WPM 2024/25 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

AucklandPhoenix

Higher chance obviously he was no longer their number one 

You think? Last game he was in goal, Lahti lose 1-0 at leaders KuPS.
Lahti's next match without Oluwayemi, they concede 5 goals at 2nd placed SJK.

The other keepers in their squad are a couple of teenagers (17 & 19).  Oluwayemi has missed their last few games because he's either been injured, or Lahti have known he's off to the ALM.

However this is all unimportant stuff. Parker & Chief would have scouted him thoroughly. They know what they want. Again the right keeper is absolutely crucial to how the Nix play, though as with any visa player there is always some degree of risk it doesn't work out. But he's likely their most important signing over the off season so they will have done their DD.

mrsmiis

MetalLegNZ

... so if he is pretty handy, why has he seemingly moved around clubs so much?

 Yeah, released from a Champions League club. Must be shark

Google says he was released from Tottenham?

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

Has a talented brother 2 years younger Tobi (21), who's also a GK. Likewise went through the Spurs youth academy system, before joining Celtic in the summer of 2019. Was often the 3rd choice keeper at The Hoops under Ange Post. Represented England at various youth international levels. Now with a club in the Austrian 2nd tier.

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

Why is it an odd signing? Came through the Tottenham academy and played for their U18 and U23 teams, started every time he was in the matchday squad this season for a club in a decent European league, still only 23. Excited to see how he goes with the guidance of Chiefy and Parker.

Gooner 4 Life

Lets just hope his influence doesn't make the Nix go all Spursy

You mean being there or thereabouts and never actually winning anything? Don't think there will be any problem with that.

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

Very similar to Alex Rodriguez. I wasn't on the forums at the time; how strange was that considered?

I think this is shrewd, however the one-year deal strikes me as odd - if he's any good, then he'll leave, and in any case it will raise the question as to why we went for a youngster rather than an older head.

mrsmiis

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

Very similar to Alex Rodriguez. I wasn't on the forums at the time; how strange was that considered?

I think this is shrewd, however the one-year deal strikes me as odd - if he's any good, then he'll leave, and in any case it will raise the question as to why we went for a youngster rather than an older head.

Banking on one of AK-H, Boon or Matt Foord being ready to step up to the ALM in in 12 months?  AK-H at this stage the front runner.

But who knows Oluwayemi may want to stay beyond the one season, even if he excels. Only 23 and as Lloris & Hart advised him as a young keeper you just need to be playing, not seasons riding the pine. Paulsen has shown the Nix is a good club to develop as a young GK and be scouted for a higher level.

MetalLegNZ

... so if he is pretty handy, why has he seemingly moved around clubs so much?

Same has happened to many of the most talented ALM kids overseas. Look at Singh, Rojas etc. Even if you're really good there's no guarantee you'll make it and stay at the top. The competition is just insane in football

Yep, in Zawadas first season he said he was surprised he wasn't dropped after the first few games. In this part of the world we can afford to give players a few more chances because there's less competition and the finals series is quite forgiving to slow starts.

For a keeper, one mistake, or injury, and you're out and you might not get another chance.

He's got good ambitions and sounds very level headed from listening to his interview.  Welcome to this side of the world, hope things work out for all involved!

He sounds motivated to do well and can see him fitting into the team easily 
 Interesting that he played with Kusini Yengi and Luke Ivanovic, so knew a bit about the A League 

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

 Not even the oddest keeper signing. Warner way ahead in that race.

2ndBest

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

 Not even the oddest keeper signing. Warner way ahead in that race.

Not at all! Our transfer policy used to be whatever would be a good laugh. Now we’re trying to win! 

I feel like we've been blessed to never miss when it's come to our keepers since the Rudan era and on the basis of that interview he seems motivated and level headed enough to be the man to continue that trend. Looking forward to seeing Oluwayemi in action! Welcome to the club, fella!

Gooner 4 Life

Lets just hope his influence doesn't make the Nix go all Spursy

Well we do have one thing in common: we’ve won SFA!

Most here are impressed with this signing, as for me it’s very meh.

If we’re going young and playing out from the back we should have gone after Would. I’d far rather use that cash on outfield players and use kiwis in goal.

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

I've always thought Cillian Sheridan was our oddest signing at face value. A 6"5 behemoth of a man from Ireland who bizarrely only played well out wide on the wings, and had spent the last 4 seasons in Poland and Cyprus. January signing too, wasn't he?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC4WkHd_5-Y (skip to 2:50)

Odd signing that made an odd assist to get Krishna his hat trick

Jazzy Jeff

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

I've always thought Cillian Sheridan was our oddest signing at face value. A 6"5 behemoth of a man from Ireland who bizarrely only played well out wide on the wings, and had spent the last 4 seasons in Poland and Cyprus. January signing too, wasn't he?

Looks like 35 yr old Sheridan is clubless, after playing last season in the Scottish Championship with Queens Park. Not bad scoring for him with 4 goals in just 12 games.

