Steven Old

If Cleberson had been anything like the player that we hoped then neither Old or O'Dor would have gotten barely a minute this year. They would have been free to develop out of the spotlight. Neither was signed to start, I see no point in cutting them now when both have time on their side and are rated by their respective national set ups.
You forget O'dor could have been an U20 player this year, who else is starting at CB at that ages in this league?james dean2007-12-16 12:49:27

So if Cleberson had been a success  we could assume Rees would not have been signed. If that was true who would play in a back three with Dodd and Cleberson?

If you put him back in the nzfc he will most probably shine. That's great for his confidence but he is not going to improve as fast. That's  because he wouldn't be challenged and exposed to full-time football. You improve better and become more experienced if you are exposed to a higer level.

  Plodder

Sort of come to the conclusion that Old is not 'match aware' - he plays in his own space and that's about it; may win a ball from the opposition and then that - to him - is job done. Hoof it up the field.
Similarly when he ventures forward for corners he's been caught offside a couple of times (once denying us a goal?) - again not 'match aware'. And wasn't there a back pass the other week that could have had tragic results?

Maybe Stu Jacobs or who-ever could have some policy with Team Wellington to bring players through for the Phoenix - and conversely move players from the Phoenix to TW

I agree wih the majority of the posts, but Old ws marking Kruse, and i thought Kruse was shut down quite well by Old. He barely got passed him
He is slow and i do always kringe if a striker is one on one with him but he will only get better.
He should stay as a kiwi and we get rid of Christie and O Dour for better guys

I'll post this again.

I think a lot of the praise goes to Lochhead for Kruse being ineffective also. He hardly saw the ball, thank f**k for that.

Ya, Lochhead and Old had him completely figured out. He was useless because of it.

It's true you know. I saw the Roar v Victory at Suncorp a few weeks back, and Kruse was absolutely devastating on that right side. Always took players on and beat them, just a nightmare for the Victory back four. Other than setting up the goal the other night, he did nothing. Credit to our left side.

yeah right they did mate. he roasted us with the run and ball he laid off for the goal.  i thought he looked class on the ball til he got a knock.

Old & Lochead were our 2 worst players on the park.

He made one run all game, which ended in a cross that should have been cut out if Rees had marked up.

Other than that it was an ok game down the left

4-4-2

lol was just about to say that... if clebo had worked we would sitll play 4-4-1 or 4-5-1, therefore it would be obvious

O.k. Will be interesting to see what happens for next year. We seem to be defending better with 3 at the back.

That's a fair point as well.   I still think Rici prefers 4 at the back but you're right, it has looked a lot better