No one asked him at the press conference about winning the league? It may seem odd for a Nix fan, but I’m bullish about this season. Let’s charge from the start.
Massive coup for the club! definitely sounds like a Davilla type of player, just with more size and physical presence which should serve him well in the a-league. Will be interesting to see if he plays central in our 4-2-2(wings)-2 setup, or if he becomes one of the wider players with Ball/Kosta?
Can see him initially playing behind the strikers but during the season can see him switching in and out with Ball depending on what Talay thinks is his best position
Shark i love how Talay continues to sign players who many Nix fans on the various social media platforms go WTF. Gotta hope its another of his inspired signings. Given some of the comments i have seen seems many fans dont get it that players do move sometimes after their contracts finish.
I seem to recall that when we signed Kurto he had not played very much in the previous year as well, in his case the Netherlands wasnt it?. Appreciate that it is different for keepers of course. He did not turn out to be too bad.
How good is the Danish League compared to say the Premier League, or the A League? I have no knowledge.
I seem to recall that when we signed Kurto he had not played very much in the previous year as well, in his case the Netherlands wasnt it?. Appreciate that it is different for keepers of course. He did not turn out to be too bad.
How good is the Danish League compared to say the Premier League, or the A League? I have no knowledge.
It's not up there with the likes of the Premier League, Bundesliga or La Liga but it is still a very respectable league to be apart of, I would say in the top 15 in European leagues. Several teams from the Danish League such as FC Copenhagen and Midtjylland, which is the team this guy was at before, have competed in either the Champions League or the Europa League.
One of our own All Whites Marko Stamenic is currently playing for FC Copenhagen.
As far as I'm aware, I think Kraev will be the first Bulgarian to play in the A-League. I don't think any other A-League team has had as many if any firsts in this league over the past few seasons as we have. First Davila, then I'm pretty sure Hemed was also a first, and now Kraev.
Wasn't Dani Sanchez the league's first Spaniard, too?
Good spotting. I find it kind of hard to believe that a league going since 2005 had to wait until at least 6 years later for a Spaniard to play down under. There was also another Spaniard in the same season as Sanchez from the Victory called Ubay Luzardo.
I wonder if we will use all 5 imports and sign another 10 as the combo of Kosta and Kraev is quite different from previously Piscopo and Sandoval/Davila. Just wondering if Talay would still be after that more magician-type player to compliment Kraev and Kosta although maybe Kraev is that guy.
I wonder if we will use all 5 imports and sign another 10 as the combo of Kosta and Kraev is quite different from previously Piscopo and Sandoval/Davila. Just wondering if Talay would still be after that more magician-type player to compliment Kraev and Kosta although maybe Kraev is that guy.
Talay seems to like having a player that looks to beat the offside trap, make sure the defence don't push up too high and gives us space in midfield for one of the strikers to drop into if needed - Waine and Kosta are both more likely to fill that role than Ball is.
In my limited knowledge I’d like us to look something like this. (The Reid pick is just a bit of fun based on that very vague rumour, in reality I’d be more than happy with a Laws/Wootton CB partnership) A4252732-4DB3-4401-A59F-C35065538336.jpeg439.08 KB
Talay said the Phoenix intend to use their final two import spots on a striker and another attacking midfielder after unsuccessfully trying to lure record goal-scorer Roy Krishna back to the club.
“We’re pretty close to another player at the moment, hopefully we can get that sorted in the next couple of days.”
I'm sure all the other ALM teams are doing their best to recruit well (I don't follow the other club transfers much), but seems Welnix are doing their best within reason, to give Uffie the team he wants to have a real crack at the toilet seat.
Filling all 5 visa spots if it happens, would be a form of confirmation.
For that they should be applauded, coming off 3 financially dire, Covid affected seasons.
Talay said the Phoenix intend to use their final two import spots on a striker and another attacking midfielder after unsuccessfully trying to lure record goal-scorer Roy Krishna back to the club.
“We’re pretty close to another player at the moment, hopefully we can get that sorted in the next couple of days.”
Oh yesss! I had a feeling we weren't gonna use all 5 spots tbh. Squad will be looking very strong adding another two imports given Talay's import record.
Bit worried how he sees Old’s playing time. Being blunt- he won’t get any if all the imports play. Or he’ll displace an import the way Sotirio did to Hooper for a while.
Perhaps we are looking at David Ball doing a reduced workload from what he has been doing?
Or that some players have a bit to prove yet and can’t be guaranteed starting spots?
On the other hand well managed depth equals success.
Talay said the Phoenix intend to use their final two import spots on a striker and another attacking midfielder after unsuccessfully trying to lure record goal-scorer Roy Krishna back to the club.
“We’re pretty close to another player at the moment, hopefully we can get that sorted in the next couple of days.”
Trying to think back last season. Our forward line options: Waine, Sotirio, Hooper, Ball, Sail, (OVH) 10s: Piscopo, Sandoval, Old, Ball
This season so far: Forwards: Waine, Kosta*, (OVH), Ball, import striker TBS, Sail 10s: Kraev, Old, Kosta*, Ball, import 10 tba
Almost willing to bet one of those to be signed will be a left footer as all current attacking players are dominant right foot players. Also wonder if we might see Sutton playing further forward at points this season?