Meanwhile your moniker 36 years young Jazzy Jeff Sarprong is still battling away in the Lithuanian A Lyga. No 2nd tier rubbish for him. Into his 4th season now of having the Panevezys FC dietician nagging him daily. I guess Sarpong wasn't such an odd signing - if a total weighty flop - as after Merrick had success with the Nathan Burns project, everyone hoped Sarpong with his years in the Eredvisie could do similar.

Jazzy Jeff

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

I've always thought Cillian Sheridan was our oddest signing at face value. A 6"5 behemoth of a man from Ireland who bizarrely only played well out wide on the wings, and had spent the last 4 seasons in Poland and Cyprus. January signing too, wasn't he?

Proved to be unfortunate timing for Sheridan when he arrived because of obviously the record-breaking form Krishna was in that season and the fact Williams was yet to go on a goal-scoring spree of his own.

2ndBest

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

 Not even the oddest keeper signing. Warner way ahead in that race.

We were a bit all over the place with transfers then, every transfer has been pretty explainable over the last 4-5 years or so. 

A keeper more famous for YouTube videos than actually playing football, who's only played 40 senior games at 23. I can't remember a signing recently that was more odd. 

I realise there aren't many options for keepers, but I fully expected us to just go on the Aussie keeper merry go round. 

Not saying this is bad or good, that's to be determined. 

valeo

2ndBest

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

 Not even the oddest keeper signing. Warner way ahead in that race.

We were a bit all over the place with transfers then, every transfer has been pretty explainable over the last 4-5 years or so. 

A keeper more famous for YouTube videos than actually playing football, who's only played 40 senior games at 23. I can't remember a signing recently that was more odd. 

I realise there aren't many options for keepers, but I fully expected us to just go on the Aussie keeper merry go round. 

Not saying this is bad or good, that's to be determined. 

After Pavlesic went to the Mariners, there were no good Aussie keepers available.

coochiee

Jazzy Jeff

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

I've always thought Cillian Sheridan was our oddest signing at face value. A 6"5 behemoth of a man from Ireland who bizarrely only played well out wide on the wings, and had spent the last 4 seasons in Poland and Cyprus. January signing too, wasn't he?

Looks like 35 yr old Sheridan is clubless, after playing last season in the Scottish Championship with Queens Park. Not bad scoring for him with 4 goals in just 12 games.

Meanwhile your moniker 36 years young Jazzy Jeff Sarprong is still battling away in the Lithuanian A Lyga. No 2nd tier rubbish for him. Into his 4th season now of having the Panevezys FC dietician nagging him daily. I guess Sarpong wasn't such an odd signing - if a total weighty flop - as after Merrick had success with the Nathan Burns project, everyone hoped Sarpong with his years in the Eredvisie could do similar.

We're in the market for an import striker...

Marto

Most here are impressed with this signing, as for me it’s very meh.

If we’re going young and playing out from the back we should have gone after Would. I’d far rather use that cash on outfield players and use kiwis in goal.

If you mean Woud, (a), he's with Foley's Bling now; (b), he sucks.

Marto

Most here are impressed with this signing, as for me it’s very meh.

If we’re going young and playing out from the back we should have gone after Would. I’d far rather use that cash on outfield players and use kiwis in goal.

⭐️⚽️New Zealand 2 - 3 Honduras | Tokyo 2020 | Michael Woud Footwork and Skills Highlights | The Kiwi Neuer??⚽️⭐️

There is a little bit of history repeating here.

The last time we signed a first-choice goalkeeper as an import was Filip Kurto.

At the time there was a lot of concern on here that we were "wasting" an import spot on a keeper. What rubbish. Football is 11 man game, not 10.  Goalkeeper is just as important a position as anywhere and contributes to both wins and losses equally.  Who will ever forget the way that any potential in Keegan Smith was destroyed by him being thrown under a bus leading to the other 10 showing him and the opponents a complete lack of trust.

Lot of comment that Kurto had not been first choice where he was and was unproven.  No one had heard of him.  Turned out to be IMHO one of our best ever import signings, even if he did end being caught up in the Rudan leaving fiasco.

Let's give Joshua a chance with full support.  In Chiefy we trust after all.

Has there been any indication as to when he will arrive?

In the press conference they said waiting for his work visa. In the past that's taken a few weeks, but DIA won't give a timeline

Yeah, I never understood the idea that using a visa slot on a keeper is a waste. It's no more "wasteful" than using a visa slot on any other position.
Plus, don't we still have two available visa slots which are likely to go unused anyway...?

From the press conference I though Josh came off as mature and definitely keen to play. That's more than good enough for me if the alternative is to convince a jaded A-league keeper to join...

