vs Sydney FC, 7.30pm Sat

5-3 

 Thinking about it Luciano Trani is a great tactical thinker, just trying to get that other half out of my head, more shots on goal , I think more corners and BLOODY NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT

what the fuc* !!!

I know we are all pretty pissed at our performance at the moment, but let's not turn on each other,  These are dark, dark days and no excuses for our embarrassing performance but, please, let's not take out our anger and frustration on those who inhabit these forums, all of ehom are  loyal and faithful supporters.

3 players in the midfield.  Smith doesn't know which player to pick up.   Yep, we don't have a midfield, because we're playing 4-3-3 where everyone wants to attack.  Including LB & RB who seem to be told to push up the lines. We don't have the players for this formation.  Leo's not a RB.  1 on 1 he's standing off his man.  If he's marking the ball players, he's gotta shut the player down! 

9-1

Rikki is saying "more total football in the second half lads"

Black caps are starting soon......

That's the biggest piece of shit I've seen from this team. Frankly embarrassing.I'm getting quietly pissed here and not so quietly pissed off. Jr with me so I have to tone it down.

ADP is a class player but really hasn't had to do too much for his goals- we stand back and kiss his arse ; he says thanks very much , don't forget to floss and get this up you! And as for the fact that we seem to have given up ... 

Changes- Totori , a half fit Ifil? Yeah , right.

THis is not Gareth's fault but the confusion , lack of heart and lack of a clear direction are. this week , the players have made it quite clear that they don't like the new strategy so I guess we're stuck with this. Shit.

 Not a great time to quit drinking eh!

he looks pissed as fcuk in the changing room shots. Kicking something on the floor

I just.......fuck this. MEME TIME !

Sorry to say but feeling very indifferent regarding the result so far, normally get irate when losing.

Think this kind of result has been comming all season, kinda sucks it is against Sydney.

Would be happy for us to score a few goals and stop them but feel they will grab at least 3 more and we will be lucky to end the game with 11 players of the field.

Roll on next week:(

not really still shitty .

anyway i'm off to kill myself now see ya tomorrow

Any subs ? No.

Plan B?  No.

Plan anything will do

Owners will find an interim coach. Has to be an Oz with no connections to NZF system that Herbert runs. Otherwise nothing will change. 

 We're gonna score (six) in a minute.....

Yeah Trani was assistant in our best ever season.

Is this a protest by the players?

 According to my cat (who is  a bit of a footballing genius) Herberts second half tactics should be...meow, meow, purrr, purrr, scratch and purr some more.

I think that might get us back into the match.

Isn't Trani our 'spy' in Australia who is going to work out how to win in Aussie? Going pretty well so far.

Another positive - this is character building.

1] I hope the players and coaching staff rally around and refund any fans whom can show they paid honest money to travel over there to attend this thrashing and I mean airfares, accommodation, transfers and match tickets upon presenting receipts.

2] It finally shows that some players do indeed need to be replaced. Loyalty is one thing but when they are not performing Ricki, you have to make the hard decisions.

3] The total football thing is great if you have players capable but the Phoenix don't!

4] Whats up with Stein? 3 goals in 3 games then nothing.

5] God has slipped down the order to St Peter.

6] here is an open letter I tried to send to Gareth via that site he uses, just waiting for my login password......

Gareth,

Ricki once said that we would never play the long ball game which to my mind was very encouraging. However, in fact, I have witnessed the long ball game more often than not. I believe the Phoenix have become too predictable.

Run down the wings to the corners and cross the ball to 5'8" strikers so that the 6'4" defender can continually clear the crosses. Perhaps a short passing game and playing it along the ground may make a difference, A kind of "Plan B". Even playing along the ground and up the middle on occasion.

I have always felt Durante is under used in that area. I've seen him a few times break from the back and go straight up the middle with the opposition baffled as to what to do. It's looked good and I'd like to encourage him to try it more often.

Another thing is our goalkeepers continually rely on the big punt up field to the 6'4" opposition defenders to take off our 5'8" strikers. We do this almost every time. Last Friday night I watched two goalkeepers whom continually rolled the ball out or passed it, to their defenders. Surprisingly, the teams kept possession and used it for good attacks. When will our goalkeepers learn??

This all being said, Ricki is the coach and has more qualifications than I. All I would him to do is address my concerns mentioned above and have a "Plan B". In his defence, "Attractive" football in those blustery conditions was always a risk, as the the hoof ball. Still chins up and best of luck to everyone at the Phoenix, We shall rise yet again!.................

I wrote that up two days ago. I may be out of line but then I hope I may offer an alternative opinion without getting slammed too much.  

Smith needs to fuck off out of this club - crap cross then starts walking back to position