Ben Old signs with French Ligue 1 club AS Saint-Étienne ✍️
Ben Old has secured a move to French Ligue 1 club AS Saint-Étienne who have recently won promotion back to Ligue 1, after the Phoenix accepted an undisclosed transfer fee from the 10-time French champions.
For the sake of continuity, I think we absolutely have to sign Adam Pavlešić. IMG_7085.jpeg47.08 KB AP initials ✅ Born in July 2002 ✅ Youth international ✅ Worked with Chief ✅ Good with his feet ✅ Great shot stopper ✅
Have him grow his hair out a bit, give him the number 40 and no one will be able to tell the difference.
For the sake of continuity, I think we absolutely have to sign Adam Pavlešić. IMG_7085.jpeg47.08 KB AP initials ✅ Born in July 2002 ✅ Youth international ✅ Worked with Chief ✅ Good with his feet ✅ Great shot stopper ✅
Have him grow his hair out a bit, give him the number 40 and no one will be able to tell the difference.
Looks like very highly rated 16 year old luke Brooke-Smith has been training with the side going off his instagram aswell as featuring in one of the posts on the nix instagram page. Currently playing quite regularly at Hamilton Wanderers. Interesting to see where that goes.
Looks like very highly rated 16 year old luke Brooke-Smith has been training with the side going off his instagram aswell as featuring in one of the posts on the nix instagram page. Currently playing quite regularly at Hamilton Wanderers. Interesting to see where that goes.
Looks a solid unit already at only 15-16. English born?
Luke Brooke-Smith (7) makes his senior debut age 15 for Cambridge against Papamoa.
He made his senior football debut for Cambridge in the Southern Conference only 18 days after his 15th birthday, securing a regular place with the side after WaiBOP Football gave the club special dispensation for him to play as a senior.
Brooke-Smith says he’s grateful Cambridge gave him his first chance to play senior football, and in a supportive environment.
Last December, Brooke-Smith spent a week training at men’s A-League club Melbourne City during his school holidays. The invitation to train at the club followed a game between City’s academy side and the RH3 touring party that competed at Victoria’s Shepparton Cup tournament.
In January 2024, Brooke-Smith spent a month with Spanish professional club CF Rayo Majadahonda who play in the Primera Federación.
Looks a solid unit already at only 15-16. English born?
Luke Brooke-Smith (7) makes his senior debut age 15 for Cambridge against Papamoa.
He made his senior football debut for Cambridge in the Southern Conference only 18 days after his 15th birthday, securing a regular place with the side after WaiBOP Football gave the club special dispensation for him to play as a senior.
Brooke-Smith says he’s grateful Cambridge gave him his first chance to play senior football, and in a supportive environment.
Last December, Brooke-Smith spent a week training at men’s A-League club Melbourne City during his school holidays. The invitation to train at the club followed a game between City’s academy side and the RH3 touring party that competed at Victoria’s Shepparton Cup tournament.
In January 2024, Brooke-Smith spent a month with Spanish professional club CF Rayo Majadahonda who play in the Primera Federación.
Whangarei born. BMX prodigy too 😂
We need another prodigy onboard now seeing as our golfing one recently bid us au revoir.
So we have lost Paulsen, Duncan, Salas, Surman, Pennington, Old & Zawada and have so far brought in Rojas.
There has already been speculation about a possible keeper and a possible Zawada replacement, and I'm happy enough with Sheridan, Hughes & Rojas replacing Salas, Surman & Old, but we definitely need a new central midfielder as Salas, Pennington & Old collectively spent a lot of time playing midfield last season and Conchie doesn't look ready to be an A-League regular. Who could we bring in? Unless you have Kraev (presuming he stays) or Ball shifting to midfield full time, but that would mean even more attacking reinforcements are required.
al-Taay already started a lot of games and came off the bench a lot when he didn't, it isn't like he is a fringe player who can step up to being a regular... He can't suddenly perform the role of two other players in addition to himself
What sell on fee will the Nix get if Cacace gets sold by Empoli (which is quite likely). Would they be getting as much as 10%??? Could be another tidy payday for the Nix to help with transfer options here.
So we have lost Paulsen, Duncan, Salas, Surman, Pennington, Old & Zawada and have so far brought in Rojas.
There has already been speculation about a possible keeper and a possible Zawada replacement, and I'm happy enough with Sheridan, Hughes & Rojas replacing Salas, Surman & Old, but we definitely need a new central midfielder as Salas, Pennington & Old collectively spent a lot of time playing midfield last season and Conchie doesn't look ready to be an A-League regular. Who could we bring in? Unless you have Kraev (presuming he stays) or Ball shifting to midfield full time, but that would mean even more attacking reinforcements are required.
I’m expecting a switch to a dual pivot with Rufer and Al-Taay starting.
Is it quite likely Cacace will be moving this summer?
