WPM 2023/24 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

So it seems we are mostly just short of centre backs and right backs, which is somewhat surprising as it feels like we have lost a lot of depth going forwards with Sasse and Waine leaving and nobody replacing them. I'd still love to see us pick up Rojas, a front 3 of him, Kraev and Zawada would be as good as any in the league, though chances must be very slim.

Wonder what defenders we will pick up. I'd like to see the Nix and Elliot come to their senses and get a deal together that could suit both parties because I can't imagine we will find a better RB at this late stage. DeVries to add a bit more depth to CB/LB?

imanixsupporter

So it seems we are mostly just short of centre backs and right backs, which is somewhat surprising as it feels like we have lost a lot of depth going forwards with Sasse and Waine leaving and nobody replacing them. I'd still love to see us pick up Rojas, a front 3 of him, Kraev and Zawada would be as good as any in the league, though chances must be very slim.

Wonder what defenders we will pick up. I'd like to see the Nix and Elliot come to their senses and get a deal together that could suit both parties because I can't imagine we will find a better RB at this late stage. DeVries to add a bit more depth to CB/LB?

I think the forward areas feel sparse because Kosta, Ball and OVH are incapable of contributing, Old is injured and Kraev is on and off.

Hooper was absolutely a better player, be interesting to compare their goal contributions per minute.

Ryan

Hooper was absolutely a better player, be interesting to compare their goal contributions per minute.

Zawada’s are better I think. I checked them yesterday, but gave up writing the post. Including Hooper’s weaker second spell- 19 goal contributions from 34 games. 
Zawada is currently 17 from 26. 

But the team Hooper played in seemed to have more cohesion. Oddly we had Kraev scoring, then Zawada scoring and then Sasse scoring and they didn’t really seem able to gel together. 

Where do you get the stats from? I was looking at ultimate a-league and aleague stats but couldn't find goal contributions.

With Hooper I'm assuming that's combining both his stints at the club and not the 19-20 season? What I was getting at was goal contributions per minutes played though, as I'd imagine Zawada was on the pitch a lot more than Hooper was for various reasons (fitness, injuries, and just a better team around him).

The interesting thing about the team cohesion statement, is we know that that team with Hooper, Taylor, Davilla, Steinman was cheaper than last seasons team. Really hard to get the head around that one.

In 2019/20 Gary Hooper scored 8 goals and 5 assists. He played 1,109 minutes. That’s 1.05 G+A per 90.

In 2022/23 Oskar Zawada scored 15 goals and 2 assists. He played 2,006 minutes. That’s 0.76 G+A per 90.

Friar Tuck

In 2019/20 Gary Hooper scored 8 goals and 5 assists. He played 1,109 minutes. That’s 1.05 G+A per 90.

In 2022/23 Oskar Zawada scored 15 goals and 2 assists. He played 2,006 minutes. That’s 0.76 G+A per 90.

Yeah idk why people are saying Hooper over Zawada? Hooper did have some extra class about him and you could see how good he would've been when he was younger but he just wasn't fit enough for most of the time he was here. 
Zawada works a lot harder for the team, has good link up play, and scores a lot.

Im not complaining about Zawada, his work ethic and contributions to the team make him very valuable. But, last season was by far his best as a professional after a very slow start, and, while I hope the momentum continues, it could have also been a flash in the pan. Hooper, on the other hand, was consistently good through his career. Zawada was also quite wasteful, I think I read on here that he had the most chances in the league but also wasted the most.

Anyway, as I said, I hope he continues his upwards trajectory with us and he's absolutely our best player this season.

Ryan

Im not complaining about Zawada, his work ethic and contributions to the team make him very valuable. But, last season was by far his best as a professional after a very slow start, and, while I hope the momentum continues, it could have also been a flash in the pan. Hooper, on the other hand, was consistently good through his career. Zawada was also quite wasteful, I think I read on here that he had the most chances in the league but also wasted the most.

Anyway, as I said, I hope he continues his upwards trajectory with us and he's absolutely our best player this season.

Yeah Hooper is better overall but I was comparing Hooper specifically in 2019/20 to Zawada specifically in 2023/24.

Friar Tuck

Ryan

Im not complaining about Zawada, his work ethic and contributions to the team make him very valuable. But, last season was by far his best as a professional after a very slow start, and, while I hope the momentum continues, it could have also been a flash in the pan. Hooper, on the other hand, was consistently good through his career. Zawada was also quite wasteful, I think I read on here that he had the most chances in the league but also wasted the most.

