Interested to know what people think needs to happen for the
club to be more competitive in 2008 and
beyond.�
E.g., should�the club�be looking to recruit more All Whites?
My view is�that�the All Whites side would not cut it in the A-League, even with Ryan Nelsen as their marquee player.� Ricki is trying to play 'real' football, just like the other A-League sides are, and there aren't currently enough Kiwi lads (either overseas or domestically) with the skills and pace to be competitive at the A-League level (which is going to getter stronger and better each season).�
In the medium term, the Phoenix will need to rely on Australians and imports for the bulk or core of the team to have any chance of being competitive.
Also, I think for next season the club will need to recruit 5 or 6 players that are a good notch above some of the current players if we are going to be competitive.� I know the defence was suspect earlier on in the season, but I think our biggest problem now is up front when we're trying to do things in the final third of the pitch.� We seem to lack the pace and clinical finishing required at this level with the current squad (even against Perth last week, the score should have been double, particularly against nine men, although the win was very welcomed).�
Also the decision making�often seems to be too slow and it's amazing how many times we lose the ball in the midfield and up front because players are waiting for the ball to arrive at their feet rather than going to meet it.� The club will need to think really hard about the squad for next season and I don't think there will be a higher proportion of Kiwis in it, if we are going to be competitive. The best news for Kiwi football is that the club is looking to get a team into the youth/reserve A-League.� Whatever the costs we need to do this starting in 2008 and NZ Football needs to come to the party if it is going to develop the game to a level where we are producing good pro players.�
This is a better current long-term investment for the game and needs to be prioritised ahead of even the All Whites.
E.g., should�the club�be looking to recruit more All Whites?
My view is�that�the All Whites side would not cut it in the A-League, even with Ryan Nelsen as their marquee player.� Ricki is trying to play 'real' football, just like the other A-League sides are, and there aren't currently enough Kiwi lads (either overseas or domestically) with the skills and pace to be competitive at the A-League level (which is going to getter stronger and better each season).�
In the medium term, the Phoenix will need to rely on Australians and imports for the bulk or core of the team to have any chance of being competitive.
Also, I think for next season the club will need to recruit 5 or 6 players that are a good notch above some of the current players if we are going to be competitive.� I know the defence was suspect earlier on in the season, but I think our biggest problem now is up front when we're trying to do things in the final third of the pitch.� We seem to lack the pace and clinical finishing required at this level with the current squad (even against Perth last week, the score should have been double, particularly against nine men, although the win was very welcomed).�
Also the decision making�often seems to be too slow and it's amazing how many times we lose the ball in the midfield and up front because players are waiting for the ball to arrive at their feet rather than going to meet it.� The club will need to think really hard about the squad for next season and I don't think there will be a higher proportion of Kiwis in it, if we are going to be competitive. The best news for Kiwi football is that the club is looking to get a team into the youth/reserve A-League.� Whatever the costs we need to do this starting in 2008 and NZ Football needs to come to the party if it is going to develop the game to a level where we are producing good pro players.�
This is a better current long-term investment for the game and needs to be prioritised ahead of even the All Whites.
edited with spacesjames dean2007-12-14 11:59:58
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I think you need to have a look at our results. It's hard to argue
that we aren't good enough in the final third when we have scored
the second most goals in the league. And yes, the midfield gives
the ball away some, but so does every team. We aren't Arsenal and
this isn't the premiership. 5/6 players better than what we already
have? At the moment the only guys who haven' played are the three
kids (Costa aside), I assume we aren't replacing them. Brownlie
maybe, he hasn't really impressed. I really think we only need
minor tinkering, not wholesale changes. If we can recruit 2 quality
imports we have the makings of a fantastic side.
Normo's coming home
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Thanks for the editing JD - that's much better
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We just need to get rid of a couple and add a few. Mostly
defenders. Aloisi, Johnson and maybe Coveny won't be playing next
year most likely so we'll need to find good replacements.
a.haak
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I think you need to have a look at our results. It's hard to argue
that we aren't good enough in the final third when we have scored
the second most goals in the league. And yes, the midfield gives
the ball away some, but so does every team. We aren't Arsenal and
this isn't the premiership. 5/6 players better than what we already
have? At the moment the only guys who haven' played are the three
kids (Costa aside), I assume we aren't replacing them. Brownlie
maybe, he hasn't really impressed. I really think we only need
minor tinkering, not wholesale changes. If we can recruit 2 quality
imports we have the makings of a fantastic side.
whilst we are second in goals for, we are seventh in total shots and seventh in terms of percentage of those shots on target - so 'perhaps' room for improvement
(given those stats - the ones that were between the sticks must have been struck fairly well, for us to be second in the scoring stakes)
in terms of passing we are fourth in the list of successfully completed passes (i don't know what percentage of our total attempted passes are successful)
I'm happy with the squad for this season, but would like to see 3-5 players recruited (i agree with a new striker and a right sided defender being priorities as already well acknowledged on this board).
