Wellington Phoenix Men

Total Football FC (Nix) vs Roarcelona, 10:30 pm 1 Jan

547 replies · 21,383 views
about 13 years ago

tigers wrote:

looks like Leo and Smithster will be available for Melb game

sawace 


So it will be the same team with Totori starting instead of Boyd......and Smith if Muskrat gets the chop for the flying elbows
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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

If they sight manny they have to sight the roar player who got Leo in the head with his shoulder. Have to see replay but from my seat roar player had intent, no head. No camera to get the angle I suspect.

  Supporter For Ever - Keep The Faith - Foundation Member - Never Lets FAX Get In The Way Of A Good Yarn

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about 13 years ago

He was late on Leo but it was nothing more than that and nothing sinister.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

He was late on Leo but it was nothing more than that and nothing sinister.



Agree with that.He was just going for the ball.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

AJ13 wrote:

Jeff Vader wrote:

AJ13 wrote:

All i can say is that I will be hugely disappointed if im seeing both Lochhead and Bertos in the back line next season. Id like to see the club look seriously at this right back issue for once. Id imagine Boxall to be pretty annoyed at the moment, I would be.

Disagree. Boxall is a CB.
Oh ok, so a CB is no good for RB, so instead we bring in a winger with zero experience in any defensive position? Strong logic. IMO a centre back should be able to play anywhere along the back line.
My point then still stands (and you conveniently left the rest out). He should be annoyed at himself for not cracking it against (as you said) a 'winger with zero experience in any defensive position'. Kinda sums up why he is not playing perhaps if the 'winger with zero experience in any defensive position' can keep him out of the starting line up... I would also add to this, with Sigmunds experience at RB (and thats scarier still) why has Sigmund not been shifted over to accomdate Boxall if he is that good?

Lets also not ignore the fact that as it stands today, I would put my left nut on the fans voting Leo as our player of the season to date.

Leos played there for the AW's so it's not new to him.
I'll take your left nut and raise you my meat and two veg on Brockie being player of season to date. 
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about 13 years ago

Funny, He was getting slayed and rubbished after round 6 in these forums as being a crap signing and playing out of position.

Leo has had none of that this year

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

I don't think YF forum angst is a good judge at whether someone is player of the season or not.

And Leo has had a bit of it. 


Allegedly

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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

Ard Righ wrote:

Hard News wrote:

Jeff Vader wrote:
Who is Simon Hampton? Is he someone in the know because its commonly accepted that TW kids can't be added. See McMaster and Basalaj...


Wasn't the problem they couldn't make an international transfer until the international window opens?  The international window is open and they are coming from Amateur football so the A-League window probably doesn't apply.

Just a theory


 Seems the most accurate assessment, as being amateurs they have no club transfer to worry about.
Just because they are 'amateurs' does not mean that the rules don't apply.

It won't be that the rules don't apply, it will be that you are able to sign free agents (see McMaster) at any time.  The A-League transfer window does not apply to free agents, however FSE kids were restricted from making an international transfer due to that window which (apparently from what others are saying) is now open.
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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

Amusingly most of those saying the A-League has left Vinnie behind and who have made Lochhead designated scapegoat are the ones who slagged Brownie when he's a player both the AWs and Phoenix could use right now.


Agreed.  I still think a midfield with 2 of Lia/Muscat/Smith isn't going to offer enough ball playing ability to get us anywhere in this league though.  We need a midfielder with the ability to orchestrate an attack and move the ball round.  Until we get this piece we can swap all the wingers, wing backs and keepers we like but nothing will change in the greater scheme of things.
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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

Amusingly most of those saying the A-League has left Vinnie behind and who have made Lochhead designated scapegoat are the ones who slagged Brownie when he's a player both the AWs and Phoenix could use right now.



Lochy's no scape goat. His trivial error rate and poor positioning and distribution is way higher than any other A-League LB.
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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

Hard News wrote:

Yes.  Clearly the answer to the fact that Leo is making a very good fist of Right back is to play a wrong-footed Centre-back there.

Insightful.

AJ is not one for letting facts get in the way of his own opinion.

 

I think Leo has done a bloody good job of playing Right Back. Early in the season, I think he played the attack onside too often, but I have no concerns at all about him playing there now. After Brockie, hes probably our best player this season

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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

robman75 wrote:

Lochy's no scape goat. His trivial error rate and poor positioning and distribution is way higher than any other A-League LB.


Rubbish.

Steffanuto, D'Apuzzo, Heffernan. This league isn't exactly blessed with class left backs. Lochhead isn't close to the worst and has been less directly at fault for goals we have conceded than the rest of our backline and they don't get slagged at all.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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about 13 years ago

 El Grap touched on this earlier. It is increasingly noticeable that the 1st 11, whoever they may be, rarely one touch. Ricki has been in the press talking up the Nix's "ball speed" and "pace of play". Granted they had a lot of possession against a poor Heart performance, but I still see the Nix as the slowest passing side in the A-League. It takes us an age to transition from defense to offence (unless one of the youngsters ae involved and then it tends to pick up the pace), and we seem to not be able to mount an attack without it coming from the flanks. Having a strong set of attacking wide players is one thing, but its too predictable when there is absolutely nothing else ever demonstrated to be in the armoury. Boyd and Fenton have brought more inventive approach play, but the old heads just keep on with the same overlaps and playing to the corners. 

