Wellington Phoenix Men

Transfer Talk - 2018/19 Season

4103 replies · 587,716 views
about 7 years ago

RR wrote:

How can they prevent him from playing for another club if they've released him effective immediately? Just curious...

He can sign for a club in a league with an open transfer window but as he wasn't a free agent when the AL window closed, he is unable to sign for another AL club this season. He wants to get his Aussie citizenship, so its unlikely he will head overseas for 6 months.

Bruno heading to the Glory probably means Castro won't be coming back, unless he comes back under the cap.

Mmmmmm.... Castro.... now there is someone who would work out an understanding with Mandi if he played for us.

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

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about 7 years ago

Yakcall wrote:

The two parties have agreed to a severance package, meaning no other A-League club can sign him this season.

Seen a rumour he may play some NPL in Australia to get some form back before he goes to Perth next season.

As for the books, I'd say there is two books with Perth, one the FFA sees and one that is hidden away to keep all these players under the salary.. Who knows, maybe someones sister is getting a good payment or someone is getting paid to "Coach" their academy players as well as play.

A few in Australia are wondering the same thing Matt.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

Some awesome signing news - Raphael Lea'i, the 16 year old Solomon Islander who tore us apart in the U17's 5-0 win over NZ, has joined the Nix along with fellow youth team defender Leon Kofana (who still needs his work permit).

Fantastic young player, was set to sign for Godoy Cruz who recently finished second in Argentina's top flight after their chairman personally approached him, but was rejected by FIFA rules. Similar situation to Calvin Harris I'd think, may play for Lower Hutt until he turns 18

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about 7 years ago

mrsmiis wrote:

Some awesome signing news - Raphael Lea'i, the 16 year old Solomon Islander who tore us apart in the U17's 5-0 win over NZ, has joined the Nix along with fellow youth team defender Leon Kofana (who still needs his work permit).

Fantastic young player, was set to sign for Godoy Cruz who recently finished second in Argentina's top flight after their chairman personally approached him, but was rejected by FIFA rules. Similar situation to Calvin Harris I'd think, may play for Lower Hutt until he turns 18

Wont be able to play for any club until they turn 18. Scots College and training/training games will be their only involvement.

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about 7 years ago

What about at Handy level? Lots of youngsters there so play for WeeNix?


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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about 7 years ago

What about at Handy level? Lots of youngsters there so play for WeeNix?

Because they are overseas kids travelling without their parents for non footballing reasons you cannot play for any club until 18 that's what Calvin Harris had to do. That's a FIFA rule

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about 7 years ago

Fair enough though I question the 'for non footballing reasons' bit.i mean he's moved here to train with the Academy but yeah the rule makes sense and hopefully stops the exploitation of children.


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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about 7 years ago

Fair enough though I question the 'for non footballing reasons' bit.i mean he's moved here to train with the Academy but yeah the rule makes sense and hopefully stops the exploitation of children.

Sorry, didnt word that very well. I mean if they travelled with their family for non footballing reasons they could play in another country under 18. Its set up to stop the exploitation.

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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

one_eyed_nik wrote:

mrsmiis wrote:

Some awesome signing news - Raphael Lea'i, the 16 year old Solomon Islander who tore us apart in the U17's 5-0 win over NZ, has joined the Nix along with fellow youth team defender Leon Kofana (who still needs his work permit).

Fantastic young player, was set to sign for Godoy Cruz who recently finished second in Argentina's top flight after their chairman personally approached him, but was rejected by FIFA rules. Similar situation to Calvin Harris I'd think, may play for Lower Hutt until he turns 18

Wont be able to play for any club until they turn 18. Scots College and training/training games will be their only involvement.

Pity, I understand the rules surrounding transfers like this, but remembered that Calvin made appearances for Wellington United - must have been friendly tournaments?


Anyway, Kofana's work permit was approved yesterday and he's now headed over here too. Also 16, central defender. Awesome stuff

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about 7 years ago

mrsmiis wrote:

Some awesome signing news - Raphael Lea'i, the 16 year old Solomon Islander who tore us apart in the U17's 5-0 win over NZ, has joined the Nix along with fellow youth team defender Leon Kofana (who still needs his work permit).

Fantastic young player, was set to sign for Godoy Cruz who recently finished second in Argentina's top flight after their chairman personally approached him, but was rejected by FIFA rules. Similar situation to Calvin Harris I'd think, may play for Lower Hutt until he turns 18

Article on him https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/11...

I'm an optimistic pessimist. 
I'm positive things will go wrong.
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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

Because of events in the country over the last week and also our great form at the club. I thought I'd try and lighten the load with some self depreciating humour. My intent is to make you smile or laugh. We all need it. Anyway, I found this article:

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

Lonegunmen wrote:

Because of events in the country over the last week and also our great form at the club. I thought I'd try and lighten the load with some self depreciating humour. My intent is to make you smile or laugh. We all need it. Anyway, I found this article:

Better take your boots next game!

