WPM 2024/25 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

Might be a sign of holding Foord back a bit, and taking a punt on a guy that's also highly rated and might work out. Remember Paulsen didn't make his WeeNix debut until he was 18-and-a-half, being stuck behind Zac Jones and Zac Dean despite being massively rated years prior.

FWIW - I'm unsure if Boon's is a scholarship or academy deal!

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

mrsmiis

Might be a sign of holding Foord back a bit, and taking a punt on a guy that's also highly rated and might work out. Remember Paulsen didn't make his WeeNix debut until he was 18-and-a-half, being stuck behind Zac Jones and Zac Dean despite being massively rated years prior.

FWIW - I'm unsure if Boon's is a scholarship or academy deal!

Foord's development will have been stymied by this injury whatever it is. Still hasn't played for the Weenix in Central League from what I can see.

With the way the Nix play, Chief, Griffiths and Parker will be very fixed on the skill set they are looking for. We can only guess that they have identified Boon as a good bet on fitting that mould. 

NZ's a small pond, Parker has been the NZ U17s GK coach the last 4 years. He will know all the standout NZ keepers in that 17-20 age group well.

If the yearly central distribution has been slashed to a smidge over $500,000 for 24/25, then you'd imagine there is going to be a lot of young faces being given the opportunity.

Hopefully we've been able to hang on to Kraev, but it's not filling me with confidence given this terrible news today.

coochiee

mrsmiis

Might be a sign of holding Foord back a bit, and taking a punt on a guy that's also highly rated and might work out. Remember Paulsen didn't make his WeeNix debut until he was 18-and-a-half, being stuck behind Zac Jones and Zac Dean despite being massively rated years prior.

FWIW - I'm unsure if Boon's is a scholarship or academy deal!

Foord's development will have been stymied by this injury whatever it is. Still hasn't played for the Weenix in Central League from what I can see.

With the way the Nix play, Chief, Griffiths and Parker will be very fixed on the skill set they are looking for. We can only guess that they have identified Boon as a good bet on fitting that mould. 

NZ's a small pond, Parker has been the NZ U17s GK coach the last 4 years. He will know all the standout NZ keepers in that 17-20 age group well.

Foord broke his foot in pre-season. Unsure if it was in a game or elsewhere, or how long he's out for.

He was brought into the WeeNix to be that reserve team keeper and train with the first team as well, so it'll be interesting to see where Boon fits into that whole system. Between Foord, AKH and Boon that would seem to mean AKH and Boon duking out for the #1 jersey in the ALM while Foord plays reserves and trains as 3rd choice. But I think it's important to have an experienced keeper in the ranks - AP talked a lot about how helpful Duncan was for his development last season. It would be odd to move away from that system.

Agree Boon, AKH & Foord are all too young as a group to be your only keepers at an ALM club.

Again wouldn't surprise if Nix are in talks with Adam Pavlesic. He'll be 22 later this month, and first sat on SFC's bench in the 19/20 season. So he's been around the ALM for coming up 5 seasons now, knows Chief and seems hungry to be a starting keeper somewhere in the ALM.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/adam-pavlesic/580277/

Ruben Parker himself is only 29, and was a keeper in the old Handy Prem (Hawkes Bay & ACFC). So he's likely active in keeper drills, plus will be getting to know the ALM better, after I think 2 seasons now at the Nix.

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

kwlap

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

Cos what we need right now is a small midfielder? Letting Zawada go we lose height up front. If the Old rumours are true we lose pace, youth and trickery in the midfield. Rojas doesnt replace either of those, nor does he really add anything we dont already have in the midfield with Rufer, Kraev, Al-taay. All three are experienced and decent enough to keep Rojas on the bench - who from memory was playing as a central attacking mid more than a wing/forward player over the last few years.

I’ll say he he would be better then all of them and way better then a certain David ball, who is a short ass 

AucklandPhoenix

I’ll say he he would be better then all of them and way better then a certain David ball, who is a short ass 

I guess they are kind of competing for the same spot,
Height wise Ball is 1.83m, Rojas 1.68m so a lot shorter. Ball isnt exactly short.
I'd think Ball's defensive work is beyond what Rojas would offer, plus fitness and actual minutes on the park.

I sense another medical team issue at the phoenix 

Need to see a photo next to Alex 

AucklandPhoenix

I sense another medical team issue at the phoenix 

Need to see a photo next to Alex 

 But is he taller than Paulsen?

