Congratulations to the All Whites on progressing to the next stage of World Cup qualification.
�
With next week's return match against New Caledonia being a "dead game" as far as WC qualification is concerned how about - in deference to the Phoenix, who pay most of his salary, and the fans who shell out and turn out to support the Phoenix, Ricki;
�
- releases the Nix starters from the All Whites squad so they can return to training for next Sunday's game
�
- returns himself to the Nix to support his captain in turning around the poor start to the season.
�
�
The benefits of doing this;
�
- fringe All Whites�(including 2nd tier Nix payers) will get�to experience international football - in a�low pressure situation.
�
- the assistant All Whites coach will also get the opportunity for the same experience
�
- Herbert will show commitment to the Nix and it's fans and, very importantly, to his captain and the squad members left behind to�work on turning things around.
�
- we won't have starters for next week's� Nix game who are jaded because they have recently played 2 internationals (one in heat and humidity).
�
If we are to make the top 4 we will probably have to finish higher than CCM (top 3 looking like Adelaide, Sydney and Victory) so this Sunday is a 6 point game.
�
If we are to stop the rot we have to start winning.
�
This week is a bloody important game !!!
�
well said completely agree with what you are saying
Permalink
Permalink
i expect the auckland media would have a field day if that happened (assuming, of course, that they actually noticed)
and i imagine happyted would mutate into 'ecstatic Ted'
Permalink
Permalink
and i imagine happyted would mutate into 'ecstatic Ted'
Permalink
Permalink
sure hope that Ricki can make that happen
You know we belong together...
Permalink
Permalink
Ricki is on the radio news currently stating they will play the same side as they need them to get used to playing together for the bigger matches ahead.
Permalink
Permalink
Ricki is on the radio news currently stating they will play the same side as they need them to get used to playing together for the bigger matches ahead.
He has not applied the same approach to the Nix (consistency of formation / selection) 
The Confederations Cup is 9 months away
The All Whites will have lead up games closer to the Confederations Cup to sort out formations, line-ups etc.
If having the Nix coach as the All Whites coach is to work (and I personally think the concept is fundamentally flawed and will end in tears) there has to be give and take - so far it has all been take. The Nix game against CCM is far more important (to me anyway) than a dead game against New Caledonia and Ricki's excuse for not releasing players stands no scrutiny - there are actually a number of benefits for the All Whites in releasing the Nix starters from the All Whites squad - mostly around building depth by giving fringe All White's players a start.
For me this is an acid test of where Herbert's priorities lie and, when push comes to shove, who will suffer - Nix or All Whites.
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
Permalink
Permalink
No. Its a GREAT example of him seperating both jobs.
Something you have been pushing to happen.
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
I think there is perhaps too much pressure on the Nix to win this upcoming game, and it's probably going to have a negative affect. We should be supporting them whether they win or lose, as long as they play well. That's why most of us seem to be heartbroken: the Nix have been playing like they just don't care.
I don't mind if they lose to the Mariners on Sunday, as long as they put some effort in this time.
I don't mind if they lose to the Mariners on Sunday, as long as they put some effort in this time.
Permalink
Permalink
No. Its a GREAT example of him seperating both jobs....
Great for who ?
Great for; the majority of the Nix squad who will have had no coach for the thick end of 2 weeks, for Andrew Durante who has had to try and maintain a positive culture while the coach is away, for the Nix fans who will have jaded starters lining up next week ......... ??
The only way to separate the jobs is to have different people do them.
Whether we like it or not this Sunday's game is bloody important. The vib around my office is along the lines of "pity about the Phoenix - was great while it lasted".
We have to win and we can ill afford a part time coach with mixed and conflicting loyalties.
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
Permalink
Permalink
I agree with Tegel, Ricki has made absolutely the right decision. When he is coaching the nix that should be where his focus is, when with the AW's that is where it should be. This decision is a great example of him keeping his focus where it should be at the moment
www.kiwifromthecouch.blogspot.com
Permalink
Permalink
yeah but that's exactly the problem
I like tautologies because I like them.
Permalink
Permalink
Some of the above comments really seem to be missing the point. If I was the AWs coach and not the Phoenix coach I would almost certainly make the same decision as Ricki has made now. IE play my best XI against New Cal. There are two key reasons for this.
1) The AWs don't get together very often so every opportunity for them to play together is important.