I'd like to see Manny go back to RB - he needs a change of purpose for a few games. And he had more shots on goal when at RB than he dos from midfield.

It's be nice if Ricki changed his sub routines a bit more. Stop the old swap of similar players and mix it up a bit. You can set your watch by his subbing this season.



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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

Lochy's no scape goat. His trivial error rate and poor positioning and distribution is way higher than any other A-League LB.


Rubbish.



At times this year his distribution has been somewhat cringeworthy, but if that was our biggest issue we wouldn't be sitting in the pack in 7th right now.
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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

Lochy's no scape goat. His trivial error rate and poor positioning and distribution is way higher than any other A-League LB.


Rubbish.




Watch the next game then buddy. You count the times Lochy is covered for by Durante of Siggy. You count the mis-controls and the aimless lobs. And you watch for the number of times he's chasing the guys he's marking. If you've not seen it yet - watch this week. And for the record, I liked Brown.
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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

aitkenmike wrote:

Jeff Vader wrote:

Ard Righ wrote:

Hard News wrote:

Jeff Vader wrote:
Who is Simon Hampton? Is he someone in the know because its commonly accepted that TW kids can't be added. See McMaster and Basalaj...


Wasn't the problem they couldn't make an international transfer until the international window opens?  The international window is open and they are coming from Amateur football so the A-League window probably doesn't apply.

Just a theory


 Seems the most accurate assessment, as being amateurs they have no club transfer to worry about.
Just because they are 'amateurs' does not mean that the rules don't apply.

It won't be that the rules don't apply, it will be that you are able to sign free agents (see McMaster) at any time.  The A-League transfer window does not apply to free agents, however FSE kids were restricted from making an international transfer due to that window which (apparently from what others are saying) is now open.
McMaster was not an international transfer so lets take that aside and really look at what we are talking about. International transfers and when the window does open. I do recall NZ had a different window in the October period because of our seasons and FIFA made allowances for that  (winter the ASB then back to a different club) so I would suggest that the A League stick to their one and ignore the Jan 1 date. Being amateurs, they are still registered with TW so they do have a transfer to worry about. You see them on the Cap football site all the time....

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

He has been in poor form recently, but no way is he the worst LB in the league. Am excited by the prospect of Hogg pushing for a place in the side.


Allegedly

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about 13 years ago

The Manny back to fullback thing baffles me.  He's playing poorly so the solution is to remove Leo who is playing well to put an out of form Muscat in the role?

If that form issue isn't position related (and it probably isn't) then we weaken two spots to prove what exactly?


How's my driving? - Whine here

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about 13 years ago

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.

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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

robman75 wrote:

 El Grap touched on this earlier. It is increasingly noticeable that the 1st 11, whoever they may be, rarely one touch. Ricki has been in the press talking up the Nix's "ball speed" and "pace of play". Granted they had a lot of possession against a poor Heart performance, but I still see the Nix as the slowest passing side in the A-League. It takes us an age to transition from defense to offence (unless one of the youngsters ae involved and then it tends to pick up the pace), and we seem to not be able to mount an attack without it coming from the flanks.

 

I agree. I cannot understand why more passes cant be hit first time, when we play on such good surfaces most the time. OK, Suncorp was not a good surface, but if we want to open up sides then we need a succession of one-touch passes to break them down. Its amazing was three first time passes can achieve

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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

Hard News wrote:

The Manny back to fullback thing baffles me.  He's playing poorly so the solution is to remove Leo who is playing well to put an out of form Muscat in the role?

If that form issue isn't position related (and it probably isn't) then we weaken two spots to prove what exactly?


I think it was only really a discussion point when it was rumoured Leo might be out next week. Based on current form, I think Manny is doing well to get picked but there are other factors at play with his partner not pulling his weight.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

The Manny back to fullback thing baffles me.  He's playing poorly so the solution is to remove Leo who is playing well to put an out of form Muscat in the role?

If that form issue isn't position related (and it probably isn't) then we weaken two spots to prove what exactly?


I suggested it when thought Leo would probably be out for the weekend. 
You could drop manny based on form, the problem is...Would anyone we put in there be any better? Very doubtful. Better off hoping he plays his way into form.

Allegedly

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about 13 years ago

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.


Not remotely true. Our form when Lochhead has been out has been awful every time. 

How's my driving? - Whine here

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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

The Manny back to fullback thing baffles me.  He's playing poorly so the solution is to remove Leo who is playing well to put an out of form Muscat in the role?

If that form issue isn't position related (and it probably isn't) then we weaken two spots to prove what exactly?




I think Manny would do just as good job as Leo, and probably better. Leo still has something to offer higher up the pitch so we'd have two performing rather than one. Unless you think Manny couldn't do a better job, then I see your point.
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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.


Not remotely true. Our form when Lochhead has been out has been awful every time. 



That's not true.
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about 13 years ago

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.

