Was - Phoenix Transfer Speculation (Part 1)

Yep, although i'm pretty sure Paston would be back for next year, he's signed a contract and it's just a knee injury, it's not something like a back or neck problem.

Yep, although i'm pretty sure Paston would be back for next year, he's signed a contract and it's just a knee injury, it's not something like a back or neck problem.

Yep, although i'm pretty sure Paston would be back for next year, he's signed a contract and it's just a knee injury, it's not something like a back or neck problem.

Griffiths saga reaches climax

13 December 2010-SBS Exclusive

Protracted negotiations over a 10-match loan contract for Joel Griffiths at Wellington Phoenix are set to come to a head today with Chinese club Beijing Guoan needing to drop a six-figure insurance demand for the deal to go through.

Griffiths provides inside infoShandong seals CSL title
Griffiths, the 2008 A-League Golden Boot, is hoping to use the Phoenix cameo to press his claims for an unlikely spot in Australia coach Holger Osieck's Asian Cup squad, having been overlooked during the Pim Verbeek era.

The spin-off for Phoenix could be some New Year goal cheer as it bids to land a play-off place.

But such is the value of Griffiths to Beijing, at which he scored nine times in 23 games during an injury-affected 2010 campaign, that it is believed to be seeking an injury clause equivalent to the value of his contract in China, as well as his regular wages.

That figure is unsustainable to Phoenix, which is willing to cover his wages but nothing more.

Phoenix claims that a standard insurance policy on the player will cover all eventualities and there is no need for the Chinese Super League side to seek a top-up.

A source close to the negotiation process said: "It will all determined one way or another on Monday. It's deadline time and Joel is hoping that the path can be cleared for him to play.

"He had offers from his old club Newcastle and also Adelaide United but he opted for Wellington. Talks have been going on for six weeks now and it's time for a decision.

"What Beijing is claiming is probably a little extravagant but Joel is hopeful that a compromise can be struck."

Griffiths, who has a year left on his contract in China, is in Sydney awaiting the final verdict, with the source adding: "Joel wants to catch the eye of the national coach going into the Asian Cup.

"He knows it's a bit of long shot but there is still hope for him and he believes he can provide the goals Wellington need to make the top six.

"It's his way of saying to Osieck 'here I am, I'm an option for you. But it all rests on what Beijing decide."

Seventh-placed Phoenix, which takes on Newcastle Jets this weekend, trails Branko Culina's side on goal difference but has played three games more.

It is hoping to unveil Griffiths against North Queensland Fury at Dairy Farmers Stadium on 27 December.

I'd reluctantly accept Cech as a replacement next season.

Sweet. Looks promising then.

"He had offers from his old club Newcastle and also Adelaide United but he opted for Wellington. Talks have been going on for six weeks now and it's time for a decision."

So his theory is that he'll come here and turn things around and get noticed more than say Adelaide?

So his theory is that he'll come here and turn things around and get noticed more than say Adelaide?

As long as he scores and isn't a c**t in the process.

Sign Chris James and Kris Bright and Jarrod Smith.

A cruciate ligament can be far a more serious than a neck or back injury.

Are we concerned that Vukovic has signed a 3 year deal at the Glory?

Apparantly Paston will be available mid way through the pre-season, have to say makes me a bit nervous, where do we look for back up?, is Crowther still a real option?

I think we should look local. We've got guys like Imray, Spoonley etc who will one day be the potential AW keepers.
Lets put them in the mix, let Paston have his final year, and then see from there.