Wondering who our goal scoring heroes will be this season. Would love a cup run too- that’s where Sotirio built his momentum. Also travel and home games will be back, which will have advantages and disadvantages.
Bit worried how he sees Old’s playing time. Being blunt- he won’t get any if all the imports play. Or he’ll displace an import the way Sotirio did to Hooper for a while.
Perhaps we are looking at David Ball doing a reduced workload from what he has been doing?
Or that some players have a bit to prove yet and can’t be guaranteed starting spots?
On the other hand well managed depth equals success.
Well with the 5 sub-rule in place there'd be a good chance Old, Waine, Kosta will all be looking to come on most games to provide an impact if all imports are starting. And then if one is injured he could be taking that spot ahead of Kosta if he's in better form. I think he will still get decent minutes obviously not as much as last season but he's only 19 so still got time to warm the bench for a season.
Bit worried how he sees Old’s playing time. Being blunt- he won’t get any if all the imports play. Or he’ll displace an import the way Sotirio did to Hooper for a while.
Perhaps we are looking at David Ball doing a reduced workload from what he has been doing?
Or that some players have a bit to prove yet and can’t be guaranteed starting spots?
On the other hand well managed depth equals success.
Thinking optimistically, maybe he's already got a suitor or two lined up for his signature overseas?
Old enough, good enough. I’ll get me coat. Had forgotten about the sub rule tbh. Depending on how Kraev or the other import plays, perhaps it’s unlikely we’ll see one dominant 10 the way Davila was?
To continue the thread of random transfermarkt speculation, and (edit: NOT sticking with the Bulgarian theme), this bloke looks pretty handy. 3019384B-5998-4E1E-B1CC-D87324A4568F.jpeg244.91 KB He’s pretty old at 34 but his goal scoring record speaks for itself. 147 goals in 271 games in Hungary, 51 in 96 in the MLS and 40 in 56 in Poland, plus a bit of European experience there. AA6B31D2-2EDA-42A1-BF57-6B62A6AAF713.jpeg238.63 KB
To continue the thread of random transfermarkt speculation, and sticking with the Bulgarian theme, this bloke looks pretty handy. 3019384B-5998-4E1E-B1CC-D87324A4568F.jpeg244.91 KB He’s pretty old at 34 but his goal scoring record speaks for itself. 147 goals in 271 games in Bulgaria, 51 in 96 in the MLS and 40 in 56 in Poland, plus a bit of European experience there. AA6B31D2-2EDA-42A1-BF57-6B62A6AAF713.jpeg238.63 KB
Wonder if he'd be Hungary to come down here and make a fist at a contract for a season or two? 😏
To continue the thread of random transfermarkt speculation, and sticking with the Bulgarian theme, this bloke looks pretty handy. 3019384B-5998-4E1E-B1CC-D87324A4568F.jpeg244.91 KB He’s pretty old at 34 but his goal scoring record speaks for itself. 147 goals in 271 games in Bulgaria, 51 in 96 in the MLS and 40 in 56 in Poland, plus a bit of European experience there. AA6B31D2-2EDA-42A1-BF57-6B62A6AAF713.jpeg238.63 KB
Wonder if he'd be Hungary to come down here and make a fist at a contract for a season or two? 😏
To continue the thread of random transfermarkt speculation, and (edit: NOT sticking with the Bulgarian theme), this bloke looks pretty handy. 3019384B-5998-4E1E-B1CC-D87324A4568F.jpeg244.91 KB He’s pretty old at 34 but his goal scoring record speaks for itself. 147 goals in 271 games in Hungary, 51 in 96 in the MLS and 40 in 56 in Poland, plus a bit of European experience there. AA6B31D2-2EDA-42A1-BF57-6B62A6AAF713.jpeg238.63 KB
He has also apparently only missed two games in his whole career, I'd take him.
To continue the thread of random transfermarkt speculation, and (edit: NOT sticking with the Bulgarian theme), this bloke looks pretty handy. 3019384B-5998-4E1E-B1CC-D87324A4568F.jpeg244.91 KB He’s pretty old at 34 but his goal scoring record speaks for itself. 147 goals in 271 games in Hungary, 51 in 96 in the MLS and 40 in 56 in Poland, plus a bit of European experience there. AA6B31D2-2EDA-42A1-BF57-6B62A6AAF713.jpeg238.63 KB
Shark now that's a record. Think he was pretty well liked by Chicago fans in the MLS, saw a lot of praise online from fans while I was following Collier. Fan of this
Bit worried how he sees Old’s playing time. Being blunt- he won’t get any if all the imports play. Or he’ll displace an import the way Sotirio did to Hooper for a while.
Perhaps we are looking at David Ball doing a reduced workload from what he has been doing?
Or that some players have a bit to prove yet and can’t be guaranteed starting spots?
On the other hand well managed depth equals success.
Thinking optimistically, maybe he's already got a suitor or two lined up for his signature overseas?
I’m sure if he left he’d be able to sort out somewhere in Europe, though I don’t know what level. He’s under contract for two more seasons though, and he hasn’t really done enough for a transfer fee.