2) The game is at home, in Auckland. By indicating that all the big names will play in advance it increases the likelihood of a proper turnout. Lets face it, considering how apathetic the Aucklanders are it's unlikely they would turn up to watch the AWs second XI vs New Cal. We need all the $ and exposure we can get for football in NZ and playing our best team at home is the best way to do this and to provide some proper entertainment as well.
Now, if Ricki were to withdraw all the 'Nix players from his XI for this game (and as some have suggested above) to actually leave the AWs camp entirely and return to the Phoenix that would be a huge indication that he values his work for the Phoenix above the work of the AWs. How would you feel as an AWs player if Ricki protected the Nix players and actually took off to leave the assistant to manage you for the final home game of the season. Pretty let down I'd imagine, especially if you are a top pro who has travelled right across the world to play in this game.
Frankly, I think country should come before club, and although I do think having one manager for both sides is a far from ideal situation at least Ricki is taking a balanced, bipartisan approach to the job, focusing on the 'Nix when he is doing that job and on the AWs when he is with them.
KTBW2008-09-07 17:22:51
1) The AWs don't get together very often so every opportunity for them to play together is important.
2) The game is at home, in Auckland. By indicating that all the big names will play in advance it increases the likelihood of a proper turnout. Lets face it, considering how apathetic the Aucklanders are it's unlikely they would turn up to watch the AWs second XI vs New Cal. We need all the $ and exposure we can get for football in NZ and playing our best team at home is the best way to do this and to provide some proper entertainment as well.
Now, if Ricki were to withdraw all the 'Nix players from his XI for this game (and as some have suggested above) to actually leave the AWs camp entirely and return to the Phoenix that would be a huge indication that he values his work for the Phoenix above the work of the AWs. How would you feel as an AWs player if Ricki protected the Nix players and actually took off to leave the assistant to manage you for the final home game of the season. Pretty let down I'd imagine, especially if you are a top pro who has travelled right across the world to play in this game.
Frankly, I think country should come before club, and although I do think having one manager for both sides is a far from ideal situation at least Ricki is taking a balanced, bipartisan approach to the job, focusing on the 'Nix when he is doing that job and on the AWs when he is with them.
KTBW2008-09-07 17:22:51
Permalink
Permalink
Congratulations to the All Whites on progressing to the next stage of World Cup qualification.
With next week's return match against New Caledonia being a "dead game" as far as WC qualification is concerned how about - in deference to the Phoenix, who pay most of his salary, and the fans who shell out and turn out to support the Phoenix, Ricki;
- releases the Nix starters from the All Whites squad so they can return to training for next Sunday's game
- returns himself to the Nix to support his captain in turning around the poor start to the season.
The benefits of doing this;
- fringe All Whites (including 2nd tier Nix payers) will get to experience international football - in a low pressure situation.
- the assistant All Whites coach will also get the opportunity for the same experience
- Herbert will show commitment to the Nix and it's fans and, very importantly, to his captain and the squad members left behind to work on turning things around.
- we won't have starters for next week's Nix game who are jaded because they have recently played 2 internationals (one in heat and humidity).
If we are to make the top 4 we will probably have to finish higher than CCM (top 3 looking like Adelaide, Sydney and Victory) so this Sunday is a 6 point game.
If we are to stop the rot we have to start winning.
This week is a bloody important game !!!
Can see these are good points but also-
it would be nice for them to practice winning!!
...and this is the team who will be in for the Confed cup and then the World Cup playoff...want them to get as much time together as possible...
yeh the club v country thing....I am 50/50 on this at the mo'. What if Smeltz doesn't play and we lose to New Caledonia?
Brown, Bertos, Mulligan, Lochead, Sigmund, Christie, Moss...? Who is realistically going to feature in the Phoenix plans on the weekend- Lochead, Smeltz, Moss, Mulligan (who is lacking match practice anyway...), Bertos is injured ?
edit:I guess if Ricki wasn't All Whites coach, who ever was coach wouldn't release the players. He has to think that way I suppose.
martinb2008-09-07 18:11:01
Permalink
Permalink
guys lets face it, our nix boys in the AWs dont play that many games in a year (compared to other nations)
i think its a case of harden up and hope AWs and WPFC both win their games without anyone picking up an injury.
the boys could win back some confidence with the national team and take it back to the club to share (wishful thinking i know)
i think its a case of harden up and hope AWs and WPFC both win their games without anyone picking up an injury.
the boys could win back some confidence with the national team and take it back to the club to share (wishful thinking i know)
Permalink
Permalink
I am thinking with how horribly the Nix have been playing, maybe it will be beneficial for the Nix to get some tips during training from the overseas pro's like Nelsen, Elliott etc.