I don't think the Nix will have a sell on clause in his Empoli contract. They would have had one in his St Truidin contract. The Nix will still get development solidarity payments but I'm not familiar with the formulas to calculate what percentage that would be.
makes sense, but that still only leaves Conchie as cover, we need more depth than that Friar Tuck
imanixsupporter
So we have lost Paulsen, Duncan, Salas, Surman, Pennington, Old & Zawada and have so far brought in Rojas.
There has already been speculation about a possible keeper and a possible Zawada replacement, and I'm happy enough with Sheridan, Hughes & Rojas replacing Salas, Surman & Old, but we definitely need a new central midfielder as Salas, Pennington & Old collectively spent a lot of time playing midfield last season and Conchie doesn't look ready to be an A-League regular. Who could we bring in? Unless you have Kraev (presuming he stays) or Ball shifting to midfield full time, but that would mean even more attacking reinforcements are required.
I’m expecting a switch to a dual pivot with Rufer and Al-Taay starting.
makes sense, but that still only leaves Conchie as cover, we need more depth than that Friar Tuck
imanixsupporter
So we have lost Paulsen, Duncan, Salas, Surman, Pennington, Old & Zawada and have so far brought in Rojas.
There has already been speculation about a possible keeper and a possible Zawada replacement, and I'm happy enough with Sheridan, Hughes & Rojas replacing Salas, Surman & Old, but we definitely need a new central midfielder as Salas, Pennington & Old collectively spent a lot of time playing midfield last season and Conchie doesn't look ready to be an A-League regular. Who could we bring in? Unless you have Kraev (presuming he stays) or Ball shifting to midfield full time, but that would mean even more attacking reinforcements are required.
I’m expecting a switch to a dual pivot with Rufer and Al-Taay starting.
Agreed, one or two reinforcements wouldn’t go amiss.
makes sense, but that still only leaves Conchie as cover, we need more depth than that Friar Tuck
imanixsupporter
So we have lost Paulsen, Duncan, Salas, Surman, Pennington, Old & Zawada and have so far brought in Rojas.
There has already been speculation about a possible keeper and a possible Zawada replacement, and I'm happy enough with Sheridan, Hughes & Rojas replacing Salas, Surman & Old, but we definitely need a new central midfielder as Salas, Pennington & Old collectively spent a lot of time playing midfield last season and Conchie doesn't look ready to be an A-League regular. Who could we bring in? Unless you have Kraev (presuming he stays) or Ball shifting to midfield full time, but that would mean even more attacking reinforcements are required.
I’m expecting a switch to a dual pivot with Rufer and Al-Taay starting.
Agreed, one or two reinforcements wouldn’t go amiss.
I remember Niche Cache rated Weenix midfielders Fergus Gillion and Amaru Cassidy. Gillion has already been in an ALM match day squad, and I understand all others from his birth year have already been let go by the club. A pointer he may get promoted to the senior squad. Captains the reserves
CB Dylan Gardiner another strong prospect to join the senior squad. Him and Seth Karunaratne maybe in a little battle for that. Though they could both be required when Surman leaves.
Is it quite likely Cacace will be moving this summer?
I don't think the Nix will have a sell on clause in his Empoli contract. They would have had one in his St Truidin contract. The Nix will still get development solidarity payments but I'm not familiar with the formulas to calculate what percentage that would be.
He was at the Nix for 4 years, all over the age of 15. So we should get 2% of any transfer fee paid for him during his career.
Striker - Import (if funds allow) - Oscar Faulds (Napier City Rovers)
Starting Winger - Import (preferably left footed)
Not a bad list tbh.
Good news there for ya on the Oscar Faulds front - Have word that he's headed down to Wellington after this weekends match against the WeeNix for a trial. Assume he'll be there for Monday (?)
Campbell Strong is heading back to UK soon I believe, if he hasn't done so already.
CB's I think they'll go academy and build them up from there, so Gardiner & Karunaratne could well be a goer. Although I have been given a heads-up on a possible incoming in that area of the pitch, but for now I have been sworn to secrecy while more info is sought (sorry!)
Not sure on Piper - Having a ripper of a season domestically, but haven't heard any chatter on him to Nix - I know he was really hoping to get a look in with Auckland, so should get a really good shot to showcase himself when Birko meet them in their friendly in a few weeks.
Others that I've been alerted to from the academy ranks that may get a potential look in this pre season include Tze Xuan Loke & Lachie Candy.
Striker - Import (if funds allow) - Oscar Faulds (Napier City Rovers)
Starting Winger - Import (preferably left footed)
Not a bad list tbh.
Good news there for ya on the Oscar Faulds front - He's headed down to Wellington after this weekends Central League match against the WeeNix for a trial.
Campbell Strong is heading back to UK soon I believe, if he hasn't done so already.