We play a lot worse when he is out. People have short memories.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

On current form there is zero chance Manny would be better than Leo at right back.



That's a stupid commet. After 3 seasons of one of the a-leagues best RBs, you reckon he can't slot in...? I'm not saying Leo is doing bad - I'm just saying we need to use our assets better and with the flexibility they offer. We know Manny can be unstoppabe, I reckon there's  away to get back into the grove by rotating the team sheet a bit. This same 11 week in week out is just plain conservative.
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about 13 years ago

 Are you trolling Rob? Manny to RB as well?

3 years ago, I think it was before the WC so would have been the start of the 2009 season, he was out for something like 6 weeks with that groin thing and we were awful. The comments on how he played when he came back. The reality was, he came back and did what he always does but its quite obvious when he was not there. Even Rowe in his one game was not even close to Lochhead and he is meant to be the next cab...

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

robman75 wrote:

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.


Not remotely true. Our form when Lochhead has been out has been awful every time. 



That's not true.

Quite sure that is is actually.
Not that I agree with that being a reason to not drop a guy, especially when you're talking about past seasons. You do have to look at it in the present. 
A left back is hardly our highest priority right now, so I ultimately don't agree with you. But any addition that can improve on or push a current starting player is generally a good one, so would be happy if we picked up Hogg.

Allegedly

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about 13 years ago

robman75 wrote:

Hard News wrote:

On current form there is zero chance Manny would be better than Leo at right back.



That's a stupid commet. After 3 seasons of one of the a-leagues best RBs, you reckon he can't slot in...? I'm not saying Leo is doing bad - I'm just saying we need to use our assets better and with the flexibility they offer. We know Manny can be unstoppabe, I reckon there's  away to get back into the grove by rotating the team sheet a bit. This same 11 week in week out is just plain conservative.

Right so where is your team sheet then with the solutions?

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

Manny was one of the leagues best defensive midfielders previously as well as a good right back. He isn't exactly slotting in there is he? 

How's my driving? - Whine here

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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

robman75 wrote:

Hard News wrote:

On current form there is zero chance Manny would be better than Leo at right back.



That's a stupid commet. After 3 seasons of one of the a-leagues best RBs, you reckon he can't slot in...? I'm not saying Leo is doing bad - I'm just saying we need to use our assets better and with the flexibility they offer. We know Manny can be unstoppabe, I reckon there's  away to get back into the grove by rotating the team sheet a bit. This same 11 week in week out is just plain conservative.

Right so where is your team sheet then with the solutions?

Probably Manny to RB, and smith into midfield with Lia. Then Rowe in at LB. 
No thanks. 

Allegedly

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about 13 years ago

That line up would have more holes than Swiss cheese. Agree with you Tegal.

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

robman75 wrote:

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.


Not remotely true. Our form when Lochhead has been out has been awful every time. 



That's not true.


Of the 4 games Lochy made no appearance last season - Phoenix won 3 and lost 1. I prefer that kind of result ratio than the one we have now.
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about 13 years ago · edited about 13 years ago · History

robman75 wrote:

robman75 wrote:

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.


Not remotely true. Our form when Lochhead has been out has been awful every time. 



That's not true.


Of the 4 games Lochy made no appearance last season - Phoenix won 3 and lost 1. I prefer that kind of result ratio than the one we have now.
Of the 14 games this season that Moss and McMaster have not played, we have only lost 6. I prefer that ratio so sack Mossy. He is awful

Grumpy old bastard alert

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about 13 years ago

Stats mean nothing out of context.


Yellow Fever - Misery loves company

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about 13 years ago

patrick478 wrote:

Stats mean nothing out of context.


Only half the time. 

Allegedly

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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

That line up would have more holes than Swiss cheese. Agree with you Tegal.



You guys are classic. You put words into people's mouths just to keep the forum ticking over.

If Manny at RB is too wild an idea for ya, then that's fine. It's just an option that hadn't been noted.

I'd go for a 4-4-2 with Brockie and Steiny up front, diamond in the middle with sanchez at the top, manny at the bottom, Boyd and Fenton either side. Leave the back four as they are - except for Lochy - take anyone off the street and give us entertainment there - anything but the painful frustration lochy creates for me right now. Lia and smith are decent midfield and forward subs.

I get the team doing a weeks worth of 1 touch football and I'd encourage them to shoot on sight. Was good to see a few more shots from outside the box against the roar.


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about 13 years ago

Jeff Vader wrote:

robman75 wrote:

robman75 wrote:

Hard News wrote:

robman75 wrote:

 It'd be interesting to see how the team performed without him there. They've done ok in the past. I just see him when he's having a season like he is as a liability. I recokon any opposition coach at the minute will mark our left side defense as a place to target.


Not remotely true. Our form when Lochhead has been out has been awful every time. 



That's not true.


Of the 4 games Lochy made no appearance last season - Phoenix won 3 and lost 1. I prefer that kind of result ratio than the one we have now.
Of the 14 games this season that Moss and McMaster have not played, we have only lost 6. I prefer that ratio so sack Mossy. He is awful


Geez - you call someone out on their facts being wrong and they resort to being stupid...
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