That comment must be one of the strangest ones I’ve ever read. Are you saying he’s not a dick because he’s been going out with her for a while or he hooked up with her when she was 17 and he was 23wilbaker
He (Buhagiar) was going out with his current gf when she was 17... (he's 24 maybe 23 at the time) so idk if he fits with the no dickhead policy.
Didn't word it properly so sorry for the confusion, I had just heard during this season that he had been going out with his gf when she was still in high school (so 17) and he would've been 23 at the time. Therefore I was questioning whether he fits the no dickhead policy Talay has mentioned before. imo I wouldn't be friends with a guy that would date a high schooler being 5+ years out of it.
I was gonna reply by saying she could have been 18 while at highschool as about a third of year 13's are, but then realised it doesn't matter because to quote you verbatim, it is something you "heard". You can't just write off a guy because of some spurious claim that you can't back up. Anyway, back to transfer speculation
Well i did fact check this after i heard abt it and he was posted on her 18th birthday instagram post and were posted together before that so can definitely say they were together when she was 17.
That comment must be one of the strangest ones I’ve ever read. Are you saying he’s not a dick because he’s been going out with her for a while or he hooked up with her when she was 17 and he was 23wilbaker
He (Buhagiar) was going out with his current gf when she was 17... (he's 24 maybe 23 at the time) so idk if he fits with the no dickhead policy.
Didn't word it properly so sorry for the confusion, I had just heard during this season that he had been going out with his gf when she was still in high school (so 17) and he would've been 23 at the time. Therefore I was questioning whether he fits the no dickhead policy Talay has mentioned before. imo I wouldn't be friends with a guy that would date a high schooler being 5+ years out of it.
I was gonna reply by saying she could have been 18 while at highschool as about a third of year 13's are, but then realised it doesn't matter because to quote you verbatim, it is something you "heard". You can't just write off a guy because of some spurious claim that you can't back up. Anyway, back to transfer speculation
Well i did fact check this after i heard abt it and he was posted on her 18th birthday instagram post and were posted together before that so can definitely say they were together when she was 17.
so what? he dated a 17yr old girl when he was 23. It has nothing to do with his football.
That comment must be one of the strangest ones I’ve ever read. Are you saying he’s not a dick because he’s been going out with her for a while or he hooked up with her when she was 17 and he was 23wilbaker
He (Buhagiar) was going out with his current gf when she was 17... (he's 24 maybe 23 at the time) so idk if he fits with the no dickhead policy.
Didn't word it properly so sorry for the confusion, I had just heard during this season that he had been going out with his gf when she was still in high school (so 17) and he would've been 23 at the time. Therefore I was questioning whether he fits the no dickhead policy Talay has mentioned before. imo I wouldn't be friends with a guy that would date a high schooler being 5+ years out of it.
I was gonna reply by saying she could have been 18 while at highschool as about a third of year 13's are, but then realised it doesn't matter because to quote you verbatim, it is something you "heard". You can't just write off a guy because of some spurious claim that you can't back up. Anyway, back to transfer speculation
Well i did fact check this after i heard abt it and he was posted on her 18th birthday instagram post and were posted together before that so can definitely say they were together when she was 17.
Yeah, I looked it up too and her instagram is full of your typical instagram shots with the odd pic of her in school uniform. What's the rule? Halve your age and add seven? He broke that.
Guess he'll have to get her parents permission to bring her over here...
Be interesting, because with what they're supposedly paying McGarry and Sotirio, Talay seemed to think you couldn't build a balanced team. You'd imagine Piscopo is the same.
I mean all always asked with the clubs running it who was enforcing the salary cap. But I guess we’ll see…
Ehh, bollocks. I’ll be disappointed if he’s gone to the Jets, particularly if you look at how Pappas lost it at the end of last season over some fairly uncontroversial reffing decisions. Stop giving me hope forum. I thought he was gone and then someone said oh maybe he’ll stay.
I'm more nervous with how much fire power we lost.
Hopefully Talay finds some gold nuggys in the off season.
