Good... good. Everyone's good and miserable about our chances this season already.
That means if we come 5th, then it will be cause for cheer rather than misery!
No, just realistic after experiencing the last several years. If you look at our squad and think 'top 6' then I don't know what to say.
a.haak
Judging by what Tratt has just posted on Insta it looks like he’s staying. Maybe. Hopefully.
I hope so. He showed so much promise before his last departure, I thought he was an early contender for Player of the Year.
Looks pretty certain, don't think he would find an apartment if he was going back to aus. Hyped
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The other thing you need to take into account is that scoring goals in the Handy Prem (or the previous incarnations) isn't an automatic sign of quality (or sign that the player in question may be ready for the A-league). The level of defending varies, let's say considerably, across the different teams.
You're being too kind. I know coaches tend to err on experience for centre backs, but where are our good young defenders? Who were they for the top Youth teams last year - Canterbury and ACFC?
For Canterbury Utd youth, Jordan Spain has been progessing nicely this year and was a first choice fullback for NZ at the recent OFC u-20 World Cup qualifiers. Didn't make the senior Dragons team last summer but has been playing really well for Cashmere Tech this winter and has been named in the Dragons preliminary senior squad for this summer.
Another promising Canterbury Utd youth fullback is Sebastian Schact, a German immigrant kid who came here with his parents a few years ago from Hamburg and made a few appearances for the Dragons senior team last summer..
Big Pete 65, Christchurch
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The other thing you need to take into account is that scoring goals in the Handy Prem (or the previous incarnations) isn't an automatic sign of quality (or sign that the player in question may be ready for the A-league). The level of defending varies, let's say considerably, across the different teams.
You're being too kind. I know coaches tend to err on experience for centre backs, but where are our good young defenders? Who were they for the top Youth teams last year - Canterbury and ACFC?
For Canterbury Utd youth, Jordan Spain has been progessing nicely this year and was a first choice fullback for NZ at the recent OFC u-20 World Cup qualifiers. Didn't make the senior Dragons team last summer but has been playing really well for Cashmere Tech this winter and has been named in the Dragons preliminary senior squad for this summer.
Another promising Canterbury Utd youth fullback is Sebastian Schact, a German immigrant kid who came here with his parents a few years ago from Hamburg and made a few appearances for the Dragons senior team last summer..
Plus these two, from Alan Walker (Canterbury Youth coach)...
Kotahitanga. We are one.
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
Kotahitanga. We are one.
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
I don't want trialist! I wan't players with experience and create more competition inside the team.
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
I don't want trialist! I wan't players with experience and create more competition inside the team.
But realistically speaking, we would need to sign almost another full roster for that, as for most positions we barely have one competent player available. Consider right FB - we signed Tratt (hopefully) and he'd have that position for himself, as Fenton is likely to play further forward in his favoured pre-Ernie spot on the right wing. Rufer is unlikely to compete for that spot.
Similarly, while Singh might do well enough on the left wing to give Burns something to think about, he is still young and needs to be given a bit of room to grow and avoid injury. Similarly, Cacace is an understudy to Doyle, not a challenger.
The exception might be centre of attack as both Nicholls and Williams could play there competing with Krishna. But Nicholls is probably more of an AM than CF, unless someone wants to correct me on this.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
I don't want trialist! I wan't players with experience and create more competition inside the team.
But realistically speaking, what positions would you like competition inside the team to be for?
I assume Tratt is signed - then there is a competion with Tratt for that playing spot, although I expected Louie to move forward to his pre-Ernie spot on the right wing. Nicholls and Williams are more of central players, and would likely compete with Krishna. If we sign anyone else to create competition inside the team, you would have to target the left wing in order to give Burns something to think about.
The thing is, we're not at the stage where we need signings to create more competition within the squad, we still have glaring holes to fill before we start worrying about that!
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
I don't want trialist! I wan't players with experience and create more competition inside the team.
But realistically speaking, what positions would you like competition inside the team to be for?
I assume Tratt is signed - then there is a competion with Tratt for that playing spot, although I expected Louie to move forward to his pre-Ernie spot on the right wing. Nicholls and Williams are more of central players, and would likely compete with Krishna. If we sign anyone else to create competition inside the team, you would have to target the left wing in order to give Burns something to think about.
The thing is, we're not at the stage where we need signings to create more competition within the squad, we still have glaring holes to fill before we start worrying about that!
Apology El Grap, but I started editing my original post when you posted your reply. My edit is in the same vein, just typically more long-winded.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
How many players do we have, 16 or 17? So that's at bare minimum 4 players left to sign. Looking at the rest of the kiwi/aussie players available, I'm not sure where they're gonna come from. Means it's even more important that we make the most of that last import spot. We can't afford for one of our "big" players to disappoint, that's why I'm not confident on Yoo. Not a fan of the concept of hoping that he comes right, let's spend the money and get someone who is already up and running
They're in camp on the Gold Coast this week, right? Odds on there will be new trialists there. Any Nix Gold Coaster spies out there?
I don't want trialist! I wan't players with experience and create more competition inside the team.
