Wellington Phoenix Men

Transfer Talk - 2018/19 Season

4103 replies · 587,716 views
over 7 years ago

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Normo's coming home

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over 7 years ago

Also our goalkeeping situation last year was genuinely appalling so that’s a major plus

Normo's coming home

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over 7 years ago

Fenix wrote:

MetalLegNZ wrote:

Paracki and Ridenton were not effective... never controlled the center of the park.

Ridenton bound to score hat trick next week then!

I really came around on Ridenton last season. There is a reason he played so many minutes, and there is a reason Ernie picked him up (as an import, no less).

a.haak

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over 7 years ago

I enjoy people trying to rate players they haven't seen play.

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over 7 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

I enjoy people trying to rate players they haven't seen play.

Or better still the team in general before they have even played a competition game. Wouldnt at all be surprised to see some people realise by seasons end that Ridenton wasnt as bad as they had thought last season.

Think Rudan will be hoping like shark that some of the players he has signed repay the chances he has given them.If they do think we may surprise a few people.


GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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over 7 years ago

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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over 7 years ago

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

Yep - any time out for injury there and we could be in the shark

                                                                        COYN    

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over 7 years ago

The FIFA transfer window closes today, after today its only free agents only that can be signed.

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over 7 years ago

ballane wrote:

2ndBest wrote:

I enjoy people trying to rate players they haven't seen play.

Or better still the team in general before they have even played a competition game. Wouldnt at all be surprised to see some people realise by seasons end that Ridenton wasnt as bad as they had thought last season.

Think Rudan will be hoping like shark that some of the players he has signed repay the chances he has given them.If they do think we may surprise a few people.

6 days and counting and we'll have some answers for the doubters. IMO the squad that we have could well end up being more successful than previous squads. They may not have the wow factor but I expect under Rudan they'll be talking the same talk and working as a team better than they have in years.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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over 7 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

I enjoy people trying to rate players they haven't seen play.

I am assuming the goal keeping situation couldn't be any worse than Smith/Italiano

Normo's coming home

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over 7 years ago

HZA wrote:

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

Yep - any time out for injury there and we could be in the shark

I agree that Durante workload should be managed and can't see him starting every game. But its obvious that he offers the team alot more with his leadership and passion for the phoenix shirt. Thought Fox did well last year and he will only get better with more experience. But at centre back I think we have good cover, there is also Doyle, Lowry and Mandi that can step in if required. I'm more concerned if we get injuries to the likes of Krishna or Williams.

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over 7 years ago

RR wrote:

The FIFA transfer window closes today, after today its only free agents only that can be signed.

Rudan said he's happy with what he's got. He could put one or two academy kids on senior contracts, if required, to meet the minimum squad size requirement, and look to make more signings in January. 

Agree with the poster who said another starting quality forward is the top priority now. 

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over 7 years ago

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

This doesn't make any sense. If Durante is good enough to start some weeks why not every week?

We conceded 55 goals last year in a 27 game season.  46 the year before, 54 the year before that, 35 before that (oddly enough the season we finished 4th), and 51 the year before that.  DUrante has been a part of all of those teams.  Fox has also in the latter stages.

There was a stage a while ago when everyone was blaming our central midfield for our poor defence.  But it's not changed with different coaches and personnel.  And if we are going to play a back 3 who is the reserve centre back?

It's a big weakness, and DYlan Fox is not the answer.  

Normo's coming home

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over 7 years ago · edited over 7 years ago · History

james dean wrote:

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

This doesn't make any sense. If Durante is good enough to start some weeks why not every week?

We conceded 55 goals last year in a 27 game season.  46 the year before, 54 the year before that, 35 before that (oddly enough the season we finished 4th), and 51 the year before that.  DUrante has been a part of all of those teams.  Fox has also in the latter stages.

There was a stage a while ago when everyone was blaming our central midfield for our poor defence.  But it's not changed with different coaches and personnel.  And if we are going to play a back 3 who is the reserve centre back?

It's a big weakness, and DYlan Fox is not the answer.  

Dylan Fox was one of the few bright spots last season in an all-round sharke year, he could very well be the answer if he keeps improving. I'd personally have him starting over Dura. You've also got Lowry and Doyle (who is a better CB than LB). We're not hurting for CBs at all.

Valley FC til I die?

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over 7 years ago

james dean wrote:

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

This doesn't make any sense. If Durante is good enough to start some weeks why not every week?