With another import striker and attacking midfielder it could be a lean season for Old and Waine though. The imports (and their salaries) aren’t coming down to sit on the bench, and Talay isn’t really one for rotation or excessive subbing. Those two probably have a good chance of sitting on the sideline for quite a bit if the senior players are available, like Elliot last season.
Bit worried how he sees Old’s playing time. Being blunt- he won’t get any if all the imports play. Or he’ll displace an import the way Sotirio did to Hooper for a while.
Perhaps we are looking at David Ball doing a reduced workload from what he has been doing?
Or that some players have a bit to prove yet and can’t be guaranteed starting spots?
On the other hand well managed depth equals success.
Thinking optimistically, maybe he's already got a suitor or two lined up for his signature overseas?
I’m sure if he left he’d be able to sort out somewhere in Europe, though I don’t know what level. He’s under contract for two more seasons though, and he hasn’t really done enough for a transfer fee.
With another import striker and attacking midfielder it could be a lean season for Old and Waine though. The imports (and their salaries) aren’t coming down to sit on the bench, and Talay isn’t really one for rotation or excessive subbing. Those two probably have a good chance of sitting on the sideline for quite a bit if the senior players are available, like Elliot last season.
You're right that we haven't seen much rotation/subbing from Talay. But there's a chance that is because he has had a bench of Sotirio + Academy players rather than Kosta/Waine/Old/Rufer/Pennington/Elliot/JHS/Surman/Mauragis like he will have this season.
Bit worried how he sees Old’s playing time. Being blunt- he won’t get any if all the imports play. Or he’ll displace an import the way Sotirio did to Hooper for a while.
Perhaps we are looking at David Ball doing a reduced workload from what he has been doing?
Or that some players have a bit to prove yet and can’t be guaranteed starting spots?
On the other hand well managed depth equals success.
Thinking optimistically, maybe he's already got a suitor or two lined up for his signature overseas?
I’m sure if he left he’d be able to sort out somewhere in Europe, though I don’t know what level. He’s under contract for two more seasons though, and he hasn’t really done enough for a transfer fee.
With another import striker and attacking midfielder it could be a lean season for Old and Waine though. The imports (and their salaries) aren’t coming down to sit on the bench, and Talay isn’t really one for rotation or excessive subbing. Those two probably have a good chance of sitting on the sideline for quite a bit if the senior players are available, like Elliot last season.
Competition for places should make the squad better overall. We didn't have that option last year, as, almost through default (because of circumstances being based in Aussie) we had a bench of mostly academy players.
We're already looking a hell of a lot stronger all round for the upcoming campaign, and we're still in the market for more. Uffie touched on it last season - You've got to show you deserve it when push comes to shove. As much as I love a bunch of Kiwi's coming through the ranks and making their mark on the game, and for the betterment of NZ football overall, I'd suggest that the younger guys need to start pushing. It's not just down to performances on the pitch either. This is the time when attitude and fortitude come to the fore. Football isn't the cut throat industry it is because everyone got what they wanted. These guys want to make it in the game? Well these are the type of situations that are going to drive them (hopefully) to be better.
For the record, I still think Waine and Old will get time to show their obvious talents. I would hope Surman gets a good go again too given I thought he was very decent in the backend of 21/22. Time on the pitch may be a bit more limited for them all, but that's the game at the end of the day.
I’m back on my bullshark with some transfermarkt picks, these guys look like excellent free agent options to partner Bozhidar in the AM department.
Gastón Ramírez - 31 - Most recently at Monza (Serie B) - 173 games Serie A - 94 games Premier League - 43 games Uruguay - Left footed - Mean free kick
Takahiro Kunimoto - 24 - Most recently at Jeonbuk Hyundai (K-League) - 105 games K-League - 17 games AFC Champions League (incl 8 G/A) - 7 games Japan U20 - Left footed
There’s also this fella if we want to go all out on the Bulgarians (I got it right this time 😂)
Borislav Tsonev - 27 - Most recently at Slavia Sofia (Bulgaria) - 100 games Efbet Liga (Bulgaria) incl 40 G/A - 36 games Supersport HNL (Croatia) - 3 games Bulgaria - Both footed
He’s not as good as the other two but I thought I’d add him in.
There’s also French AM Jason Berthomier who’s been mentioned once or twice on here. He’s 32, just played his first season in Ligue 1 with Clermont Foot and got 6 G/A. Would be a stellar pick up but it looks like Clermont might’ve taken up their 1 year extension option with him?
Talay also mentioned that they are talking to two #9 at the moment, in addition to the other #10 that they hope to get done in the next few days. Also said that JHS will stick around for a while because the step up is quite big so they want to give them a decent go at it. Indication was that they are seeing him as a potential right back.
From 2 weeks ago "Talay said he expected goalkeeper Oli Sail to report back along with the club’s other All Whites next week Monday after they were given extra time off following the World Cup qualifier defeat to Costa Rica.
A couple of overseas clubs were tracking Sail towards the end of last season following his stellar displays but Talay said the “noise” had gone quiet in recent weeks with no one making a concrete offer."
