fit, maybe he can slot in and be that ball playing CB that Chief envisioned when he was sign last season.
Agree, that might've been Italiano's thinking on Retre - 'lets see if he can do it again'. But IMO Piper's ball control vision and passing are weak. He won't set up play like Retre did. He'll pass to simeone who can. He's best used up front where he can use his gifts - winning headers and barging past players on attack.RR
YoungHeartHM
ballane
Wouldnt be the first time Nix fans have been quick to judge a player as no good only to have that player win the fans over once settled and a few games under their belt. So im happy to wait till the season proper is a few games in before being judgmental about a player or the team.
My questions revolve more around Retre being played as a CB, given he barely even played as a midfielder last season. 😅
Admittedly Nunawading City wasn't a high level but Retre brought the ball out from the back & helped launch our attacks in the second half in that match. Maybe that is what the thinking is behind this. When Piper is back fit, maybe he can slot in and be that ball playing CB that Chief envisioned when he was sign last season.
Chief stated he was delighted with how he played in that position against Nunawading. He played at right back for Sydney quite often too IIRC. Theoretically, this move from DM to a back three should be straightforward. But the question remains whether he's actually any good or not, in any position.
Lol. This is some comedy writing. 3 and a half sentences of reporting of information and the punchline that you didn’t see coming.
Went on to buy tickets to the game in Auckland and bloody hell that team is ripping the piss with the prices. Adults are $40 minimum and that’s for GA in the uncovered south end. Nosebleeds are $50 and then anywhere closer to the pitch is $60+
From what I can see on the map, sections 1, 2, and 10 (west stand at the north end of the pitch) are greyed out so would seem they are the away sections
Went on to buy tickets to the game in Auckland and bloody hell that team is ripping the piss with the prices. Adults are $40 minimum and that’s for GA in the uncovered south end. Nosebleeds are $50 and then anywhere closer to the pitch is $60+
From what I can see on the map, sections 1, 2, and 10 (west stand at the north end of the pitch) are greyed out so would seem they are the away sections
Hopefully the club will organize a discount for season ticket holders again.
Went on to buy tickets to the game in Auckland and bloody hell that team is ripping the piss with the prices. Adults are $40 minimum and that’s for GA in the uncovered south end. Nosebleeds are $50 and then anywhere closer to the pitch is $60+
From what I can see on the map, sections 1, 2, and 10 (west stand at the north end of the pitch) are greyed out so would seem they are the away sections
Going to TicketMonster and selecting Adult - Away Supporter as ticket type, all that comes up for me is half of bay 1 and about a quarter of bay 2. So either lots of Nix supporters have already bought their derby tickets or AFC are being as visitor-friendly as last season. Noting how the available seats are all clustered together I'm leaning towards the latter.
30 days for Chiefy to turn Eze into Lewandowski. Mata is not coming is he? Any rumours?
Note both the Nix and Auckland start their ALM seasons on 18th Oct, only 3 days after the AWs game in Oslo (15th Oct our time).
Maybe Payne, Rufer (and possibly LBS if picked) fly to Perth post the AWs game verus Poland (10th Oct our time)?
But yeah don't be surprised to see Sheridan get some mins at RB over the next few weeks, with some uncertainty about whether Payne starts in Perth. Noting Piper is injured and Loke is now in Chile for next 2-3 weeks.
Went on to buy tickets to the game in Auckland and bloody hell that team is ripping the piss with the prices. Adults are $40 minimum and that’s for GA in the uncovered south end. Nosebleeds are $50 and then anywhere closer to the pitch is $60+
From what I can see on the map, sections 1, 2, and 10 (west stand at the north end of the pitch) are greyed out so would seem they are the away sections
Hopefully the club will organize a discount for season ticket holders again.
Pretty sure the club is trying to work on it. If its anything like last season Auckland wernt very helpful. Greyed out areas might be tickets they are allocating to Nix. Hopefully
49 days until Nix v AFC Do I drive down again? The game last year was crap. The mate I stayed with is deceased. My car needs new tires. I pay thru the nose for Sky Sport... Decisions... decisions...
Has anyone heard from the club or anyone in the fan engagement group about the away derby fan experience? Both were a shambles last year and am deciding if I bother travelling again.
Has anyone heard from the club or anyone in the fan engagement group about the away derby fan experience? Both were a shambles last year and am deciding if I bother travelling again.
Considering Nick Becker was seemingly shifting blame by putting it out there that Wanderers fans are known for causing trouble and security weren't properly briefed (which is surely Auckland FC's fault?) etc after the violence last season, and then claiming that there were no issues at the derbies and that it was just Nix fans trying to 'get their names in the paper' (Also said he hadn't heard anything from the Nix or the Fever after the derbies relating to any issues) - I wouldn't expect that Auckland have learnt much from last season...but we can always hope!