Chief is pragmatic, I'd expect him to change how we setup to suit the best players we can afford. We might not be looking for like for like replacements for Old or Zawada, it's also not a zero sum game there is no reason to think that if we are making an offer for Rojas that we're not also looking for pacy wide players and big forwards. 

But, Its as likely that he just happened to be in Wellington and wanted to have a look as he's in negotiations with us though.

theprof

kwlap

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

Cos what we need right now is a small midfielder? Letting Zawada go we lose height up front. If the Old rumours are true we lose pace, youth and trickery in the midfield. Rojas doesnt replace either of those, nor does he really add anything we dont already have in the midfield with Rufer, Kraev, Al-taay. All three are experienced and decent enough to keep Rojas on the bench - who from memory was playing as a central attacking mid more than a wing/forward player over the last few years.

No offence prof but weren't you saying similar sorts of things about Kosta when he was signed? If Chief was to sign Rojas I would expect that we would get the best out of him similar to Kosta due to the coaching and facilities. Maybe it is just me but prior to Kosta finding form with the Nix I would have rather had an out of form Rojas than an out of form Kosta. 

If Rojas is too expensive or if Chief cannot get the best out of him he won't be signed. If Rojas is signed and gets injured, that is just part of the game really - his likelihood of injuries are also factored into his wage.

anaveragestem

theprof

kwlap

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

Cos what we need right now is a small midfielder? Letting Zawada go we lose height up front. If the Old rumours are true we lose pace, youth and trickery in the midfield. Rojas doesnt replace either of those, nor does he really add anything we dont already have in the midfield with Rufer, Kraev, Al-taay. All three are experienced and decent enough to keep Rojas on the bench - who from memory was playing as a central attacking mid more than a wing/forward player over the last few years.

No offence prof but weren't you saying similar sorts of things about Kosta when he was signed? If Chief was to sign Rojas I would expect that we would get the best out of him similar to Kosta due to the coaching and facilities. Maybe it is just me but prior to Kosta finding form with the Nix I would have rather had an out of form Rojas than an out of form Kosta. 

If Rojas is too expensive or if Chief cannot get the best out of him he won't be signed. If Rojas is signed and gets injured, that is just part of the game really - his likelihood of injuries are also factored into his wage.

I was worried about Kosta initially yep, both he and Cheify removed thoughs fears very early on.
My dislike/doubts of Rojas and his attitude - regardless of what might have  changed over the years are well known though.

theprof

anaveragestem

theprof

kwlap

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

Cos what we need right now is a small midfielder? Letting Zawada go we lose height up front. If the Old rumours are true we lose pace, youth and trickery in the midfield. Rojas doesnt replace either of those, nor does he really add anything we dont already have in the midfield with Rufer, Kraev, Al-taay. All three are experienced and decent enough to keep Rojas on the bench - who from memory was playing as a central attacking mid more than a wing/forward player over the last few years.

No offence prof but weren't you saying similar sorts of things about Kosta when he was signed? If Chief was to sign Rojas I would expect that we would get the best out of him similar to Kosta due to the coaching and facilities. Maybe it is just me but prior to Kosta finding form with the Nix I would have rather had an out of form Rojas than an out of form Kosta. 

If Rojas is too expensive or if Chief cannot get the best out of him he won't be signed. If Rojas is signed and gets injured, that is just part of the game really - his likelihood of injuries are also factored into his wage.

I was worried about Kosta initially yep, both he and Cheify removed thoughs fears very early on.
My dislike/doubts of Rojas and his attitude - regardless of what might have  changed over the years are well known though.

I think it was understandable for any Phoenix fan to be worried about Kosta returning, considering the underwhelming second spell he had with us unlike his time at Brisbane, Victory and Sydney FC.

To be fair to theprof he has been consistent with his comments about Rojas for a long time now.  
Buts that's what a forum like this is all about. Expressing our opinions on things football. And we don't all have to agree all the time.

Personally I think it's time for us to move on from a decision that he made as a 19 year old 13 years ago.

Piney reporting that Nix have signed that keeper from Roda JC as though it is official... Did I miss a formal announcement?

Rojas was in decent form for Brisbane when he was playing... got goals and was looking pretty sharp, I watched a few of his games.

Kosta was in terrible form towards the end of his Sydney stint and wasn't that flash in his Talay season for us either.

If we got Rojas and he stayed fit, I'd be very confident he'd be effective for us. It'd be a great story too, the prodigal son returning. 