Really tough following this from overseas, just listening to one grim story after the next.



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about 7 years ago

I know this is the thread for the current season, but what are we feeling in terms of who we re-sign for next season? Top priority players would have to be Krishna and Kurto, and I imagine David Williams to a lesser extent too. Of the rest who are off contract, I'd want to keep Burgess, Doyle, Golec, Mandi, Dura if he wants it/can still walk, Sail and Gulley. Probably would like to keep Elliot and Stensness too, but haven't seen them play enough to have a proper opinion. Burns can only stay if he's on a small wedge, and I'm just not sure Kopa and Cillian do enough to warrant an import spot (which is odd because he's clearly class but somehow doesn't seem to fit). Lowry can stay if we need the numbers I guess.

Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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about 7 years ago

Keep them all. One season together behind them and next year we'd rip this league no problems.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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about 7 years ago

Lonegunmen wrote:

Keep them all. One season together behind them and next year we'd rip this league no problems.

Exactly, there aren't many players I'd want to see go. If any. I'd like all to sign up with a couple of midfield additions 

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about 7 years ago

I wouldn't exactly lose sleep if Sheridan was to leave, but that's down to the luxury of having a front line that is sizzling. Reuse his visa spot for a midfield option

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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante

Probably: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Kopa, Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

Sheridan hasn't had much game time but looks good.

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about 7 years ago

Kopa is a big yes for me.

It is no coincidence for me that the moment he moved into the backline we moved from hoofball to keeping possession. We literally went from a team with about 30-35% possession to equal sharing or having the edge.

He has shown he can play on either side of a back three and is good off both feet. Reads the game well, works hard and unlike other CB's does not appear to have brain explosions.

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about 7 years ago

MetalLegNZ wrote:

Kopa is a big yes for me.

It is no coincidence for me that the moment he moved into the backline we moved from hoofball to keeping possession. We literally went from a team with about 30-35% possession to equal sharing or having the edge.

He has shown he can play on either side of a back three and is good off both feet. Reads the game well, works hard and unlike other CB's does not appear to have brain explosions.

agree with this, he was a pretty meh midfielder but is a great defender. 

yung thug

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about 7 years ago

Question is whether we could getter a better CB for the same sort of money and the use of (or not) an import slot...
I personally don't mind kopa but I'm sure the club will be keeping its eyes open


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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about 7 years ago

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante, Kopa

As fast as possible: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

made the one change, Kopa has to be re-signed, as do the next line....

Queenslander 3x a year.

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about 7 years ago

theprof wrote:

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante, Kopa

As fast as possible: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

made the one change, Kopa has to be re-signed, as do the next line....

Singh, Cacace, Fenton, Rufer and Taylor have already re-signed, so take them out. 

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about 7 years ago

I would 100% be keeping Sail as our number 2 if we can, he proved when he was called upon that he is more than worthy of the spot, I cant think of anyone else anywhere near his level that would want to come be a number 2. Also wouldnt be surprised if in a year or two he is solidly number one

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about 7 years ago

RoriM6 wrote:

I would 100% be keeping Sail as our number 2 if we can, he proved when he was called upon that he is more than worthy of the spot, I cant think of anyone else anywhere near his level that would want to come be a number 2. Also wouldnt be surprised if in a year or two he is solidly number one

If we don't retain Kurto I'd expect Sail to step up next year for sure, he's shown he can do it and free up another import slot.

Valley FC til I die?

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about 7 years ago

Get Gleeson back 

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about 7 years ago

Kopa is on loan, complicates things a little.

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about 7 years ago

Bullion wrote:

Kopa is on loan, complicates things a little.

Unlikely to stay on

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

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almost 7 years ago

Question is whether we could getter a better CB for the same sort of money and the use of (or not) an import slot...
I personally don't mind kopa but I'm sure the club will be keeping its eyes open

The 'could we get a better player' argument never really makes sense to me, particularly when talking about an import. Recruitement in the A-league is a complete lottery, I believe it's always better to stick with players a coach knows are good and work with the system rather than wondering if...

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almost 7 years ago · edited almost 7 years ago · History

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante

Probably: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Kopa, Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

Sheridan hasn't had much game time but looks good.

Why no Waine, just curious? Kid's 17

Also curious about Elliot and Stensness

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almost 7 years ago

mrsmiis wrote:

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante

Probably: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Kopa, Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

Sheridan hasn't had much game time but looks good.

Why no Waine, just curious? Kid's 17

Also curious about Elliot and Stensness

agree, I don't know how you can make a judgement over promising youth players who have only just come into the senior squad. Surely defeats the purpose of having a youth programme 
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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almost 7 years ago

mrsmiis wrote:

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante

Probably: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Kopa, Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

Sheridan hasn't had much game time but looks good.

Why no Waine, just curious? Kid's 17

Also curious about Elliot and Stensness

Just an impression from watching those three play over the past 12 months on televised games.

If you were going to recruit three players from the Handa, you probably wouldn't pick two from the team that finished last - yet this is what the Nix have done.