Anyway, as I said, I hope he continues his upwards trajectory with us and he's absolutely our best player this season.

Yeah Hooper is better overall but I was comparing Hooper specifically in 2019/20 to Zawada specifically in 2023/24.

Sure, I'd take the 19/20 Hooper over the 23/24 Zawada because an always consistent Hooper is less risky than a one good season in his career Zawada.

However, Zawada with his work ethic and professionalism will hopefully kick on and continue his growth as a player. The main difference from the rest of his career is consistent game time and a team that supports him. Hopefully that's all he needed for consistent improvement.

International Transfer Window closes on the 12th September for the A-League Mens. After then, it is only free agents that can be signed.

Yes, so looks like the kids will have to bring it this year. 

I do like giving young players a go and throw them in the deep end. I'd rather struggle with young NZ players than a bunch of have-beens and journeymen thrown into the squad.

It's hard to say how the season will go, but I fear the top teams will run away with it and the rest will fight for scraps (us included)
Expect some absolute hammerings against the likes of City, especially away from home.
We won't be competitive in some games which I'm ok with given a young squad but it won't help crowd numbers and building a buzz...

We can still sign free agents once the window closes.

RR

International Transfer Window closes on the 12th September for the A-League Mens. After then, it is only free agents that can be signed.

 Anyone know why?  That seems mad to me with the season not starting until late October. 

Hooper vs Zawada:  others will do the math or offer their stats, but from my own perspective it is good to have in Zawada a striker that (apart from the parenthood leave) always turned up.  The "goals in the time-on-field" stat only tells part of the story, the time spent on the field is another.
Yes, Hooper had an excellent strike rate from his appearances for us, but I was forever anxious if he would be uninjured, or if he would last a full game.  

Looking forward to a big flurry of posts in here anytime soon

What ever happened to the Englishman that is mates with Bally and played in the Premier League?

Others have mentioned it but maybe other squads are one of the few reasons for fans to be positive - seems a lot of pessimism around Macarthur, Newy, Adelaide, Glory, even Mariners at the moment. Sydney FCs squad also paper thin. 

Right now the only clubs I trust to make top six are Wanderers and City... and I see us being light years off both. 

RR

International Transfer Window closes on the 12th September for the A-League Mens. After then, it is only free agents that can be signed.

Transfer window is kind of irrelevant for the A-League. We only really ever sign free agents. Don't really have the money to fork out transfer fees.

Of course, there are the odd exceptions. The only one I can think of top of mind is Piscopo, though. I'm sure there are one or two others.

lthomas20

Others have mentioned it but maybe other squads are one of the few reasons for fans to be positive - seems a lot of pessimism around Macarthur, Newy, Adelaide, Glory, even Mariners at the moment. Sydney FCs squad also paper thin. 

Right now the only clubs I trust to make top six are Wanderers and City... and I see us being light years off both. 

Good chance of us battling out for 3rd place, you say? I'll take that 😃

Ninja

RR

International Transfer Window closes on the 12th September for the A-League Mens. After then, it is only free agents that can be signed.

Transfer window is kind of irrelevant for the A-League. We only really ever sign free agents. Don't really have the money to fork out transfer fees.

Of course, there are the odd exceptions. The only one I can think of top of mind is Piscopo, though. I'm sure there are one or two others.

There are players on the outer at clubs that secure releases to join ALM clubs, the window shutting stops that & also any loan moves.

Oska

RR

International Transfer Window closes on the 12th September for the A-League Mens. After then, it is only free agents that can be signed.

 Anyone know why?  That seems mad to me with the season not starting until late October. 

Opens again 11th January, so maybe needs a certain amount of time between them? I'm not sure.

I find it really interesting looking at Transfer Markt (I can hear the abuse coming already). As a 'rough' guide our squad was valued at #5 in the league and we came 6th. Central and Adelaide did the best with their value ranked at 7 & 8 delivering 2nd & 3rd. Victory was the worst at the 2nd highest value, coming 11th. For the 23/24 season, we have had the biggest value change moving from 5 to 10th. Macarther has had the biggest value shift up from 11 to 3. Overall the total league value has dropped 27% compared to last year, City is the only club spending similar money. The lowest-value clubs for 23/24 are Roar, Nix & CCM. 
Stating the obvious...clearly a rebuilding/development year for us, if we are working on the 3 year Squad build we have done in the past it will be great for the young kids coming through.