We conceded 55 goals last year in a 27 game season.  46 the year before, 54 the year before that, 35 before that (oddly enough the season we finished 4th), and 51 the year before that.  DUrante has been a part of all of those teams.  Fox has also in the latter stages.

There was a stage a while ago when everyone was blaming our central midfield for our poor defence.  But it's not changed with different coaches and personnel.  And if we are going to play a back 3 who is the reserve centre back?

It's a big weakness, and DYlan Fox is not the answer.  

I'd personally love to see a back three of Doyle, Taylor and Fox with Dura and Lowry as reserves. Plenty of depth there.

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over 7 years ago

If we have a back three with two wing backs and two defensive midfielders then who are we cutting further up the pitch? Do we start only one of Nichols and Singh?

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over 7 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

I enjoy people trying to rate players they haven't seen play.

The only players we haven't seen are Mandi and Burgess.

a.haak

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over 7 years ago

Ryan wrote:

If we have a back three with two wing backs and two defensive midfielders then who are we cutting further up the pitch? Do we start only one of Nichols and Singh?

Against the Victory, he started both Nichols & Singh but subbed Nichols for Mandi after 18 minutes iirc. So I would think he goes Mandi & one of Kopa/Rufer with Singh in front of them.
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over 7 years ago

RR wrote:

Ryan wrote:

If we have a back three with two wing backs and two defensive midfielders then who are we cutting further up the pitch? Do we start only one of Nichols and Singh?

Against the Victory, he started both Nichols & Singh but subbed Nichols for Mandi after 18 minutes iirc. So I would think he goes Mandi & one of Kopa/Rufer with Singh in front of them.

No chance he’ll go Rufer when he’s got Nichols who played in a deeper role in that game. At least I hope not...

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over 7 years ago

I guess it depends if Mandi is match fit enough. I'd rather try Nichols and Mandi and have Kopa on the bench.

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over 7 years ago

In the game v Bentleigh, Nichols certainly ran around like a headless chicken a lot - so he may suit a deeper role

a.haak

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over 7 years ago

Ryan wrote:

If we have a back three with two wing backs and two defensive midfielders then who are we cutting further up the pitch? Do we start only one of Nichols and Singh?

I think in that set-up one of the sing backs would have to play pretty high up the pitch, which is maybe why Fenton and not Tratt

Normo's coming home

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over 7 years ago

Nelfoos wrote:

james dean wrote:

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

This doesn't make any sense. If Durante is good enough to start some weeks why not every week?

We conceded 55 goals last year in a 27 game season.  46 the year before, 54 the year before that, 35 before that (oddly enough the season we finished 4th), and 51 the year before that.  DUrante has been a part of all of those teams.  Fox has also in the latter stages.

There was a stage a while ago when everyone was blaming our central midfield for our poor defence.  But it's not changed with different coaches and personnel.  And if we are going to play a back 3 who is the reserve centre back?

It's a big weakness, and DYlan Fox is not the answer.  

Dylan Fox was one of the few bright spots last season in an all-round sharke year, he could very well be the answer if he keeps improving. I'd personally have him starting over Dura. You've also got Lowry and Doyle (who is a better CB than LB). We're not hurting for CBs at all.

Fox is one of those guys where I feel like I am watching a different player to everyone else.  He's ok physically but he makes so many basic mistakes - look at the Bentleigh Greens game, did ok over the 90 but made the mistake that cost us the goal.

Normo's coming home

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over 7 years ago

To be fair to Fox, in that game he played DM - not his natural role.

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over 7 years ago

Personally I think Fox as CB is dramatically better than Fox at DM!

With Taylor to guide him I think his play could come on in massive leaps.

I'm hoping Taylor and Fox are our starting combo in a back 4, unless a back 3 is the go then Taylor Fox and Dura.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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over 7 years ago

Surely Kopa has to be functional, surely. He's got a bad wrap from some pre-season games but surely he has to offer something. It's crazy to see us talking about him riding the pine - considering how important our import slots are.

I guess we'll find out soon enough. 

If he really is a dud, I wonder if Rudan would have the balls to end the loan and free up an import spot in Jan. Anyway, let the boy play.

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over 7 years ago

RR wrote:

The FIFA transfer window closes today, after today its only free agents only that can be signed.

What does this mean for amateur players like Elliot? Presuming he picks up a contract

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over 7 years ago

Tyler wrote:

RR wrote:

The FIFA transfer window closes today, after today its only free agents only that can be signed.