Waine - looked OK in the FFA cup but didn't really stand out in the Handa games I saw, and not a patch on Calvin Harris. For mine, there are better NZ strikers around in the Handa - young and not so young.

Elliot, yes looked one of the reserves' better players but again, didn't stand out enough for me. Didn't kick on. 

Stensness, ditto but he actually looked OK in his few A league minutes - nearly got a goal, and made a good pass from a tight spot, energetic. Would like to see more of him. 

Still reckon Kumsuz is better than any of the above.

We'll see.

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almost 7 years ago · edited almost 7 years ago · History

nixin wrote:

mrsmiis wrote:

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante

Probably: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Kopa, Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

Sheridan hasn't had much game time but looks good.

Why no Waine, just curious? Kid's 17

Also curious about Elliot and Stensness

Just an impression from watching those three play over the past 12 months on televised games.

If you were going to recruit three players from the Handa, you probably wouldn't pick two from the team that finished last - yet this is what the Nix have done.

Waine - looked OK in the FFA cup but didn't really stand out in the Handa games I saw, and not a patch on Calvin Harris. For mine, there are better NZ strikers around in the Handa - young and not so young.

Elliot, yes looked one of the reserves' better players but again, didn't stand out enough for me. Didn't kick on. 

Stensness, ditto but he actually looked OK in his few A league minutes - nearly got a goal, and made a good pass from a tight spot, energetic. Would like to see more of him. 

Still reckon Kumsuz is better than any of the above.

We'll see.

The thing is, these were all things most people were saying about Cacace when he was first called into the senior squad. Solid at that level but nothing special, and yet look how much he's come over the last 12 months. As Mrsmiis said, Waine is still only 17. In 6 seasons time he can still win young player of the year, that's how young the guy is. Keep him around and see what he can develop into. We gave Rufer what, 5 years? Big harsh on Waine and Stensness if we only give them 3 or 4 months
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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almost 7 years ago

0 chance of Kopa staying on, I reckon. On loan. Is the best LCB in the team, but with Rudan likely going I don't think we'll stick with a back 3.

a.haak

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almost 7 years ago

nixin wrote:

mrsmiis wrote:

nixin wrote:

Who to re-sign? Some are already signed, but anyway:

Definite: Rudan, Krishna, Williams, Singh, Cacace, Mandi, Durante

Probably: Fenton, Rufer, Kurto, Taylor, Burgess, Sheridan, Golec

Possibly: Lowry, Sail, Doyle, Stensness

Probably not: Kopa, Elliot, Gulley

No: Burns, Waine

Sheridan hasn't had much game time but looks good.

Why no Waine, just curious? Kid's 17

Also curious about Elliot and Stensness

Just an impression from watching those three play over the past 12 months on televised games.

If you were going to recruit three players from the Handa, you probably wouldn't pick two from the team that finished last - yet this is what the Nix have done.

Waine - looked OK in the FFA cup but didn't really stand out in the Handa games I saw, and not a patch on Calvin Harris. For mine, there are better NZ strikers around in the Handa - young and not so young.

Elliot, yes looked one of the reserves' better players but again, didn't stand out enough for me. Didn't kick on. 

Stensness, ditto but he actually looked OK in his few A league minutes - nearly got a goal, and made a good pass from a tight spot, energetic. Would like to see more of him. 

Still reckon Kumsuz is better than any of the above.

We'll see.

The thing is, these were all things most people were saying about Cacace when he was first called into the senior squad. Solid at that level but nothing special, and yet look how much he's come over the last 12 months. As Mrsmiis said, Waine is still only 17. In 6 seasons time he can still win young player of the year, that's how young the guy is. Keep him around and see what he can develop into. We gave Rufer what, 5 years? Big harsh on Waine and Stensness if we only give them 3 or 4 months

I rated Cacace and Singh from the first time they played for the Nix, and Cacace especially has gotten even better. I just haven't yet seen that quality in Waine. Yes, he might develop into an A league player, but IMHO there are others in the Handa with more potential.

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almost 7 years ago · edited almost 7 years ago · History

Hard News wrote:

You watched a couple of games in the first half of the season on telly so have written them off?

Okay.

This seems to be in breach of forum rules Mr Mod, being about a poster, rather than the Nix.

In fact, written off is wrong (premature signing), and it's based on an FFA game and some age group too.

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almost 7 years ago

Callum McDowatt anyone?

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almost 7 years ago

Bahahahahaha. Not as long as the cult leader has his way.


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almost 7 years ago · edited almost 7 years ago · History

Shaun9 wrote:

Callum McDowatt anyone?

If he wanted to play for the Nix he wouldn't have been at ESAFC this season. Rudan has changed their perception somewhat but if he goes don't expect to see any Western Suburbs boys signing on the dotted line.

Valley FC til I die?

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almost 7 years ago

Edge has made some favourable comments abut the NIX and in the Stuff article, Callum did not rule it out, although he is off to Europe to try his luck first.

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