RR

Ninja

RR

International Transfer Window closes on the 12th September for the A-League Mens. After then, it is only free agents that can be signed.

Transfer window is kind of irrelevant for the A-League. We only really ever sign free agents. Don't really have the money to fork out transfer fees.

Of course, there are the odd exceptions. The only one I can think of top of mind is Piscopo, though. I'm sure there are one or two others.

There are players on the outer at clubs that secure releases to join ALM clubs, the window shutting stops that & also any loan moves.

Fair point. 

No import centre-back now according to Rollo.

Wellington Phoenix sign Isaac Hughes ✍️

Defender Isaac Hughes has been promoted from the @WgtnPhoenixAcad on a two-year deal 🙌

Become a Nix member: https://t.co/JtDbtgrp1F#COYN!🔥

💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/13SOaqLRZw

— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) September 12, 2023

Still only 18 in the squad at the moment, so that leaves 5 spots up for grabs, 1 import slot left so who klnows now.

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

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import slot on a free agent/loan creative midfielder then?

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

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given the overall quality of player in the league at the moment I'd say we are a fighting chance of top 6 (just) -assuming we don't have the tradtional slow start to the season. 
An import creative mid could well be the key to unlocking the strike force that we have. Kraev and Barabrouses have goals in them  they just need the right option to be played for them. I'm expecting Zawada to get 2-15 this season, even though he'll be a known entity this year. I'm hopeful with the defensive lineup, it's young but loaded with talent.

If Chiefy is saying that he ticks off the boxes of what they wanted in an import CB, fine by me. Still may need to at least 2 quality signings. 

Tbh, starting to get excited for this season. 

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

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Based on now or after the amazing season we have? 

Now: Paulsen, Payne, Surman, Sutton, Wootton, Old, Rufer, (Pennington position dependent), Ball, Kosta, Kraev, Zawada. 

Remember we only got dumped out of the cup by City who are by far the best resourced team. And we’re thinking about top 6 this year, not previous years. 

I don’t think we’re that far off the pace for this year tbh! 

Top 2 team, very different story. But that wasn’t the question…

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

image.png 54.39 KB

As others have said we could still make the 6 because other teams are struggling/look weak on paper too. I would rather we barely spent money this season and got a lotttttt of minutes into the academy players. Sure it might be rough, but we're still not winning the league even if we got another couple good players on board. I'm all for a full, mariners-esque rebuild. 

Last season technically was one of our better seasons historically, but felt so grim because it ended with a far too similar result. The fact that we've made top 6 with good squads 4 of the past 5 seasons and lost in the first round every time, scoring a single consolation goal is really frustrating. I'm fine with missing out on finals this year if it means we can put serious progression into our young talent that could then help contribute (either on the pitch or financially from transfer fees) down the line for an actual, tangible title run

Ignoring kids for a minute, we have lost senior players Sasse, Waine, Lewis, Ugarkovic, Elliot and Sail since the start of last season and signed Duncan and al-Taay. I think we need some more experience. 

I agree, though wouldn’t classify Waine or Elliot as senior. 

Jazzy Jeff

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

image.png 54.39 KB

As others have said we could still make the 6 because other teams are struggling/look weak on paper too. I would rather we barely spent money this season and got a lotttttt of minutes into the academy players. Sure it might be rough, but we're still not winning the league even if we got another couple good players on board. I'm all for a full, mariners-esque rebuild. 

Last season technically was one of our better seasons historically, but felt so grim because it ended with a far too similar result. The fact that we've made top 6 with good squads 4 of the past 5 seasons and lost in the first round every time, scoring a single consolation goal is really frustrating. I'm fine with missing out on finals this year if it means we can put serious progression into our young talent that could then help contribute (either on the pitch or financially from transfer fees) down the line for an actual, tangible title run

The Mariners success was not all built on promoting academy kids. (yes a few came through) But most of there smarts was identifying talent at other clubs, bringing them in on multi year contracts and then giving them opportunities then selling then on for transfer fees. Players like Trantis, Silvera, Kuol. even McGarry. add to that players bought in like Kaltak.
That's what surprises me so much about the Nix, reluctance to look outside there academy. They don't seem to be even trialling any NZ domestic players. Next year when a bunch of NZ talent get a season with the new Auckland team will we be looking back going, why didn't the Nix grab those players when they were available. Eg. Kaltak.
Last season felt so grim not because of the losses but because of the dire football we played for long periods in games. I'll take a much more proactive game even if we don't make the six over last years tactics and formations. Which it appears Chiefy is trying to do.... (personally glad Talay has moved on..it was time)
We really need a creative mid fielder (to replace Lewis and Sasse) to get me a little more excited about this season. (especially with Old's ongoing injury). Still spots on the roster so looking forward to what develops in this space.