But realistically speaking, what positions would you like competition inside the team to be for?
I assume Tratt is signed - then there is a competion with Tratt for that playing spot, although I expected Louie to move forward to his pre-Ernie spot on the right wing. Nicholls and Williams are more of central players, and would likely compete with Krishna. If we sign anyone else to create competition inside the team, you would have to target the left wing in order to give Burns something to think about.
The thing is, we're not at the stage where we need signings to create more competition within the squad, we still have glaring holes to fill before we start worrying about that!
Apology El Grap, but I started editing my original post when you posted your reply. My edit is in the same vein, just typically more long-winded.
Haha, I was too quick on hitting the quote button. That's what happens when you're desperately trying to find way to procrastinate at work.
How many players do we have, 16 or 17? So that's at bare minimum 4 players left to sign. Looking at the rest of the kiwi/aussie players available, I'm not sure where they're gonna come from. Means it's even more important that we make the most of that last import spot. We can't afford for one of our "big" players to disappoint, that's why I'm not confident on Yoo. Not a fan of the concept of hoping that he comes right, let's spend the money and get someone who is already up and running
Wiki says:
"An A-League squad must comprise a minimum of 20 players with a maximum of 26, subject to several limitations. Within the squad there can be a maximum of five "foreign" or "Visa" players, from outside Australia (and New Zealand, in the case of Wellington Phoenix), that hold a temporary working-visa. Three players in the squad must also be under 20 years of age. In addition to these three under 20 players, clubs are allowed to sign an additional three youth players onto full-time contracts at a lower pay rate than the rest of the squad." Not mentioned in Wiki are the mature age rookies and marquee players,
I read that as min 20 on 'full pay' of whom three are under 20.
Plus up to three on 'youth rates', one of whom might be Smith.
I believe they have signed 16 so far. They must sign four more on 'full pay', one of whom must be under 20. Is that right?
You need a minimum of 20 players on Senior deals, with a maximum of 23. 3 of which have to be u20 and 5 can be visas. Outside the cap you can have 6 players on Scholarship contracts.
How many players do we have, 16 or 17?
Only 16 signed so far.
Kurto Sail
Doyle, Durante, Fenton, Fox, Lowry, Taylor
Rufer, Cacace, Kopczynski, Nichols, Singh
Burns, Krishna, Williams
How many players do we have, 16 or 17?
Only 16 signed so far.
Kurto Sail
Doyle, Durante, Fenton, Fox, Lowry, Taylor
Rufer, Cacace, Kopczynski, Nichols, Singh
Burns, Krishna, Williams
Nix squad page is pretty un-cared-for too... Includes Waine and Smith. No Rufer. No photo for most of the players.
And Cacace listed as a midfielder, though that could come true.
Nix squad page is pretty un-cared-for too... Includes Waine and Smith. No Rufer. No photo for most of the players.
And Cacace listed as a midfielder, though that could come true.
Sad.
you think there are some signings being worked on that will land in a flurry?
you think there are some signings being worked on that will land in a flurry?
Valley FC til I die?
you think there are some signings being worked on that will land in a flurry?
Hmm if that's it
As much as I love Tratt, and Soo's pedigree, those aren't really inspiring signings. In Tonya I trust to keep us optimistic!
It seemed as though TAHW was well in the mix for a contract before the injury. Does anyone know how he's placed both on a return to the mix and for a contact??
It seemed as though TAHW was well in the mix for a contract before the injury. Does anyone know how he's placed both on a return to the mix and for a contact??
As much as I love Tratt, and Soo's pedigree, those aren't really inspiring signings. In Tonya I trust to keep us optimistic!
As much as I love Tratt, and Soo's pedigree, those aren't really inspiring signings. In Tonya I trust to keep us optimistic!
Or he was talking about the Korean, and that hasn't worked out all that great.
As much as I love Tratt, and Soo's pedigree, those aren't really inspiring signings. In Tonya I trust to keep us optimistic!
Or he was talking about the Korean, and that hasn't worked out all that great.
Even then, he was still saying it was coming... Hmm.
Nix squad page is pretty un-cared-for too... Includes Waine and Smith. No Rufer. No photo for most of the players.
And Cacace listed as a midfielder, though that could come true.
Jesus, burns was born in 88. I always thought he looked older.
Agbonlahor?
Express Football Special Calling At
Fratton Park - Champion Hill - Kiwitea St
And all away grounds inbetween.
Agbonlahor?
I just Googled him and didn't realise he was only 31 he's been around forever
It seemed as though TAHW was well in the mix for a contract before the injury. Does anyone know how he's placed both on a return to the mix and for a contact??
As I understand it TAHW is likely to be offered something once the injury is gone. He impressed big-time with both his ability and his attitude.
Nix squad page is pretty un-cared-for too... Includes Waine and Smith. No Rufer. No photo for most of the players.
And Cacace listed as a midfielder, though that could come true.
Jesus, Burns was born in 88. I always thought he looked older.
Couple of seasons with Phoenix can age even the most youthful. Especially the supporters.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
COYN 