If I trust anyone to find someone it's him, but can he keep the streak going? He's brought some talent into other A League teams thanks to his recruitment.
He really struggled this year when we weren't dominate, and appears to be a player who could be great in a good team, but also very average in a poor team.
Likely to be their star player at Newcastle so good on him - at Victory with his injury record they'd be no guarantee he'd get straight back in the starting line up once fit... and he's a good pick to get injured at some stage.
I'm more nervous with how much fire power we lost.
Hopefully Talay finds some gold nuggys in the off season.
If I trust anyone to find someone it's him, but can he keep the streak going? He's brought some talent into other A League teams thanks to his recruitment.
I think you're giving Talay too much credit, it's both him and Shaun Gill who do the recruiting.
If Piscopo plays on the left with McGarry behind him and doesn’t have to defend, our (hopefully quality) Dávila/Sandoval replacement will have an absolute field day attacking that side.
Be interesting, because with what they're supposedly paying McGarry and Sotirio, Talay seemed to think you couldn't build a balanced team. You'd imagine Piscopo is the same.
What are they 'supposedly' paying McGarry and Sotirio?
Be interesting, because with what they're supposedly paying McGarry and Sotirio, Talay seemed to think you couldn't build a balanced team. You'd imagine Piscopo is the same.
What are they 'supposedly' paying McGarry and Sotirio?
No idea, Talay said at the press conference that he didn't think what they were being paid was worth it in a salary capped league but didn't go into details about what the pay was.
The transfer window in Europe is not open until July. No European club will even talk to a player who is going out of contract until the day after expiry (transfer window opening). The point is, we have no idea where Piscopo will end up next season.
Was it Devlin who went some where then to Hearts during the same summer?
There are plenty of European clubs who would be interested in Piscopo. The question is more, would the interested clubs interest him.
On a free. Looking at Italy. I have some background there. I would say he has a 95% chance of getting a Serie B club. 20% chance of getting serie A.
The more patient he is into the transfer window the better opportunity he should get. He may be a long way down the wish list of the better clubs but as the transfer window gets closer to finishing the chances of his name coming up, becomes higher. Clubs realise they're not getting other names that they might want.
His next destination is yet to be revealed but the Phoenix have said it will be within the A-League Men.
Piscopo has been linked with a move to the Newcastle Jets, who have already raided the club for Jaushua Sotirio and James McGarry but still need to find a replacement for star playmaker Daniel Penha.
A move to one of the three Victorian clubs would also appeal given Piscopo is a Melbourne boy.
“Covid hindered a lot of things for us with Reno,” Talay said. “He was in selection for the Socceroos to play at Copa America which would have opened a lot of doors for us.
“We brought in Reno with the thought process of a [future] sale. That was the plan but like I said Covid hindered a lot things and injury hindered a lot of things.”
Piscopo was part of the Australia squad for the Tokyo Olympics but injury denied him a chance to play.
The transfer window in Europe is not open until July. No European club will even talk to a player who is going out of contract until the day after expiry (transfer window opening). The point is, we have no idea where Piscopo will end up next season.
Was it Devlin who went some where then to Hearts during the same summer?
There are plenty of European clubs who would be interested in Piscopo. The question is more, would the interested clubs interest him.
On a free. Looking at Italy. I have some background there. I would say he has a 95% chance of getting a Serie B club. 20% chance of getting serie A.
The more patient he is into the transfer window the better opportunity he should get. He may be a long way down the wish list of the better clubs but as the transfer window gets closer to finishing the chances of his name coming up, becomes higher. Clubs realise they're not getting other names that they might want.
Confirmed as an a league team yesterday. No ambition.
I'm not at all surprised that Piscopo is moving on. His 3 years at the Nix have been a frustrating time for him, With injuries and covid issues (remember him being stuck in Melbourne and couldn't join the team in pre season). I can understand him wanting a fresh start elsewhere. If it is the Jets. well remember the spanking they gave us this season, a player like Piscopo would be attracted to the style there that Papas is playing. Compared to the defensive mindset we installed at times (albeit due to circumstances). He did look frustrated on the field at times. He's a talented player but injury prone. Talay now has a pretty clean slate and a healthy bank balance to rebuild an attack for the Nix. I have faith.