Ranix

To be fair to theprof he has been consistent with his comments about Rojas for a long time now.  
Buts that's what a forum like this is all about. Expressing our opinions on things football. And we don't all have to agree all the time.

and that is the best thing about this forum. I can disagree with anyone here respectfully and its doesn't turn into a shark flinging fight. Not sure if thats possible on Facebook 🤮

imanixsupporter

Rojas was in decent form for Brisbane when he was playing... got goals and was looking pretty sharp, I watched a few of his games.

Kosta was in terrible form towards the end of his Sydney stint and wasn't that flash in his Talay season for us either.

If we got Rojas and he stayed fit, I'd be very confident he'd be effective for us. It'd be a great story too, the prodigal son returning. 

Not to mention the two most successful kiwi players in A-League history (in Kosta and Rojas) playing together for the first time in their careers back at the club that started it all for them. That fairy tale would only be complete if they helped win us our first title. 

Has anyone heard any like rumour or anything around Kraev? Is the nix trying to re sign him? 

theprof

anaveragestem

theprof

kwlap

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

Cos what we need right now is a small midfielder? Letting Zawada go we lose height up front. If the Old rumours are true we lose pace, youth and trickery in the midfield. Rojas doesnt replace either of those, nor does he really add anything we dont already have in the midfield with Rufer, Kraev, Al-taay. All three are experienced and decent enough to keep Rojas on the bench - who from memory was playing as a central attacking mid more than a wing/forward player over the last few years.

No offence prof but weren't you saying similar sorts of things about Kosta when he was signed? If Chief was to sign Rojas I would expect that we would get the best out of him similar to Kosta due to the coaching and facilities. Maybe it is just me but prior to Kosta finding form with the Nix I would have rather had an out of form Rojas than an out of form Kosta. 

If Rojas is too expensive or if Chief cannot get the best out of him he won't be signed. If Rojas is signed and gets injured, that is just part of the game really - his likelihood of injuries are also factored into his wage.

I was worried about Kosta initially yep, both he and Cheify removed thoughs fears very early on.
My dislike/doubts of Rojas and his attitude - regardless of what might have  changed over the years are well known though.

Concerns about Kosta were based on his previous performances in Welly and the way he got released from his contract. 

It’s great that he and Chief produced a sublime year, but the concerns were rational at the time! 

Ryan

Personally I think it's time for us to move on from a decision that he made as a 19 year old 13 years ago.

But we got the best training facilities in the league and we waited 🥺…

theprof

kwlap

Ryan

Silent

Rojas is a rusty 32-year-old who has run out of options overseas - for him it's Auckland, Wellington or bust. As long as his salary and contract length expectations recognise that ... maybe? Perhaps a 1+1 contract?

He's worth a foreign spot in any A-League team.

I’d also say that Rojas could complement our setup nicely. Often last year we were missing a creative at spark in the final third to fashion chances or stretch defenders. Rojas does that. 
I’m not convinced he’s is coming though. 

Cos what we need right now is a small midfielder? Letting Zawada go we lose height up front. If the Old rumours are true we lose pace, youth and trickery in the midfield. Rojas doesnt replace either of those, nor does he really add anything we dont already have in the midfield with Rufer, Kraev, Al-taay. All three are experienced and decent enough to keep Rojas on the bench - who from memory was playing as a central attacking mid more than a wing/forward player over the last few years.

Just for clarity here, are you saying Rojas doesn't produce "trickery"? Pace is fair, Ben has him on that easily. But Rojas is one of the most technically gifted players the league has seen

imanixsupporter

Piney reporting that Nix have signed that keeper from Roda JC as though it is official... Did I miss a formal announcement?

Just finished listening to it and it sounded more like something that Piney had just picked up on, rather than anything official -  Which obviously would have been the initial tweet from mrsmiis.

So, nothing official, but there's no smoke without fire, and mrsmiis (Sam - I hate using usernames sometimes 😅) is one of the best in the game when it comes to this stuff, so I'd be paying close attention to this one.

Ryan

imanixsupporter

Rojas was in decent form for Brisbane when he was playing... got goals and was looking pretty sharp, I watched a few of his games.

Kosta was in terrible form towards the end of his Sydney stint and wasn't that flash in his Talay season for us either.

If we got Rojas and he stayed fit, I'd be very confident he'd be effective for us. It'd be a great story too, the prodigal son returning. 

