Whether we re-sign Sasse or not might come down to the formation that Chiefy wants to play. We have no idea if he is as committed to the 4-2-2-2 as Uffie was.
WPM 2022/23 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination
Mogg and Ott back to the youth team?
Jackson Manuel, Henry Gray, and Riley Bidoi, are returning to the academy.
This post last year said Manuel was released back to the Academy, end of season 21/22.
A swag of Weenix guys got ALM minutes last season, only because with Covid travel restrictions it was hard for the Nix to recruit elsewhere. And then they had about 6-7 first team regulars out injured/with Covid in early 2022, so the kids were getting ALM game time.
Some of those youngsters released could yet end up back with the senior team one day. James Mcgarry did it.
Whether we re-sign Sasse or not might come down to the formation that Chiefy wants to play. We have no idea if he is as committed to the 4-2-2-2 as Uffie was.
He looks to me like he would be much better suited to playing further forward in a 433.
Although we have 12 or so players contracted for next season, we may need to reconsider who we need to keep.
can't see contracts being terminated early, there'll need to be some stregthening of the squad for sure, whther that comes from the academy or senior Kiwi/Aus players who knows.
It's weird, because the team was performing quite well, so have it in them, but the wheels have well and truly fallen off.
After the game Olie talked about how the team didn't do the game plan at all. Wonder if Ufuk has lost them.
After the game Olie talked about how the team didn't do the game plan at all. Wonder if Ufuk has lost them.
I don't think we would need to terminate contracts early. You could release players by mutual consent, especially if they can find a gig elsewhere and you allow them to leave on a free transfer
If we keep Ball and Wootton next season I don't think we'll be able to get more than top 6 again tbh we need a starting CB, CM, and another attacker with 1 visa slot so unless we can luck out with getting quality locals where there doesn't seem to be many kiwi options we can get and I doubt we'll be first choice for many of the quality Aussie players that'd be available. I just can't see us building a strong enough team unless the current crop finds their best form and we discover some hidden gems I'm not optimistic for next season.
I wouldn’t be sad to see wootton go, but Ball I’d hope could find some form again. Really hope this season is a blip. But either way, we need those visa spots, CB especially.
Pure speculation here...but was I the only person who read something into Ball's comments when Uffie's departure was announced? Something along the lines of "I've stuck around because of him". I wonder if he's contemplating an exit too? He has one more year which at his age is always a good thing, but surely he could get a similar gig in the Football League or something?
We've really missed his contribution this year. Can't fault the guy for his effort but if he and Kraev had been firing on all cylinders like we know they can...we would be looking at fighting for that elusive home final I reckon
We've really missed his contribution this year. Can't fault the guy for his effort but if he and Kraev had been firing on all cylinders like we know they can...we would be looking at fighting for that elusive home final I reckon
Pure speculation here...but was I the only person who read something into Ball's comments when Uffie's departure was announced? Something along the lines of "I've stuck around because of him". I wonder if he's contemplating an exit too? He has one more year which at his age is always a good thing, but surely he could get a similar gig in the Football League or something?
We've really missed his contribution this year. Can't fault the guy for his effort but if he and Kraev had been firing on all cylinders like we know they can...we would be looking at fighting for that elusive home final I reckon
We've really missed his contribution this year. Can't fault the guy for his effort but if he and Kraev had been firing on all cylinders like we know they can...we would be looking at fighting for that elusive home final I reckon
Pure speculation here...but was I the only person who read something into Ball's comments when Uffie's departure was announced? Something along the lines of "I've stuck around because of him". I wonder if he's contemplating an exit too? He has one more year which at his age is always a good thing, but surely he could get a similar gig in the Football League or something?
We've really missed his contribution this year. Can't fault the guy for his effort but if he and Kraev had been firing on all cylinders like we know they can...we would be looking at fighting for that elusive home final I reckon
We've really missed his contribution this year. Can't fault the guy for his effort but if he and Kraev had been firing on all cylinders like we know they can...we would be looking at fighting for that elusive home final I reckon
Not sure he has anywhere to go. I like Ball, he looks like a footballer, but he’s definitely slowing.
He’d be the perfect guy to have on the bench and bring on for the last 20 to help with game management next couple years.
For those who always go on about balls citizenship. Here’s some info before you apply.