People accuse me of being relentlessly negative, but when we're losing our best players to the freakin' Jest, it becomes clear that there's just something off about our club.
The transfer window in Europe is not open until July. No European club will even talk to a player who is going out of contract until the day after expiry (transfer window opening). The point is, we have no idea where Piscopo will end up next season.
Was it Devlin who went some where then to Hearts during the same summer?
There are plenty of European clubs who would be interested in Piscopo. The question is more, would the interested clubs interest him.
On a free. Looking at Italy. I have some background there. I would say he has a 95% chance of getting a Serie B club. 20% chance of getting serie A.
The more patient he is into the transfer window the better opportunity he should get. He may be a long way down the wish list of the better clubs but as the transfer window gets closer to finishing the chances of his name coming up, becomes higher. Clubs realise they're not getting other names that they might want.
To be accurate, players with 6 months or less remaining on their contract can be contacted by clubs before the expiration of their contract.
People accuse me of being relentlessly negative, but when we're losing our best players to the freakin' Jest, it becomes clear that there's just something off about our club.
He’s an Australian guy who was at the only non-Australian club in the league. It was inevitable he’d want to play for a club in his home country, it’s happened before and it’ll happen again, just the fact of the matter. Happens in all sport, if there was a potential AB at the Fijian Drua, for example, then they’d be jumping at a chance to play for the Crusaders, no different.
It’ll be the same for any Australians that are signed this off-season, such as the rumours the Phoenix will give Buhagiar a third chance in the A League. As soon as he wasn’t sold last season, I knew he’d be at another A League club.
Sorry Doloros, I think your comment is way of the mark, lots of reasons could influence a players decision to leave.
1 - we are not willing to over pay for players who have not reached their potential.
2 - some players prefer to be closer to home and their families.
3 - we may not guarantee playing roles in the team (starter, to positions) etc.
If there was something off, why did Wooton sign a 3 year contract? Also, our club has been hit hard by covid - what does a normal year even look like for us.
Nothing off with the club - dealing with people is never simple, its multi faceted. Is there something wrong with every club from which players have left to come to us?
People accuse me of being relentlessly negative, but when we're losing our best players to the freakin' Jest, it becomes clear that there's just something off about our club.
I mean it's not a great look, but we all know the financial implications that we need to operate within. As Uffie said, he didn't think the money on offer wasn't worth matching. And I respect that. We've been pretty good with our recruitment over the last few seasons, imagine getting another Uli or David Ball or Hooper (of the first spell variety). Plenty of fish on the sea. The Jets are obviously going out all guns blazing but that strategy doesn't alway pay off. Look at Macarthur... Also, I'd argue that McGarry and more so Piscopo and Sotirio have had more than their fair share of injuries this season so they're taking three huge risks. That's part of football but you'd think you'd hedge your bets somewhat...
The transfer window in Europe is not open until July. No European club will even talk to a player who is going out of contract until the day after expiry (transfer window opening). The point is, we have no idea where Piscopo will end up next season.
Was it Devlin who went some where then to Hearts during the same summer?
There are plenty of European clubs who would be interested in Piscopo. The question is more, would the interested clubs interest him.
On a free. Looking at Italy. I have some background there. I would say he has a 95% chance of getting a Serie B club. 20% chance of getting serie A.
The more patient he is into the transfer window the better opportunity he should get. He may be a long way down the wish list of the better clubs but as the transfer window gets closer to finishing the chances of his name coming up, becomes higher. Clubs realise they're not getting other names that they might want.
Confirmed as an a league team yesterday. No ambition.
With his injury history would be surprised if there was much interest from Europe.
People accuse me of being relentlessly negative, but when we're losing our best players to the freakin' Jest, it becomes clear that there's just something off about our club.
You are and players are entitled to move on when their contracts are finished. As for being our best thats a big stretch.