As awesome as it's been to develop talent like Cacace, Waine and Singh over the years, they've had the luxury of having a good balance of more experienced guys around them.

This squad definitely leans younger, so we really need to add a couple older heads to the squad for balance. I'm really excited to see how the young guys go, but don't want to ruin their development by chucking them in the deep end too early.

Ranix

Jazzy Jeff

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

image.png 54.39 KB

As others have said we could still make the 6 because other teams are struggling/look weak on paper too. I would rather we barely spent money this season and got a lotttttt of minutes into the academy players. Sure it might be rough, but we're still not winning the league even if we got another couple good players on board. I'm all for a full, mariners-esque rebuild. 

Last season technically was one of our better seasons historically, but felt so grim because it ended with a far too similar result. The fact that we've made top 6 with good squads 4 of the past 5 seasons and lost in the first round every time, scoring a single consolation goal is really frustrating. I'm fine with missing out on finals this year if it means we can put serious progression into our young talent that could then help contribute (either on the pitch or financially from transfer fees) down the line for an actual, tangible title run

The Mariners success was not all built on promoting academy kids. (yes a few came through) But most of there smarts was identifying talent at other clubs, bringing them in on multi year contracts and then giving them opportunities then selling then on for transfer fees. Players like Trantis, Silvera, Kuol. even McGarry. add to that players bought in like Kaltak.
That's what surprises me so much about the Nix, reluctance to look outside there academy. They don't seem to be even trialling any NZ domestic players. Next year when a bunch of NZ talent get a season with the new Auckland team will we be looking back going, why didn't the Nix grab those players when they were available. Eg. Kaltak.
Last season felt so grim not because of the losses but because of the dire football we played for long periods in games. I'll take a much more proactive game even if we don't make the six over last years tactics and formations. Which it appears Chiefy is trying to do.... (personally glad Talay has moved on..it was time)
We really need a creative mid fielder (to replace Lewis and Sasse) to get me a little more excited about this season. (especially with Old's ongoing injury). Still spots on the roster so looking forward to what develops in this space.

Have been wondering the same things for years... and yes, the Mariners succeeded off identifying talent from elsewhere, as well as bringing in "moneyball" players like Cummings, Tulio who turned into stars. 

The Nix are looking after their own interests and now because we're cheap, we sign a bunch of academy players and still continue to turn a blind eye to the domestic scene. I think in recent years, the only player we've signed from the domestic scene that hadn't played overseas/pro yet is McCowatt. 

Personally cannot wait for Auckland to come in and shake the NZ football scene the fudge up

lthomas20

Ranix

Jazzy Jeff

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

image.png 54.39 KB

As others have said we could still make the 6 because other teams are struggling/look weak on paper too. I would rather we barely spent money this season and got a lotttttt of minutes into the academy players. Sure it might be rough, but we're still not winning the league even if we got another couple good players on board. I'm all for a full, mariners-esque rebuild. 

Last season technically was one of our better seasons historically, but felt so grim because it ended with a far too similar result. The fact that we've made top 6 with good squads 4 of the past 5 seasons and lost in the first round every time, scoring a single consolation goal is really frustrating. I'm fine with missing out on finals this year if it means we can put serious progression into our young talent that could then help contribute (either on the pitch or financially from transfer fees) down the line for an actual, tangible title run

The Mariners success was not all built on promoting academy kids. (yes a few came through) But most of there smarts was identifying talent at other clubs, bringing them in on multi year contracts and then giving them opportunities then selling then on for transfer fees. Players like Trantis, Silvera, Kuol. even McGarry. add to that players bought in like Kaltak.
That's what surprises me so much about the Nix, reluctance to look outside there academy. They don't seem to be even trialling any NZ domestic players. Next year when a bunch of NZ talent get a season with the new Auckland team will we be looking back going, why didn't the Nix grab those players when they were available. Eg. Kaltak.
Last season felt so grim not because of the losses but because of the dire football we played for long periods in games. I'll take a much more proactive game even if we don't make the six over last years tactics and formations. Which it appears Chiefy is trying to do.... (personally glad Talay has moved on..it was time)
We really need a creative mid fielder (to replace Lewis and Sasse) to get me a little more excited about this season. (especially with Old's ongoing injury). Still spots on the roster so looking forward to what develops in this space.