1. You need to be a resident (that is lodged a residence application and been approved and met criteria) first.
2. You then need to have held that residence visa for 5 years.
3: A few other criteria - including presence in NZ. 1350 days in the preceding 5 yrs as a resident, 240 in each year.
Now if we had residence, after two years he could secure permement residence (usually based upon time as well). That is indefinite and never expires.
If he has that, he could if he wishes bugger off and come back in 10 years and be a resident of this country.
1. You need to be a resident (that is lodged a residence application and been approved and met criteria) first.
2. You then need to have held that residence visa for 5 years.
3: A few other criteria - including presence in NZ. 1350 days in the preceding 5 yrs as a resident, 240 in each year.
Now if we had residence, after two years he could secure permement residence (usually based upon time as well). That is indefinite and never expires.
If he has that, he could if he wishes bugger off and come back in 10 years and be a resident of this country.
For those who always go on about balls citizenship. Here’s some info before you apply.
1. You need to be a resident (that is lodged a residence application and been approved and met criteria) first.
2. You then need to have held that residence visa for 5 years.
3: A few other criteria - including presence in NZ. 1350 days in the preceding 5 yrs as a resident, 240 in each year.
Now if we had residence, after two years he could secure permement residence (usually based upon time as well). That is indefinite and never expires.
If he has that, he could if he wishes bugger off and come back in 10 years and be a resident of this country.
1. You need to be a resident (that is lodged a residence application and been approved and met criteria) first.
2. You then need to have held that residence visa for 5 years.
3: A few other criteria - including presence in NZ. 1350 days in the preceding 5 yrs as a resident, 240 in each year.
Now if we had residence, after two years he could secure permement residence (usually based upon time as well). That is indefinite and never expires.
If he has that, he could if he wishes bugger off and come back in 10 years and be a resident of this country.
And Chiefy may still be the coach when Ball comes back in 10 years time!
Mogg and Ott back to the youth team?
Jackson Manuel, Henry Gray, and Riley Bidoi, are returning to the academy.
This post last year said Manuel was released back to the Academy, end of season 21/22.
A swag of Weenix guys got ALM minutes last season, only because with Covid travel restrictions it was hard for the Nix to recruit elsewhere. And then they had about 6-7 first team regulars out injured/with Covid in early 2022, so the kids were getting ALM game time.
Some of those youngsters released could yet end up back with the senior team one day. James Mcgarry did it.
On Jackson Manuel, the Phoenix Insta post for the NZ U20 calls up described him as "On loan at Western Springs", which was interesting.
glad to hear this
Will be interesting to see where he heads next. Lewis & Ugarkovic will need Senior replacements but hopefully Pennington moving on will open a slot for a WeeNix player to set up.
I really hope we've at least talked to the pen man about staying, has some a-league experience and we know he can do a job for the right price.
Rufer is going to be pretty lonely in the middle at this rate
Rufer is going to be pretty lonely in the middle at this rate
I'd like to see how Conchie or Manuel go in the middle.
I think it was Laws advertising his apartment on Insta, offering it from May.
I think it was Laws advertising his apartment on Insta, offering it from May.
Laws is also off-contract so he may not be resigning either
I think it was Laws advertising his apartment on Insta, offering it from May.
Yeah, it's Laws and Sutts
I've not weighed in on the Pennington debate. I'm too biased by his Italian-ness probably.
There are things about his game I really enjoyed and things I didn't.
All I'm saying is that if a guy with lots of experience in Serie C isn't good enough, I doubt an academy kid will be able to slot in and take his place.
Unless we're talking about the next Libby or Singh.
There are things about his game I really enjoyed and things I didn't.
All I'm saying is that if a guy with lots of experience in Serie C isn't good enough, I doubt an academy kid will be able to slot in and take his place.
Unless we're talking about the next Libby or Singh.
I guess it's more a question of giving the role of your 4th best midfielder to the best up & coming midfield Academy player.
Was handy having Pennington in the squad when the season started as Rufer was still in injury recovery. But now that Rufer is back, you might as well have your midfield squaddie as a young promising Kiwi. That's if the Nix can adequately find experienced replacements for Lewis & Ugarković.