Is McGarry going to the Jets as a Visa player? Has that been clarified yet. Can't blame him for going if he's been offered nice coin, and promised good chance of being a starter. He was no 2 behind Sutton virtually all season.
Piscopo leaving was always on the cards. Though I thought it would be a Victorian team. Sotiro is biggest the loss in many ways, and thought he may stay at the Nix, as Uffie was getting the best of him. But none of the 3 are irreplaceable.
And not sure why going to the Castle is all bad for these guys, like it's some sort of step down from the Phoenix. Jets have won the title (yes way back) plus been in the Grand Final (and should have won no thanks VAR) as recently as 2018. If they keep recruiting like they are, could be quite a force next season.
I don't think any teams have been confirmed yet for any of the players? The rumor is that he's going to the Jets because the stuff article said that was the rumor. The rumor in Victoria is he's going to the Victory.
If he goes to Victory he's got plenty of competition for a starting spot as a wide player. Ikonomidis, Folami, Kruse, Leyton Brook and Rojas if he resigns as expected. Most of those players are arguably better than Piscopo. That's why a club like The Jets kinda makes sense. Sounds like they are offering him more than we are willing to pay. And I don't think he's worth emptying the coffers for with his injury history.
Wonder if those moaning about the players leaving would also be the same ones moaning if the club paid overs in trying to keep them. Which in turn meant there wasnt the money to get that striker that everyone wants.
I think Doloras has got a fair point if he goes to the Jets.
First- they’re our feeder club. Second- our coach is streets better. Third- we finished ahead of them on the table. Fourth- their coach behaved like a complete pork chop, like a guy not in control at the end of the season. Fifth- no one asked C-Diddy first. Sixth- Any combination of pasta/nut puncher/ and so on…
If we are going to win we have to consistently be better and that means being better than the Jets.
I’m less cut up if he goes to the Victory. I think he could fit well with their style and is a better dribbler (thought not yet finisher) than some of their names mentioned, plus he’s younger and keener. The competition would keep him sharp and cover injuries. He’d be in his prime. Still annoying, but arguably the biggest a-league club in terms of support and consistent backing.
The other thing is as mentioned before, like Cammy, possibly the Jets are a marketing strategy while he sounds out European interest to push up his price.
Don’t think there’s anything off with the club though, I’m sus about the salary cap and what players are thinking. Still Welly has less Wellywood cool than it did perhaps. The next Avatar is on the way though so buckle up!
Wonder if those moaning about the players leaving would also be the same ones moaning if the club paid overs in trying to keep them. Which in turn meant there wasnt the money to get that striker that everyone wants.
Personally, if we had a striker lined up, great, but that's not really a like for like. I know Krishna did pretty well without some service, but latterly he had pretty good service (as well as an engine on him). We have a decent wage gap available so hopefully we use it well and get a decent striker, CAM and winger. Didn't want to break the bank on Piscopo, just a shame given the investment and faith shown to him by the club. He was also a known entity.
Wonder if those moaning about the players leaving would also be the same ones moaning if the club paid overs in trying to keep them. Which in turn meant there wasnt the money to get that striker that everyone wants.
Personally, if we had a striker lined up, great, but that's not really a like for like. I know Krishna did pretty well without some service, but latterly he had pretty good service (as well as an engine on him). We have a decent wage gap available so hopefully we use it well and get a decent striker, CAM and winger. Didn't want to break the bank on Piscopo, just a shame given the investment and faith shown to him by the club. He was also a known entity.
they joy of having the world's longest off season is that you dont need to have anything lined up by the end of the season. We have time, to take a good look at players we might be interested in. We now know what we need, assuming the players that we have now are all staying. We know we need:
1 ) a goal scoring striker (to replace Hooper) 2) a solid ball-playing creative midfielder - maybe 2 (to replace Reno/Gael) 3) decent back up LB and RB options who can play CB if needed.
15 players (maybe 14 if Sail leaves), a host of youngsters who will be improved next season, one of the league's best coaches, and finally a return to a normal H&A season. What is there not, to be optimistic about.