What does this mean for amateur players like Elliot? Presuming he picks up a contract

Nothing, he is a free agent atm. 

If we were going to sign a player who is currently under contract, either on loan or permanently it has to be completed by today.

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over 7 years ago · edited over 7 years ago · History

james dean wrote:

Nelfoos wrote:

james dean wrote:

DJ Jazzy Jeff Sarpong wrote:

james dean wrote:

biggest problem area last year was central defence, as it has been for about the past four seasons. Big concern is we still are relying on either Durante or fox, neither of whom are good enough. I think dura may be better in a three but we will still be risking it with him. Otherwise I think we’ve marginally improved across the pitch, but that’s not saying a lot when we were pretty bad last year. 

Badly need Burns to do something and still need another quality player, whether that’s a midfielder, wide player or a forward.

Massive (and in my opinion completely untrue) call, particularly on Fox. The guy gets better with every week, expecting a massive season from him this year. Very harsh on Durante too saying he's not good enough, obviously he's ancient now and is nowhere near the force he was years ago but as the central defender in a trio of centre backs last year he was decent. By no means do I want him starting every game, but he showed last year he has enough left to be an important squad player for one more season. This season it all hinges on Taylor more than anyone else.

This doesn't make any sense. If Durante is good enough to start some weeks why not every week?

We conceded 55 goals last year in a 27 game season.  46 the year before, 54 the year before that, 35 before that (oddly enough the season we finished 4th), and 51 the year before that.  DUrante has been a part of all of those teams.  Fox has also in the latter stages.

There was a stage a while ago when everyone was blaming our central midfield for our poor defence.  But it's not changed with different coaches and personnel.  And if we are going to play a back 3 who is the reserve centre back?

It's a big weakness, and DYlan Fox is not the answer.  

Dylan Fox was one of the few bright spots last season in an all-round sharke year, he could very well be the answer if he keeps improving. I'd personally have him starting over Dura. You've also got Lowry and Doyle (who is a better CB than LB). We're not hurting for CBs at all.

Fox is one of those guys where I feel like I am watching a different player to everyone else.  He's ok physically but he makes so many basic mistakes - look at the Bentleigh Greens game, did ok over the 90 but made the mistake that cost us the goal.

Personally I thought Fox was by far our best defender last year, which, admittedly, isn't saying much. I never rated him up until then; he improved a lot. 

a.haak

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over 7 years ago

My understanding is Kopa has had an injury challenge which is why he didn't play vs Victory the other week and last week in the game a Martin Luckie. I'd say he's a chance to bench this week as part of his recovery.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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over 7 years ago

Hard News wrote:

My understanding is Kopa has had an injury challenge which is why he didn't play vs Victory the other week and last week in the game a Martin Luckie. I'd say he's a chance to bench this week as part of his recovery.

Could be Rufer and Nichols at the base, then, as Mandi seems to be struggling with fitness issues too.

a.haak

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over 7 years ago · edited over 7 years ago · History

Australia Free Agents List according to transfermarkt.com

https://www.transfermarkt.com/spieler/vertragslose...

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 7 years ago

So we seem to be thinking Elliot and...Djite?



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over 7 years ago

That's an awesome list, I guess if any of the former pros could be signed - they would have been signed already?

Anyway, throwing a couple of names down just for fun...

Jobe Wheelhouse (33) CM

Stuart Musialik (33) DM

Spase Dilevski (33) DM

Jesse Makarounas (24) CM

Shannon Cole (33) RB

Billy Celeski (33 - thought he'd be 40 by now) CM

Eli Babalj (26) CF


Definitely some proven A-League players in there - sure most of them will be quite old, but we need known quantities not superstars, otherwise we'd signed Martins & co by now.


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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over 7 years ago

Jesus, Musialik and Wheelhouse, those are really blasts from the past. I remember thinking SM was really good...about 10 years ago.

Genuinely thought most of those players had already retired

a.haak

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over 7 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

I enjoy people trying to rate players they haven't seen play.

Harsh. I think anyone masochistic enough to sit through a DM's 45 minute 'every touch' scouting video deserves an opinion. 

Mandi's pedigree, TM player valuation and rating site scores give a bit of a clue too, though fitness and a family issue might change things; hoping he finds top form and settles in to Wellington.

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over 7 years ago

Player announcement scheduled for Wednesday at 1230

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