Edit - be interesting to see if the Nix, try and sign some of their NZ U20 players to senior/scholarship deals before the U20 WC kicks off. Otherwise they risk them signing their first pro deals on a free, if they get talent scouted in Argentina.
Was handy having Pennington in the squad when the season started as Rufer was still in injury recovery. But now that Rufer is back, you might as well have your midfield squaddie as a young promising Kiwi. That's if the Nix can adequately find experienced replacements for Lewis & Ugarković.
Edit - be interesting to see if the Nix, try and sign some of their NZ U20 players to senior/scholarship deals before the U20 WC kicks off. Otherwise they risk them signing their first pro deals on a free, if they get talent scouted in Argentina.
Conchie defo up for it. McKay not far behind
3 new midfielders a big call given the amount Rufer and Lewis were injured the last two years…
But depends on formation, etc…
But depends on formation, etc…
We're assuming that pennington would just be in the squaddie role, despite what is clearly going to be a struggle to find a starting CM with no visa spots and a new coach with presumably less pull throughout the rest of the league as far as convincing a ugarkovic type player to make the move
Thurgate, De Silva and Gomulka are all off contract starter level CMs at worse clubs.
If you can’t get one of them then you either get creative or hit the import market.
If you can’t get one of them then you either get creative or hit the import market.
Thurgate, De Silva and Gomulka are all off contract starter level CMs at worse clubs.
If you can’t get one of them then you either get creative or hit the import market.
If you can’t get one of them then you either get creative or hit the import market.
Thurgate to WU apparently?
Thurgate, De Silva and Gomulka are all off contract starter level CMs at worse clubs.
If you can’t get one of them then you either get creative or hit the import market.
If you can’t get one of them then you either get creative or hit the import market.
I think De Silva is the one we target I saw rumors Thurgate was going to WU. With Lewis going to MarcArthur will only be more competition for De Silva and MacArthur hopefully willing to let go.
We're assuming that pennington would just be in the squaddie role, despite what is clearly going to be a struggle to find a starting CM with no visa spots and a new coach with presumably less pull throughout the rest of the league as far as convincing a ugarkovic type player to make the move
With Lewis and Ugarkovic going, I'd like to see Pennington and Rufer run the midfield. Pennington, like Rufer can do decent passing. I hope Laws stays too. We have to remember these guys are fairly young, they have experience, they are whom we need to build a squad around.
Pennington works hard, but we need to aim higher than him for a starting role. Happy with him as a squaddie, but no more than that.
Laws I think has been hard done by in finding himself behind Payne in the pecking order this season. Payne has not had a great year but seems to be an Uffie favourite.
Laws I think has been hard done by in finding himself behind Payne in the pecking order this season. Payne has not had a great year but seems to be an Uffie favourite.
Yeah, Pennington looks to be a good back up player, he's not yet the starter we need to be building a midfiled around. He's solid defensively, but always good for a rash challenge or two in a game (usually in crucial places), his passing is good, but again he'll send one straight to the opposition at the wrong moment every game. He and Rufer are in the same mould, good but prone to rash decisions and a costly mistake every game. We need a top level pro, import/aussie or kiwi to build the midfield around.
Yeah, Pennington looks to be a good back up player, he's not yet the starter we need to be building a midfiled around. He's solid defensively, but always good for a rash challenge or two in a game (usually in crucial places), his passing is good, but again he'll send one straight to the opposition at the wrong moment every game. He and Rufer are in the same mould, good but prone to rash decisions and a costly mistake every game. We need a top level pro, import/aussie or kiwi to build the midfield around.
Yeah, Pennington looks to be a good back up player, he's not yet the starter we need to be building a midfiled around. He's solid defensively, but always good for a rash challenge or two in a game (usually in crucial places), his passing is good, but again he'll send one straight to the opposition at the wrong moment every game. He and Rufer are in the same mould, good but prone to rash decisions and a costly mistake every game. We need a top level pro, import/aussie or kiwi to build the midfield around.
Recently he has improved, but even now he is still good for an "error" in most games, it may not be catestrophic but it will result in us losing posession. Often it's one of his speculative passes when a simple one would suffice and is often available - and you're right it may not be every game but the point still stands that he and Pennington are not the pair we need to be building a midfield around.
Wouldn't it be great having Roy Krishna up front with Oscar Zawada next year?