Yes it would be but it would be foolish for him not to test the market & see how much he can pick up once he hits the last 6 months of his deal.
Whilst yes I’d understand, I’d like to hope he’s grateful for the opportunity the nix gave him and had an understanding arranged with the club that if a reasonable offer came in, they’d let him go. This way, club is protected, as is he. I’ve no doubt he’ll be off back to Europe, but the club took a punt on him and rejuvenated his career. Yes. I’m naive.
When the call with the offer came from Wellington, Zawada's curiosity was immediate. After a few phone calls it was clear: Zawada was moving to the other end of the world. The young father has no regrets about this step. “We told a lot of people back then that life here was fantastic. And that the conditions you have as a footballer are also great. Stadiums, pitches – everything is professional here. “I’m super happy and very grateful that I got the chance,” enthuses Zawada. “The mentality of the people is completely different than in Europe. Almost everyone is in a positive mood,” says the man, who lives with his wife Patrycia and their son Leo in a small town (Lower Hutt) near the New Zealand capital. “My wife likes it here so much, she doesn’t actually want to leave. She’s in love with New Zealand and wants me to extend the contract,” says Zawada with a smile.
Is interesting timing to launch the Auckland club days before their soon to be rivals Wellington Phoenix play in the city. Meanwhile the Phoenix have announced a major player re-signing is coming tomorrow.
Is interesting timing to launch the Auckland club days before their soon to be rivals Wellington Phoenix play in the city. Meanwhile the Phoenix have announced a major player re-signing is coming tomorrow.
Ben Old on a three-year deal? Kraev going for the white picket fence with his girlfriend?
Could this tweet also be construed as a player coming back to the club? He doesn't specify that it is a contract extension... just spitballing
Unless they are a free agent we cant bring anyone new in until january, besides isnt the squad at the full 23 compliment at the moment? hoping for a Zawada/Kraev extension
Zawada or Kraev would be an excellent bit of business. Leaning more towards Kraev, but hoping for Zawada. 🤞
Now that the National League campaign is over as well, do we also think we'll have the scholarship players announced? Going to have to be far more proactive now we don't have the backyard all to ourselves...
To that end I'd be happy with all/a combination of - Gabriel Sloan-Rodrigues, Josh Tollervey, Fergus Gillion, Anaru Cassidy or Josh Rudland as those scholarship lads.
When the call with the offer came from Wellington, Zawada's curiosity was immediate. After a few phone calls it was clear: Zawada was moving to the other end of the world. The young father has no regrets about this step. “We told a lot of people back then that life here was fantastic. And that the conditions you have as a footballer are also great. Stadiums, pitches – everything is professional here. “I’m super happy and very grateful that I got the chance,” enthuses Zawada. “The mentality of the people is completely different than in Europe. Almost everyone is in a positive mood,” says the man, who lives with his wife Patrycia and their son Leo in a small town (Lower Hutt) near the New Zealand capital. “My wife likes it here so much, she doesn’t actually want to leave. She’s in love with New Zealand and wants me to extend the contract,” says Zawada with a smile.
Don't tease us, Oskar.
Definitely see Zawada as a possible target for the new Akl team. What a statement that would be.
If zawada is saying stuff like that it probably means he is in negotiations to stay with a buy out clause-maybe a million- built in. Usually when they are gonna leave they say their wife hates it here etc
If zawada is saying stuff like that it probably means he is in negotiations to stay with a buy out clause-maybe a million- built in. Usually when they are gonna leave they say their wife hates it here etc
Usually the wives have lived in town. Difference here is the Zawada’s are living in the MIGHTY AWAKAIRANGI
I think we just need to accept that we will be outgunned financially (especially in the first few seasons as the Akl team look to establish themselves).
I think we just need to accept that we will be outgunned financially (especially in the first few seasons as the Akl team look to establish themselves).
true, would be pretty low of the Akld team to try and sign players from the Nix though.
I think we just need to accept that we will be outgunned financially (especially in the first few seasons as the Akl team look to establish themselves).
true, would be pretty low of the Akld team to try and sign players from the Nix though.
Eh, that is the business of football. I think the teams will have to accept there will be poaching from both sides - lots more from the Auckland team initially though.
I think we just need to accept that we will be outgunned financially (especially in the first few seasons as the Akl team look to establish themselves).
true, would be pretty low of the Akld team to try and sign players from the Nix though.
Signing one of the best strikers in the league from your local rivals when you are starting the club. Don't worry about your marketing budget, just chuck some towards Zawada's contract.
When the call with the offer came from Wellington, Zawada's curiosity was immediate. After a few phone calls it was clear: Zawada was moving to the other end of the world. The young father has no regrets about this step. “We told a lot of people back then that life here was fantastic. And that the conditions you have as a footballer are also great. Stadiums, pitches – everything is professional here. “I’m super happy and very grateful that I got the chance,” enthuses Zawada. “The mentality of the people is completely different than in Europe. Almost everyone is in a positive mood,” says the man, who lives with his wife Patrycia and their son Leo in a small town (Lower Hutt) near the New Zealand capital. “My wife likes it here so much, she doesn’t actually want to leave. She’s in love with New Zealand and wants me to extend the contract,” says Zawada with a smile.
Don't tease us, Oskar.
Oskar, rule number 1 in marriage - The wife is always right!! So do as she says!