I'd like to see what Lia and ferrante do over the next few weeks, as they seem to be having increasing influence of late.
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.I'd like to see what Lia and ferrante do over the next few weeks, as they seem to be having increasing influence of late.
Correct. Those two in midfield have been part of some good performances
I think total shots is a meaningless stat, blasting them into row z counts as a total shot. But that's not creative or attacking. Apparently Marconho (Roar) has had the most shots in the league (or close to), he's not a goal scorer. I think the end product is what counts, and we are doing well in that respect. We probably should hav had the most goals in the league with the chances that we have created, but that's still been a real positive of the season. james dean2007-12-14 12:30:56
Normo's coming home
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agreed JD, one stat means very little by itself
and no one has yet (thank goodness) developed a stat for how much the fans love their club - which is a pretty important factor - so til they do I'm claiming top spot for us!!
edit- having said that, most of my (limited) knowledge of coaching indicates that it's more likely that teams are better off if they coach players to shoot if in doubt, rather than not shooting
tigers2007-12-14 12:48:08
and no one has yet (thank goodness) developed a stat for how much the fans love their club - which is a pretty important factor - so til they do I'm claiming top spot for us!!
edit- having said that, most of my (limited) knowledge of coaching indicates that it's more likely that teams are better off if they coach players to shoot if in doubt, rather than not shooting
tigers2007-12-14 12:48:08
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Out:
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
People who we should definitely sign:
Sigmund and Bertos.
Other things we need:
A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing (and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition. Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
People who we should definitely sign:
Sigmund and Bertos.
Other things we need:
A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing (and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition. Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
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I'm not sure that we need too many more players to improve the
squad. I think the defense is looking better the last couple of
games and with a proper preseason will look even better together,
building on the combinations etc.
Perhaps a predator up front and maybe some more pace in the two imports to come in would be good other than that let the team build for another year and then we can really pass judgement
Perhaps a predator up front and maybe some more pace in the two imports to come in would be good other than that let the team build for another year and then we can really pass judgement
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Costa looked impressive in the Beckham game, and it may be too
close to 'crunch time' in the league for him to start, what with us
needing results to finish strongly. However next year there may be
less pressure and Costa may be able to get some gametime and we can
see how he stacks up. May replace the attacking speed of Covs if he
stops playing.
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I think it's more important for the Phoenix to field a competitive
side regardless of the nationalities of its players. Club and
international football are different things, I'll cheer for Ahmad
Elrich when he's wearing black and yellow but not when he's wearing
green and gold (okay thats a lie, I'm half Aussie so I'll cheer for
the Socceroos...when they're not playing the All Whites). I want
both the Phoenix and the All Whites to do well, but I'd rather not
sacrifice potential Phoenix progress by signing All Whites over
other players who may be better, or vice versa.
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I think this squad has the potential to do very well with minimal
changes. We definitely need a specialist right back, and some
pace up front would make us very hard to stop.
I would be happy with three additions, one striker, one midfielder, and one right back, and all better than what we have already. That would make us title contenders.
Bones2007-12-14 14:42:10
I would be happy with three additions, one striker, one midfielder, and one right back, and all better than what we have already. That would make us title contenders.
Bones2007-12-14 14:42:10
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I don't think Covs needs replacing yet and has another season in
him - have been very impressed with his form all season but
especially in the latter parts where he has linked well with
Smeltz.
Imagine the benefits it has for Costa and Draper to be training with and learning from a player like Covs.
Imagine the benefits it has for Costa and Draper to be training with and learning from a player like Covs.
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Coveny will be struggling to keep fit and healthy next year I
think. He's fine this year because he has been managed well by the
coaching staff but he'll be a bit-part player next year imo.
a.haak
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Out:Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).People
who we should definitely sign:Sigmund and Bertos. Other things we
need:A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing
(and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition.
Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
We should definitely keep Brownlie. In the match against Melbourne (first match) he did well hitting the post, against Newcastle he rugby tackled a player, and although he didn't score against the Galaxy, he played superbly and had a lot of shots. If he was to get regular gametime he would eventually score and that would boost his confidence and the floodgates could open.
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We should definitely keep Brownlie. In the match against Melbourne (first match) he did well hitting the post, against Newcastle he rugby tackled a player, and although he didn't score against the Galaxy, he played superbly and had a lot of shots. If he was to get regular gametime he would eventually score and that would boost his confidence and the floodgates could open.
That rugby tackle was class, wasn't it?
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Out:
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
we should get rid of o'dor before old. old has improved quite
a lot imo.
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Out:
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
we should get rid of o'dor before old. old has improved quite
a lot imo.
We should keep both. They are both young and will only get better.
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keep johnson far out he aint that old how about coveny as our youth
captain
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keep johnson far out he aint that old how about coveny as our youth
captain
How about Coveny and Aloisi as coaches for the youth team? Could be a great way to keep them with the club?
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Out:
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
we should get rid of o'dor before old. old has improved quite
a lot imo.