Has anyone heard from the club or anyone in the fan engagement group about the away derby fan experience? Both were a shambles last year and am deciding if I bother travelling again.
Considering Nick Becker was seemingly shifting blame by putting it out there that Wanderers fans are known for causing trouble and security weren't properly briefed (which is surely Auckland FC's fault?) etc after the violence last season, and then claiming that there were no issues at the derbies and that it was just Nix fans trying to 'get their names in the paper' (Also said he hadn't heard anything from the Nix or the Fever after the derbies relating to any issues) - I wouldn't expect that Auckland have learnt much from last season...but we can always hope!
For sure FC’s version of professional football in the 09 does not include 18 years of up to 3 Phoenix games a year.
Has anyone heard from the club or anyone in the fan engagement group about the away derby fan experience? Both were a shambles last year and am deciding if I bother travelling again.
It has most defiantly been brought up. Becker and Auckland seem to have taken the approach there was nothing wrong. The Phoenix had tried to engage them before the game with little success. On game day the Nix had a person in and around the YF zone trying to troubleshoot things. YF assigned a couple of people to liase with her and try and cover issues but sadly Auckland and their security didnt want to listen to 17 years of experience. The club is TRYING to speak to them again about the upcoming Derby as they seem to be playing funny buggars with the ticketing again.
Apparently Sydney are doing their Tour of Duty there this season will be interesting if Auckland mess them around as they have other fan bases. Becker needs to talk to his staff if he reckons they havnt been contacted. Paige did a brilliant effort of slamming his lies last season.
Has anyone heard from the club or anyone in the fan engagement group about the away derby fan experience? Both were a shambles last year and am deciding if I bother travelling again.
I have actually heard of a number of people who just arnt going to bother going this year simply because of the shark that went down last season.
Has anyone heard from the club or anyone in the fan engagement group about the away derby fan experience? Both were a shambles last year and am deciding if I bother travelling again.
I have actually heard of a number of people who just arnt going to bother going this year simply because of the shark that went down last season.
Yeah we’re on the fence for sure. Keep us posted if you hear anything else or anything new, thanks! If fever have some big plans I could probably be easily convinced
Does make me worry to hear him talk about Piper like that. Actually, it makes my blood run cold.
Piper last season could play all those positions, but not very well. He could surge forward, but not pass. He could smash home a header, but not control a five metre pass.
Does make me worry to hear him talk about Piper like that. Actually, it makes my blood run cold.
Piper last season could play all those positions, but not very well. He could surge forward, but not pass. He could smash home a header, but not control a five metre pass.
True, but he's in a professional environment so you'd hope he will improve over time. Granted he's not going to turn into Mbappe but I'd expect a more polished Piper this year (fingers crossed)
Does make me worry to hear him talk about Piper like that. Actually, it makes my blood run cold.
Piper last season could play all those positions, but not very well. He could surge forward, but not pass. He could smash home a header, but not control a five metre pass.
True, but he's in a professional environment so you'd hope he will improve over time. Granted he's not going to turn into Mbappe but I'd expect a more polished Piper this year (fingers crossed)
Actually thought he looked his best last season when he was out wide as a wingback/winger, had more opportunity with some space.
Does make me worry to hear him talk about Piper like that. Actually, it makes my blood run cold.
Piper last season could play all those positions, but not very well. He could surge forward, but not pass. He could smash home a header, but not control a five metre pass.
Really think your understating his contribution, he offered way more than what you have stated. That was all on the back of only just arriving in a professional environment. Admittedly injury has probably held his preparation for this season up but on last years efforts he deserves the opportunity to show what he can do and not just the odd game here or there either.
That is going to unfortunately be the issue with his osteitis pubis injury. A hugely disrupted pre season for him, with likely very little on the grass training.
So sadly not the 3-4 month hard training and development opportunity it could have been for Piper. Doubt he will be getting many mins for first month or so.
But yeah agree with the overall idea that he can improve as a player, being still new to a quality pro football environment.
That is going to unfortunately be the issue with his osteitis pubis injury. A hugely disrupted pre season for him, with likely very little on the grass training.
So sadly not the 3-4 month hard training and development opportunity it could have been for Piper. Doubt he will be getting many mins for first month or so.
But yeah agree with the overall idea that he can improve as a player, being still new to a quality pro football environment.
He didnt sound at all confidant of being ready to go for the first round when i spoke to him at the open day. Such a bloody shame he hasnt been able to put the work in we all thought he might be able to. Sure hope all the doom sayers remember that when they start on about him.
A 3-4-3 with two 10s sounds unusual, especially for a team with no out-and-out 10s. Najjarine and Ishige? Nagasawa? Maybe it's a 3 2 2 3, with two 6s, and the three up front includes two wingbacks. Bit of a stretch calling that a 3-4-3. In reality it's a back 5, but if so, maybe:
Sheridan James Hughes Rufer Nagasawa Ishige Najjarine Payne(!) Eze Armiento