I too am one though who does not agree with Ricki doing both jobs, it should be one or the other.
I too am one though who does not agree with Ricki doing both jobs, it should be one or the other.
Permalink
Permalink
no point in moaning about it lads we have to deal with what we have,l and lets face it, Ricki is seen as the #1 coach in the country therefore he has the AW job, he has the Nix job cos he was the best that applied. It ain't gonna change until either another better coach comes along for either role, or the the Nix board demand Ricki's full time attn on the team. At this point it hasn't negatively affected our play, we've been playing poorly with Ricki there. the boys aren't exactly being left to their own devices anyway. As for the players that are with the AW suad, they could do with some regular football, the play Wednesday, at home, short flight to Welly on Thursday am, they could be training that afternoon and friday and saturday, be back up to speed easily by sunday evening!
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
I am thinking with how horribly the Nix have been playing, maybe it will be beneficial for the Nix to get some tips during training from the overseas pro's like Nelsen, Elliott etc.
I too am one though who does not agree with Ricki doing both jobs, it should be one or the other.
I too am one though who does not agree with Ricki doing both jobs, it should be one or the other.
you mean like... 'skills and tactics'; ssshhhh not so loud you'll wake the sleeping giant that is/was Daniel's Left Ball
Permalink
Permalink
Maybe Ricki should give a few of the Phoenix players who are short of a game,some time against New Caledonia.........Mulligan,Costa,Christie,Paston, Brown would benefit .....plus it would gives the likes of Smeltz and Lockhead a rest.
Permalink
Permalink
We could have brought in Stu Jacobs to cover while Ricki was away ...
Permalink
Permalink
Not wanting to try and bring this back to the topic (The upcoming game)..but just an observation....where are the Nix fans this year???? Please please lets have everyone at the RoF on Sunday and get a decent crowd..I know that you don't like comparisons but the crowd at the last oval ball game was in excess of 15,000 with likely similar crowd on Saturday..so come on time to put and not shut up...get your backsides to the RoF on Sunday and support this team that everyone claims to love!!!!!!! This should liven things up a bit....
Permalink
Permalink
good point, I'd like to see us at least get to the 10k mark on Sunday, 15k+ would be magic!
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
WE'd be doing very well to get 10k on Sunday imo.
Permalink
Permalink
yea 10k won't happen. i'd estimate about 8k with decent weather, 5k if it's raining.
Permalink
Permalink
The fans are there (except for smarah who ABANDONED US FOR ENGLAND temporarily 
), it's the general punters we need to boost the numbers. And the Lions are proving the more attractive option at the moment... 
Don't see us breaking 10k either just, but maybe with a good victory over CCM and then smashing Perth...
), it's the general punters we need to boost the numbers. And the Lions are proving the more attractive option at the moment... Don't see us breaking 10k either just, but maybe with a good victory over CCM and then smashing Perth...
Permalink
Permalink
don't go telling us to drag ourselves to the RoF on Sunday, becuase unless we've gor something bloody important to do all us YF wellingtonians should be there. What needs to happen is some extreme word of mouth advertising around workplaces, schools, pubs etc
You know we belong together...
Permalink
Permalink
The Lions used the kids go free promotion and from the numbers at the last game it obviously worked, and they are doing it again. If we don't get up around 10k a similar promotion might well be needed. simon_hampton2008-09-09 17:57:08
Permalink
Permalink
i rekn worst crowd so far.
also i think stu jacob has proved ready for a step up. SJ for the AWS.
ricky for phoenix and phoenix only. we cant afford to have team and coach seperated at all!! we need to be a unit for a number of years. well never win the league under current setup. cant argue that
Permalink
Permalink
I'd say Ricki is much more likely to go from the Phoenix than the AW's.
Permalink
Permalink
I'd say Ricki is much more likely to go from the Phoenix than the AW's.
I think you are right.
My impression is that Ricki's career aspirations are, not surprisingly, coaching at a higher level, probably in the UK. He is obviously working to build contacts e.g. Keane and Southgate.
I can see how you could think coaching an international team (All Whites) on international stages (Confederations and World Cups) would look better on your CV than coaching the Phoenix. PersonallyI think he would need to prove himself with a professional club team before a bigger club would look at him but ....
If that is his career aspiration I truely wish him well however what the Phoenix needs is a coach fully committed (time, heart and mind) to the here and now of ensuring the survival of the Phoenix franchise and then improving our league position, eventually winning the A-League and ultimate competing in the confederation club championship.