We should keep both. They are both young and will only get better.
yea you're right there.
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Out:
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
we should get rid of o'dor before old. old has improved quite
a lot imo.
We should keep both. They are both young and will only get better.
here here....... they are the future at the back for the club.... and both have improved alot this season... and with another season of steady improvement they will start to command regular game time and become more consistent
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Didn't Covs sign a two-year contract?
I'd keep Johno for one more season - man can still play
I'd look to get Ross Aloisi involved in the coaching side of things if we could, and bring his brother over to be our marquee and gun striker. He'd score plenty of goals here.
I think Daniel is hanging around for another year - we should look to keep Felipe. Look elsewhere for some solid defensive players - not Brazil (no disrespect).
I'd keep Johno for one more season - man can still play
I'd look to get Ross Aloisi involved in the coaching side of things if we could, and bring his brother over to be our marquee and gun striker. He'd score plenty of goals here.
I think Daniel is hanging around for another year - we should look to keep Felipe. Look elsewhere for some solid defensive players - not Brazil (no disrespect).
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Gee what's the rush to retire Coveny?
I thought he has been one of the more spritely players in the
box- what was that goal he scored against...adelaide was it?
He is exact example of the shots/goals ratio...taking time to
make a good shot- if you compare brownlie blasting, and frequently
wide against LA Galaxy, with Covs turning and making the keeper
save it....
i think he's class anyway...
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Out:
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
People who we should definitely sign:
Sigmund and Bertos.
Other things we need:
A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing (and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition. Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
Brownlie, Old, Johnson (age), Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
People who we should definitely sign:
Sigmund and Bertos.
Other things we need:
A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing (and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition. Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
100%
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[QUOTE=KTBW]Out:
Brownlie, Old, Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
People who we should definitely sign:
Sigmund and Bertos, BOB0 BALD3 as import.
Other things we need:
A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing (and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition. Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
Brownlie, Old, Coveny (Age), Aloisi (Age).
People who we should definitely sign:
Sigmund and Bertos, BOB0 BALD3 as import.
Other things we need:
A proper right back and somebody else who can play right wing (and perhaps cover RB as well) to give Elrich some competition. Another genuine striker is an absolute must as well.
i agree with that.,
thats class bro, never knew you thought I want to be banned
was class 
ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH
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Gee what's the rush to retire Coveny?
I thought he has been one of the more spritely players in the
box- what was that goal he scored against...adelaide was it?
He is exact example of the shots/goals ratio...taking time to
make a good shot- if you compare brownlie blasting, and frequently
wide against LA Galaxy, with Covs turning and making the keeper
save it....
i think he's class anyway...
Who said we wanted him to retire? Reality sucks but I don't think he will last another year.
a.haak
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havent we done this like 10 times already this season. we all know
we would like imports, leo bertos and a defender if it
aint already an import. Man_utd_fan2007-12-14 22:13:31
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I recon we should get rid of Plodder, I don't believe the club
needs him.
Supporter world's best and worst football teams: Waikato/WaiBop, Kingz, Knights, Phoenix, The Argyle, The Whites & the All Whites
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Does anyone know the exact rules for the proposed youth/reserve
league.
1, Do all the players have to be under 21?
2, Do all the Phoenix players have to be kiwis?
3, Will the two teams travel and play the same day...the young team as curtain raiser?
4, Why don't penguins get cold feet?
1, Do all the players have to be under 21?
2, Do all the Phoenix players have to be kiwis?
3, Will the two teams travel and play the same day...the young team as curtain raiser?
4, Why don't penguins get cold feet?
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At this stage the Phoenix are not part of it... as for 4, I would
imagine so.
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Does anyone know the exact rules for the proposed youth/reserve
league.
1, Do all the players have to be under 21?
2, Do all the Phoenix players have to be kiwis?
3, Will the two teams travel and play the same day...the young team as curtain raiser?
4, Why don't penguins get cold feet?
1, Do all the players have to be under 21?
2, Do all the Phoenix players have to be kiwis?
3, Will the two teams travel and play the same day...the young team as curtain raiser?
4, Why don't penguins get cold feet?
cos they get engaged for at least 3 years
I like tautologies because I like them.
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this years NZFC youth league should unveil some talent likly for a
spot if there is one
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this years NZFC youth league should unveil some talent likly for a
spot if there is one
Speaking of which, first youth league home game for us is against Waitak, as a curtain raiser for the January 13 match.
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Re 2008... all very well to say we need some new players for our
top team (and we do - 3 or 4 minimum), but where are they coming
from?
Did I read somewhere that instead of looking at South America,
Ricki was hoping to recruit from the English
leagues? Anyone confirm that?
I guess we could always try the Scottish leagues. Even if
their players don't speak English. 
scribbler2007-12-17 15:04:33
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we had english players with the knights but that didnt work.if we
go for players from south american or eastern europe leagues they
dont cost as much aswell
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I think he said Europe not England...
Normo's coming home
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I think he said Europe not England...
That's what I recall as well.
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