You've got five visa slots. Theoretically they should go to your best and most important players.
Goalkeeper is one of, if not the most influential position on the pitch, and a great GK performance can almost single-handedly win you a game. Why not bring in a star? We've been lucky to have some very good kiwi keepers in recent years, with AP, Sail's purple patch, and even Marinovic wasn't bad. But with no clear option for a top-class local keeper, using an import spot is absolutely the right call.

Plus, hopefully the presence of Ball and Wootton should help Oluwayemi feel at home. Nix have always had a strong core of English imports.

I am totally not phased by using an import slot on a keeper. I understand why some might be, thinking a striker who is gonna win games is more important, but as we saw last year a keeper who can stop shots and run the defence is worth his weight in gold. A solid defence will put us in the mis for the title again. I really like this guys attitude and the apparent desire to do well is key, he clearly doesnt see this as a summer holiday gig.

Friar Tuck

Marto

Most here are impressed with this signing, as for me it’s very meh.

If we’re going young and playing out from the back we should have gone after Would. I’d far rather use that cash on outfield players and use kiwis in goal.

⭐️⚽️New Zealand 2 - 3 Honduras | Tokyo 2020 | Michael Woud Footwork and Skills Highlights | The Kiwi Neuer??⚽️⭐️

- Men's world tournaments where New Zealand has gone beyond the group stage with Michael Woud as keeper: 4

-  Men's world tournaments where New Zealand has gone beyond the group stage with any other keeper ever: 4

Not a terrible stat for the guy despite his reputation here.

Jazzy Jeff

valeo

One of the oddest signings we've ever made

Hopefully it works out

I've always thought Cillian Sheridan was our oddest signing at face value. A 6"5 behemoth of a man from Ireland who bizarrely only played well out wide on the wings, and had spent the last 4 seasons in Poland and Cyprus. January signing too, wasn't he?

Sheridan was entirely level-headed signing compared to Johnny Chen.

Reuben Way was a desperation signing from Rudan to take our squad size above the minimum requirement. Definitely an odd one for me

dunnix

Reuben Way was a desperation signing from Rudan to take our squad size above the minimum requirement. Definitely an odd one for me

Was thinking of him. The Melbourne mortgage broker. To be fair to Marko he was appointed late and with alot of players leaving, he had to assemble a squad very quickly. I mean with more time you would give Mitch Nichols a trial first, before quickly realising he's past it.

carlind

Friar Tuck

Marto

Most here are impressed with this signing, as for me it’s very meh.

If we’re going young and playing out from the back we should have gone after Would. I’d far rather use that cash on outfield players and use kiwis in goal.

⭐️⚽️New Zealand 2 - 3 Honduras | Tokyo 2020 | Michael Woud Footwork and Skills Highlights | The Kiwi Neuer??⚽️⭐️

- Men's world tournaments where New Zealand has gone beyond the group stage with Michael Woud as keeper: 4

-  Men's world tournaments where New Zealand has gone beyond the group stage with any other keeper ever: 4

Not a terrible stat for the guy despite his reputation here.

Terrible stat for assessing how good Woud is though

queenofthequail

Yeah, I never understood the idea that using a visa slot on a keeper is a waste. It's no more "wasteful" than using a visa slot on any other position.
Plus, don't we still have two available visa slots which are likely to go unused anyway...?

From the press conference I though Josh came off as mature and definitely keen to play. That's more than good enough for me if the alternative is to convince a jaded A-league keeper to join...

Need a big bodied striker to replace Zawada & complement Kosta. Good odds that will be another visa player. Maybe keeping the 5th spot open, review how the first few months go, and can always look at the market again in the Jan window.

Visa striker, Dylan Ruiz-Diaz plus upgrading the better Weenix kids and you have your squad come 20th October KO at the ROF.

carlind

Friar Tuck

Marto

Most here are impressed with this signing, as for me it’s very meh.

If we’re going young and playing out from the back we should have gone after Would. I’d far rather use that cash on outfield players and use kiwis in goal.

⭐️⚽️New Zealand 2 - 3 Honduras | Tokyo 2020 | Michael Woud Footwork and Skills Highlights | The Kiwi Neuer??⚽️⭐️

- Men's world tournaments where New Zealand has gone beyond the group stage with Michael Woud as keeper: 4

-  Men's world tournaments where New Zealand has gone beyond the group stage with any other keeper ever: 4

Not a terrible stat for the guy despite his reputation here.

IMG_7187.jpeg 78.6 KB

I understand some people are apprehensive about using a visa spot on a goalkeeper. But we don't have a local Paulsen level player. He was integral to our setup last year and we need someone who can match him.

When we've got players like Kosta and Rojas playing who could easily take up another teams visa spot, I'm fine using one our slots on a good keeper. I mean we did it with Kurto and that was a great success until he snaked off.

I think we've been very spoiled as of late keeper wise, with an on form Sail and Paulsen back to back.

The key with an import is twofold:

1: He has to improve on what you can get in NZ or Australia (that is which is available)

2: He has to be in the starting line up.

So the guy appears to tick those boxes.