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
Permalink
Permalink
Not wanting to try and bring this back to the topic (The upcoming game)..but just an observation....where are the Nix fans this year???? Please please lets have everyone at the RoF on Sunday and get a decent crowd..I know that you don't like comparisons but the crowd at the last oval ball game was in excess of 15,000 with likely similar crowd on Saturday..so come on time to put and not shut up...get your backsides to the RoF on Sunday and support this team that everyone claims to love!!!!!!! This should liven things up a bit....
Sunday games = fail
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
I was more thinking along the lines that Terry won't stand for too many more losses, whereas Ricki's got the Confederations Cup and World Cup tie to keep him interested in the AWs.Arsenal2008-09-10 12:28:25
Permalink
Permalink
lol - from Wikipedia:Supporters
The Marinators at an away game against rivals Newcastle Jets.
The main supporter base of the Central Coast Mariners is called the Marinators.[45] The Marinators are an obvious presence at home games played at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford and are known for their poor visual and aural displays primarily from Bay 16, which is directly behind the goal posts at the northern end of the stadium.[46][47] Standard chants include the Yellow Submarine-inspired "We all follow a yellow football team", a reference to the colour of the team's kit. This is generally the only chant that is heard by other members of the crowd during the game.[48]
The Marinators have been quoted as being one of the worst supporter groups in the league. Their chants and visual displays are often likened to that of a school swimming carnival. Reports have been confirmed by officials that numbers are gradually getting smaller, with fans deciding to sit in other bays and create their own atmosphere. The Marinators are synonymous for their 'I can't be arsed attitude towards creativity and the like. They apparently became particularly visible through selling Marinators shirts during the lead up to the inaugural A-League season. They now have their own scarves and a large promotional pull-over jersey, to please the sponsors. The Marinators have been outdone in both visual, and aural displays at home by away supporter groups on many occasions. This generally occurs when Sydney or Newcastle fans are present at the venue in the away bays. The group's visual displays are very amateurish, with show pieces including streamers, balloons, and sloppy banners containing lame phrases.
On May 19, 2007 the Marinators established a formal support structure when they set up a sub-club of Central Coast Leagues Club. The official 'Marinators Club' enables the co-ordinators to be more accountable for funds raised and spent, and also allows for some public liability insurance for any 'Marinators Club' trips or outings.[49]
Permalink
Permalink
don't go telling us to drag ourselves to the RoF on Sunday, becuase unless we've gor something bloody important to do all us YF wellingtonians should be there. What needs to happen is some extreme word of mouth advertising around workplaces, schools, pubs etc
That's true but you also say should be there???? Will be there might be more appropriate don't you think?
I know that it is easier to support a winning team but the crowd figures for Canes (and Lions to a lesser degree over the years) have been quite good..maybe Wellingtonians are masochists? But yes have the nix win a few and maybe some fence sitters might start coming along...heck maybe even have the Nix play well and a few might show up.......
But hey the fewer that turn up to a game, the quieter I find it......
Permalink
Permalink
Anyone who goes to soccer is gay
Thats the attitude many boofs have
Allegedly
Permalink
Permalink
Scary...
Since Lawrie McKinna first took charge of a club belonging to the top tier of Australian football, he has never lost or drawn a regular season fixture in New Zealand from six attempts. McKinna first travelled to New Zealand in February 2003 with the Northern Spirit, who recorded a 3-1 win, a feat they would emulate the season after with a 2-0 triumph. Once with the Mariners, McKinna added three consecutive victories over the New Zealand Knights in Auckland to his tally, before notching a 2-1 win over the Wellington Phoenix last season.
Permalink
Permalink
Meh, we beat them in the pre-season.Arsenal2008-09-11 16:33:34
Permalink
Permalink
Scary...
Since Lawrie McKinna first took charge of a club belonging to the top tier of Australian football, he has never lost or drawn a regular season fixture in New Zealand from six attempts. McKinna first travelled to New Zealand in February 2003 with the Northern Spirit, who recorded a 3-1 win, a feat they would emulate the season after with a 2-0 triumph. Once with the Mariners, McKinna added three consecutive victories over the New Zealand Knights in Auckland to his tally, before notching a 2-1 win over the Wellington Phoenix last season.
historical patterns always change, just ask the next Croatian you bump into
Permalink
Permalink
We will have to make sure that this record doesn't carry on , come on you NIX.
Permalink
Permalink