I caught some of Ben's lunchtime interview. Obviously the lad has integrity. I get the feeling he is like Rufer. They know the club gave them an opportunity which they both took and are now doing ok in Pro football. And now they are both showing some serious loyalty. Good on them. Players we can build a team around. He's only 21. Gonna be interesting to see what he will be like at 25.
I am intrigued that in less than 24 hours after the Jafa FC team has been announced that many of you have already packed Zawada's bags to Auckland on a multi-million dollar contract.
I get that we don't have a great history of holding onto our marquee players, but I really doubt he'd leave us just to go to Auckland. He and his wife seem to genuinely enjoy living in the Hutt (as did I).
If he's going to go anywhere, I'd say it would be back to Europe or a bigger club in Australia.
I'm quietly hoping he's going to prove you dooms-dayers/naysayers wrong and sign a contract extension. Get that ATM card out Domey so that Mrs Zawada can hit the Queensgate Mall.
I am intrigued that in less than 24 hours after the Jafa FC team has been announced that many of you have already packed Zawada's bags to Auckland on a multi-million dollar contract.
I get that we don't have a great history of holding onto our marquee players, but I really doubt he'd leave us just to go to Auckland. He and his wife seem to genuinely enjoy living in the Hutt (as did I).
If he's going to go anywhere, I'd say it would be back to Europe or a bigger club in Australia.
I'm quietly hoping he's going to prove you dooms-dayers/naysayers wrong and sign a contract extension. Get that ATM card out Domey so that Mrs Zawada can hit the Queensgate Mall.
No self respecting kiwi or otherwise would ever willingly swap Upper and/or Lower Skuxx for Auckland. He’s here to stay lads.
I caught some of Ben's lunchtime interview. Obviously the lad has integrity. I get the feeling he is like Rufer. They know the club gave them an opportunity which they both took and are now doing ok in Pro football. And now they are both showing some serious loyalty. Good on them. Players we can build a team around. He's only 21. Gonna be interesting to see what he will be like at 25.
He's obviously looking to give Europe a crack at some point, and he see's the Nix as the best current fit to help him do that. He's seen Waine do it. Chiefy will be promising him good playing time, if he gets fit and performs in training day to day.
But he goes to Auckland, and it's all unknown how many mins he'd get, who he will be up against for a starting spot etc etc. Suits both him & the club with their 'sell on, development club' policy. He came to club as a 15 year old, so the club will get nice solidarity payments, if he eventually does well in Europe. Good business all round.
Old admitted the chance to continue his career in Auckland would have been “inviting” but he decided to stay loyal to the club that gave him his first professional contract, believing the Phoenix was the best place for him to develop.
“I’ve got my family and all of my loved ones up in Auckland and it does sound like a nice thing to play for them,” Old said.
“But the Phoenix have helped me so much with my development. I feel like I’ve cemented a good spot in the squad and the staff are amazing. The philosophy the club is bringing in also makes it the perfect environment for me.
“Having an environment that wants to bring young players through and develop them and then sell them on is the perfect place for me to develop, build up my minutes and grow as a player.”
I caught some of Ben's lunchtime interview. Obviously the lad has integrity. I get the feeling he is like Rufer. They know the club gave them an opportunity which they both took and are now doing ok in Pro football. And now they are both showing some serious loyalty. Good on them. Players we can build a team around. He's only 21. Gonna be interesting to see what he will be like at 25.
Also Paulson said similar things, we've now got a group of players who have known and supported the Phoenix for their entire lives and will therefore be less mercenary
It's great an environment like that has been created. But at the end of the day if the new club throws enough money around I wouldn't be butt hurt if they bounced.
But at least if the money is similar it sounds like they are happy to stay which is awesome.
Just came across this tweet from a week ago and thought I'd cut through all the wishful thinking about Zawada staying. He is gone already. There is no chance the Phoenix can pay him anywhere close to the amount plenty of other teams will be offering him as a free agent come season's end.
"In the last few days of the transfer window, there was interest from Croatia and Saudi Arabia. Wellington were very determined to keep me (...) My priority was a return to Europe, specifically to The Netherlands or the… pic.twitter.com/3ldcAgvJuJ
Just came across this tweet from a week ago and thought I'd cut through all the wishful thinking about Zawada staying. He is gone already. There is no chance the Phoenix can pay him anywhere close to the amount plenty of other teams will be offering him as a free agent come season's end.
"In the last few days of the transfer window, there was interest from Croatia and Saudi Arabia. Wellington were very determined to keep me (...) My priority was a return to Europe, specifically to The Netherlands or the… pic.twitter.com/3ldcAgvJuJ
Just came across this tweet from a week ago and thought I'd cut through all the wishful thinking about Zawada staying. He is gone already. There is no chance the Phoenix can pay him anywhere close to the amount plenty of other teams will be offering him as a free agent come season's end.
"In the last few days of the transfer window, there was interest from Croatia and Saudi Arabia. Wellington were very determined to keep me (...) My priority was a return to Europe, specifically to The Netherlands or the… pic.twitter.com/3ldcAgvJuJ
yeah hope a gentleman's agreement behind closed doors or a pre contract somewhere doesn't interfere with current play. But yeah if theres no signed deal and he wants off for a better deal that could play into our hands we could get an even better few months!