Have been wondering the same things for years... and yes, the Mariners succeeded off identifying talent from elsewhere, as well as bringing in "moneyball" players like Cummings, Tulio who turned into stars. 

The Nix are looking after their own interests and now because we're cheap, we sign a bunch of academy players and still continue to turn a blind eye to the domestic scene. I think in recent years, the only player we've signed from the domestic scene that hadn't played overseas/pro yet is McCowatt. 

Personally cannot wait for Auckland to come in and shake the NZ football scene the fudge up

Pretty rough to call the Welnix group cheap. they've spent big money on players and facilities over the years and are now tightening the belts because they need too, using their own academy players mankes the most sense as they see them day in day out, compared to say other NZ players who they'd have limited access to. Not sure why you'd expect an Auckland franchise to opearte any differently, assuming they build their own academy etc. Logically early on the new team will be grabbing players from wherever they can.

Expires 2023/24
Kosta Barbarouses
Jack Duncan
Bozhidar Kraev (V)
Ben Old
Alex Paulsen
Nicholas Pennington
Oskar Zawada (V)

Expires 2024/25
Mohamed Al-Taay
David Ball (V)
Isaac Hughes
Tim Payne
Finn Surman
Sam Sutton
Oskar Van Hattum
Scott Wootton (V)

Expires 2025/26
Fin Conchie
Alex Rufer

Expires 2026/27
Lukas Kelly-Heald

theprof

lthomas20

Ranix

Jazzy Jeff

lthomas20

Eek. How many of those areas of the pitch are top six worthy? 

image.png 54.39 KB

As others have said we could still make the 6 because other teams are struggling/look weak on paper too. I would rather we barely spent money this season and got a lotttttt of minutes into the academy players. Sure it might be rough, but we're still not winning the league even if we got another couple good players on board. I'm all for a full, mariners-esque rebuild. 

Last season technically was one of our better seasons historically, but felt so grim because it ended with a far too similar result. The fact that we've made top 6 with good squads 4 of the past 5 seasons and lost in the first round every time, scoring a single consolation goal is really frustrating. I'm fine with missing out on finals this year if it means we can put serious progression into our young talent that could then help contribute (either on the pitch or financially from transfer fees) down the line for an actual, tangible title run

The Mariners success was not all built on promoting academy kids. (yes a few came through) But most of there smarts was identifying talent at other clubs, bringing them in on multi year contracts and then giving them opportunities then selling then on for transfer fees. Players like Trantis, Silvera, Kuol. even McGarry. add to that players bought in like Kaltak.
That's what surprises me so much about the Nix, reluctance to look outside there academy. They don't seem to be even trialling any NZ domestic players. Next year when a bunch of NZ talent get a season with the new Auckland team will we be looking back going, why didn't the Nix grab those players when they were available. Eg. Kaltak.
Last season felt so grim not because of the losses but because of the dire football we played for long periods in games. I'll take a much more proactive game even if we don't make the six over last years tactics and formations. Which it appears Chiefy is trying to do.... (personally glad Talay has moved on..it was time)
We really need a creative mid fielder (to replace Lewis and Sasse) to get me a little more excited about this season. (especially with Old's ongoing injury). Still spots on the roster so looking forward to what develops in this space.

Have been wondering the same things for years... and yes, the Mariners succeeded off identifying talent from elsewhere, as well as bringing in "moneyball" players like Cummings, Tulio who turned into stars. 

The Nix are looking after their own interests and now because we're cheap, we sign a bunch of academy players and still continue to turn a blind eye to the domestic scene. I think in recent years, the only player we've signed from the domestic scene that hadn't played overseas/pro yet is McCowatt. 

Personally cannot wait for Auckland to come in and shake the NZ football scene the fudge up

Pretty rough to call the Welnix group cheap. they've spent big money on players and facilities over the years and are now tightening the belts because they need too, using their own academy players mankes the most sense as they see them day in day out, compared to say other NZ players who they'd have limited access to. Not sure why you'd expect an Auckland franchise to opearte any differently, assuming they build their own academy etc. Logically early on the new team will be grabbing players from wherever they can.

Maybe it was harshly worded, certainly the investment over the years has been admirable, we had our most expensive squad ever last season and now have an A-League Women team to fund as well now, so not meant to be having a go at them for that, rather just pointing out in a matter-of-fact way that we are trying to be cheap for the ALM side this year, and for the club this means just promoting youth players.