There is plenty of time, plenty of time to replace those players leaving, and hopefully even sign upgrades.
Wonder if those moaning about the players leaving would also be the same ones moaning if the club paid overs in trying to keep them. Which in turn meant there wasnt the money to get that striker that everyone wants.
Personally, if we had a striker lined up, great, but that's not really a like for like. I know Krishna did pretty well without some service, but latterly he had pretty good service (as well as an engine on him). We have a decent wage gap available so hopefully we use it well and get a decent striker, CAM and winger. Didn't want to break the bank on Piscopo, just a shame given the investment and faith shown to him by the club. He was also a known entity.
they joy of having the world's longest off season is that you dont need to have anything lined up by the end of the season. We have time, to take a good look at players we might be interested in. We now know what we need, assuming the players that we have now are all staying. We know we need:
1 ) a goal scoring striker (to replace Hooper) 2) a solid ball-playing creative midfielder - maybe 2 (to replace Reno/Gael) 3) decent back up LB and RB options who can play CB if needed.
Definitely need another 6 whether that be an import or not but you'd hope we'd be aiming for someone better than Pennington to partner Lewis
Wonder if those moaning about the players leaving would also be the same ones moaning if the club paid overs in trying to keep them. Which in turn meant there wasnt the money to get that striker that everyone wants.
Personally, if we had a striker lined up, great, but that's not really a like for like. I know Krishna did pretty well without some service, but latterly he had pretty good service (as well as an engine on him). We have a decent wage gap available so hopefully we use it well and get a decent striker, CAM and winger. Didn't want to break the bank on Piscopo, just a shame given the investment and faith shown to him by the club. He was also a known entity.
they joy of having the world's longest off season is that you dont need to have anything lined up by the end of the season. We have time, to take a good look at players we might be interested in. We now know what we need, assuming the players that we have now are all staying. We know we need:
1 ) a goal scoring striker (to replace Hooper) 2) a solid ball-playing creative midfielder - maybe 2 (to replace Reno/Gael) 3) decent back up LB and RB options who can play CB if needed.
Good call on the positions that need addressing most urgently. I reckon it might look like:
1. Striker - Import 2. Creative Midfielder/AM 1 - Import 2. Creative Midfielder/AM 2 - Local (e.g. Rojas, Najjarine, Parsons etc.) or Import if we sign a good local CM 3. Back up LB - Local (e.g. Dan Morgan, Jacob Farrell etc.) 4. Back up RB/CB cover - Local (e.g. Kalua (RB/CB/LB), Billingsley (RB), Tratt, Van der Saag, Roux)
And then also: 5. CM partner for Lewis (with Rufer still injured) - Import (if we get a good local AM) or, Local (e.g. Nisbet, Thurgate, Amini??, Musa?, Zwetsloot?)
Plus a few other back up signings to get us up to full size - players like Buhagiar to replace Jaush, a back up AM or two, possible back up CM like Nieuwenhof, and maybe an extra CB like Schrijvers.
We need goals. Goals from midfield, goals from forwards, goals from strikers. We didn’t score many this year and we’ve lost 3 of our top goal scorers. If we sign enough goals we can fudge the rest. Pennington is top 4 decent in this scenario of having a lot more goal scorers and thus goals and score board pressure imo, but we do need more competition and cover in CM.
I think another centre back in needed.. we conceded a heap of chances and had the worst defence in the league, can’t win many if you conceded an average of 2 a game… not sure why people are ignoring that part. While Surman did well when he did play, I feel like Laws can be easily exposed.. need a Leo Lecrioux type of player.
I think another centre back in needed.. we conceded a heap of chances and had the worst defence in the league, can’t win many if you conceded an average of 2 a game… not sure why people are ignoring that part. While Surman did well when he did play, I feel like Laws can be easily exposed.. need a Leo Lecrioux type of player.
Only 3 visa slots left, we have more pressing needs further up the park. Sadly I don't think Reid would be interested.