CB's I think they'll go academy and build them up from there, so Gardiner & Karunaratne could well be a goer. Although I have been given a heads-up on a possible incoming in that area of the pitch, but for now I have been sworn to secrecy while more info is sought (sorry!)
Not sure on Piper - Having a ripper of a season domestically, but haven't heard any chatter on him to Nix - I know he was really hoping to get a look in with Auckland, so should get a really good shot to showcase himself when Birko meet them in their friendly in a few weeks.
Others that I've been alerted to from the academy ranks that may get a potential look in this pre season include Tze Xuan Loke & Lachie Candy.
Cheers for that insight Hamish, great to hear about Oscar.
I hadn’t actually realised that Gardiner was 18 now so yeah I imagine him and Seth will both be in and around the first team. I’m a big fan of Gardiner and he seems like a great eventual successor to Surman and Hughes.
Is that potential defender a domestic league player?
Striker - Import (if funds allow) - Oscar Faulds (Napier City Rovers)
Starting Winger - Import (preferably left footed)
Not a bad list tbh.
Good news there for ya on the Oscar Faulds front - He's headed down to Wellington after this weekends Central League match against the WeeNix for a trial.
Campbell Strong is heading back to UK soon I believe, if he hasn't done so already.
CB's I think they'll go academy and build them up from there, so Gardiner & Karunaratne could well be a goer. Although I have been given a heads-up on a possible incoming in that area of the pitch, but for now I have been sworn to secrecy while more info is sought (sorry!)
Not sure on Piper - Having a ripper of a season domestically, but haven't heard any chatter on him to Nix - I know he was really hoping to get a look in with Auckland, so should get a really good shot to showcase himself when Birko meet them in their friendly in a few weeks.
Others that I've been alerted to from the academy ranks that may get a potential look in this pre season include Tze Xuan Loke & Lachie Candy.
Cheers for that insight Hamish, great to hear about Oscar.
I hadn’t actually realised that Gardiner was 18 now so yeah I imagine him and Seth will both be in and around the first team. I’m a big fan of Gardiner and he seems like a great eventual successor to Surman and Hughes.
Is that potential defender a domestic league player?
I can't say anything re: that last sentence sorry. 😅
Striker - Import (if funds allow) - Oscar Faulds (Napier City Rovers)
Starting Winger - Import (preferably left footed)
Not a bad list tbh.
Good news there for ya on the Oscar Faulds front - Have word that he's headed down to Wellington after this weekends match against the WeeNix for a trial. Assume he'll be there for Monday (?)
Campbell Strong is heading back to UK soon I believe, if he hasn't done so already.
CB's I think they'll go academy and build them up from there, so Gardiner & Karunaratne could well be a goer. Although I have been given a heads-up on a possible incoming in that area of the pitch, but for now I have been sworn to secrecy while more info is sought (sorry!)
Not sure on Piper - Having a ripper of a season domestically, but haven't heard any chatter on him to Nix - I know he was really hoping to get a look in with Auckland, so should get a really good shot to showcase himself when Birko meet them in their friendly in a few weeks.
Others that I've been alerted to from the academy ranks that may get a potential look in this pre season include Tze Xuan Loke & Lachie Candy.
Fergus Gillion & Nathan Walker?
If we are speculating on domestic based CBs that the Nix may consider, 32 yr Nikko Boxall is at Eastern Suburbs. Did have a short stint with the Nix in Talay's last season. And then 21 yr old Aaryan Raj (also at Eastern Suburbs) as yet hasn't been picked up by Auckland. Was the 3rd CB alongside Hughes & Surman at last year's U20 WC.
How's that Swedish striker playing for Napier doing
Few shots from distance, few nice passes to put players in, but nothing else much to write home about. Gets into good positions in the box when Napier get forward but has not had the service so far this arvo.
Game is pretty scrappy as well, with no real clear cut opportunities worked from either side.
Terribly glitchy/laggy stream too (maybe just me?) so it's not making for the most enjoyable of watches. 😅
Had word from a couple of people on twitter stating Dublin is trialling for the Nix. Although if he's with the reserves, it's probably safe to say they'll keep him in the stable and look to develop him.
He's 19 years old, and has a clear preference to play out from the back so far. Decision making needs a little work and a few scuffed passes/clearances aside, there definitely looks to be something to work with as far as a ball playing goalkeeper. Solid enough in the air under the high ball, and good dealing with the few shots he's had thrown his way as it stands.
(fwiw, I believe it's trialling for a spot in the senior team, i.e. an audition with the Reserves - I'm still 100% on my initial report a couple weeks back that he's signed within the Nix system)
(fwiw, I believe it's trialling for a spot in the senior team, i.e. an audition with the Reserves - I'm still 100% on my initial report a couple weeks back that he's signed within the Nix system)
Yeah cleared that up just as much with those that were messaging through. Not that I have any reason to doubt ya. 😎
Put him in the Nix stable at least. Few things to work on, but he's not been too bad tbh.