Not to mention the two most successful kiwi players in A-League history (in Kosta and Rojas) playing together for the first time in their careers back at the club that started it all for them. That fairy tale would only be complete if they helped win us our first title. 

Sadly the season just gone was the season to do it. 

With so many of the outstanding brigade moving on, I think we'll do well to finish top 4 this season.

Just like I've been saying - last season was our shot :(

We've had plenty of shots, the best probably are:
2009-2010 (our semi final collapsed after a handball goal - the hand of payne)
2014-2015 (four rounds from the end of the season we were first, for whatever reason it was derailed after the Asian Cup)
2019-2020 (us and Sydney were the form teams, derailed after Covid)
2023-2024 (obviously)

There is no reason to think that there won't be more chances and there's always opportunity in chaos and change

I don't get this doom and gloom that we missed our only shot. Arguably we are one the best-equipped clubs to deal with a reduced-budget A-League - what with our mostly settled squad (and management) and productive academy?

Even when it comes to dipping into pockets we're better off than most. Transfer fees have/will boost the coffers and we can look forward to at least one sold-out regular season game this year... 

Yeah why are we all doom and gloom. According to almost everyone we had no shot at the start of last season, yet we were #1 for good chunks of it (best season ever). This season could go equally as well, sure we wont have Zawada, Paulsen and maybe Old. But we still have the bulk of the squad that took us so close last year. Chief will have his plans and he's making the signings he wants. We got this.

For sure the Nix can be up there again.

CCM after the 2022/23 Grand Final had these players leave Gosford -
Triantis (Sunderland), McGarry (Aberdeen), Cummings (Mohun Bagan, India), Marco Túlio (left on a free to Kyoto Sanga, Japan), Nkololo (Al-Orobah, Saudi Arabia), Moresche (Iraqui club) & Silvera (Middlesbrough)

6 of those 7 players, started in their stunning 6-1 GF win over the City Group's Melbourne franchise. Moresche came off the pine
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2023/06/03/australia/a-league/melbourne-heart-fc/central-coast-mariners-fc/4070329/

To top it off their coach Montgomery went to Hibs!
Yet the following season they win 3 trophies.

The Mariners are the club oh so most similar to the Nix. 
"Stay Calm, Chiefy's got this".

Feel that visa player recruiting will be crucial. The Mariners have signed some real diamonds the last few seasons, the Nix not so much.

coochiee

For sure the Nix can be up there again.

CCM after the 2022/23 Grand Final had these players leave Gosford -
Triantis (Sunderland), McGarry (Aberdeen), Cummings (Mohun Bagan, India), Marco Túlio (left on a free to Kyoto Sanga, Japan), Nkololo (Al-Orobah, Saudi Arabia), Moresche (Iraqui club) & Silvera (Middlesbrough)

6 of those 7 players, started in their stunning 6-1 GF win over the City Group's Melbourne franchise. Moresche came off the pine
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2023/06/03/australia/a-league/melbourne-heart-fc/central-coast-mariners-fc/4070329/

To top it off their coach Montgomery went to Hibs!
Yet the following season they win 3 trophies.

The Mariners are the club oh so most similar to the Nix. 
"Stay Calm, Chiefy's got this".

Feel that visa player recruiting will be crucial. The Mariners have signed some real diamonds the last few seasons, the Nix not so much.

100%. They also lost their best attacking player late in the season. Torres. Such an amazing season for them. Shows with good management it can be done. 

Nothing is guaranteed but the club have sound respected owners, a quality Academy, world class training facilities and a settled coaching group.

Finding some under valued visa player gems like Marco Tulio, Nkololo, Doka, Edmondson & Torres (putting the horrid off field stuff to the side) would be bloody handy.

brookem

Has anyone heard any like rumour or anything around Kraev? Is the nix trying to re sign him? 

When Shaun Gill was on the podcast, he made it sound like the ball was in Kraev's court. So maybe he is looking around to see what other options are available before re-committing 

RR

brookem

Has anyone heard any like rumour or anything around Kraev? Is the nix trying to re sign him? 

When Shaun Gill was on the podcast, he made it sound like the ball was in Kraev's court. So maybe he is looking around to see what other options are available before re-committing 

Have we offered him less money do you think? Is he on a marquee contract? Is anyone? Do they still have all the malarkey of homegrown marquees and all the other exemptions?

Think the entire squad last season was probably under the cap, the wage bill was reported to be a million less than the season before and this season will be cheaper again. There won't be any marquees for awhile for many a league teams.

This is now on transfer market 

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