I was at the game and haven't yet seen a replay of the semifinal, but did somebody say in another thread that someone in the tv coverage was saying they were hearing that Kosta would be going to one of the Melbourne teams next season?
I was at the game and haven't yet seen a replay of the semifinal, but did somebody say in another thread that someone in the tv coverage was saying they were hearing that Kosta would be going to one of the Melbourne teams next season?
Yeah the sideline commentator guy (Can't remember his name) was saying that he had heard Kosta was on the radar of the 3 Melbourne teams and mentioned that he would likely be interested due to having lived in Melbourne for years - or something along those lines essentially.
Didn't mention any solid sources or anything though, just seemed like speculation
I was at the game and haven't yet seen a replay of the semifinal, but did somebody say in another thread that someone in the tv coverage was saying they were hearing that Kosta would be going to one of the Melbourne teams next season?
Yeah the sideline commentator guy (Can't remember his name) was saying that he had heard Kosta was on the radar of the 3 Melbourne teams and mentioned that he would likely be interested due to having lived in Melbourne for years - or something along those lines essentially
Being on the radar of a team is pretty meaningless though, I'm sure we have plenty of players on our radar that we will never sign. That "likely to be interested" piece is pure speculation from a Paramount muppet. The only time he'll have spoken to Kosta is at half time or after the match when he's looking for a 30 second sound bite. Kotsa has made it pretty clear he wants to be in Wellington to win a trophy - he wont be doing that if he signs for a Melbourne side.
Zappone put it in the context of Kosta potentially wanting to be closer to the Melbourne based grandparents of his child. This was Zappone's speculation, not Kosta's statement.
Zappone put it in the context of Kosta potentially wanting to be closer to the Melbourne based grandparents of his child. This was Zappone's speculation, not Kosta's statement.
Which is pure speculation, especially when Kostas own parents and family are Wellington based, so maybe he wants to be near them....
So Zawada is gone, Chiefy confirms in the press conference. Sounds like the Nix were never going to even try to keep him like they tried to keep Davila.
But Chiefy sounds very, very, very confident that Kosta is staying.
Edit: and a reminder for everyone, only Zawada, Kraev, Kosta, Pennington & Salas are not already contracted for next season. These are the only players we can lose without the Nix allowing it to happen, either by another team paying a fee or the Nix agreeing to a "mutual termination"
So Zawada is gone, Chiefy confirms in the press conference. Sounds like the Nix were never going to even try to keep him like they tried to keep Davila.
But Chiefy sounds very, very, very confident that Kosta is staying.
Edit: and a reminder for everyone, only Zawada, Kraev, Kosta, Pennington & Salas are not already contracted for next season. These are the only players we can lose without the Nix allowing it to happen, either by another team paying a fee or the Nix agreeing to a "mutual termination"
Wonder if we give Kosta a 1+1 with the added year being triggered by reaching a goals target. Then look to transition him into the backroom staff/coaching setup?
If I remember correctly, wasn't he doing his badges? Would make sense to dangle that carrot on front of him given he's not got a whole lot of years left in the tank.
Salas was always just a loan for half a season. He wants to stay "around" and bring his family out. If he turns out for Auckland FC next season I will cheer him on when he runs out on the field for his first game. If he turns out for Macarthur, maybe not so much.
Agree that the likely ones to have suitors are Paulsen, Old, Surman, and Rufer. For the first three I think another year at this level is wise but wouldn’t blame them seeking a better club in a better league, on a higher wage and in the window for bigger clubs still.
What would be disappointing is if they left but stayed within the A-League. They’re all capable of more.
Payne, Rufer & Sutton will stay I am certain. Of the three maybe Rufer is the more likely to get interest from abroad but I think he might feel he has unfinished business here as captain, and a responsibility to stay.
Paulsen, Old & Surman all could go, there will surely be interest, but I think it is very possible that the Nix decide that whatever is offered for them isn't enough, or that all decide that another season of regular starts at the Nix will be best for their development. So wouldn't be surprised to see all of them staying either.
There will of course be interest in Pennington & Kraev from Auckland & Australia, and potentially from further afield for Kraev. Could see them going either way too. Would be happy for both to stay.
And Salas is like Zawada, a good player that would be good to keep but just not worth the money. MetalLegNZ
Happy for Salas to go - has not done enough IMO to stay.
Pennington and Rufer have a good set up together so I would like that to keep going but I can see both potentially leaving.
Transfers will have the biggest impact on us this off season. We will lose 3 - 5 players.
Paulsen, Old, Surman, Sutton and Rufer are my picks for potential transfers. Payne could have a suitor or 2 possibly as well after his season.
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
AP would be crazy to leave, he has been immense but has so much development still as a young GK. Surman could be a chance and would surely have interested parties, but he could feel like another season alongside Wootton would be good for him. Pennington you have to try and keep surely, knows the system and even if he ends up 3rd choice CM you know what he can do for us
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
Raphael Lea'i
Is he even still playing? Left his club early and then what?
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
Raphael Lea'i
Is he even still playing? Left his club early and then what?
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
Raphael Lea'i
Is he even still playing? Left his club early and then what?
If he's still under contract with his Bosnian club then there is not really much anyone can do unless someone comes in and pay's a fee to complete a transfer. Either that or a mutual termination.
It's a catch 22 though on his club holding out for a fee though, as he's not playing so likely wouldn't garner much interest, and he'll be unable to play for another club until his contract expires.
It all feels like a bit of a waste to be honest, clearly a quality footballer in there - A diamond in the rough, but lots of natural ability and athleticism to work with. It would be a shame if his career petered out into nothingness given the hype he's had around him for a while now.
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
Raphael Lea'i
Is he even still playing? Left his club early and then what?
If he's still under contract with his Bosnian club then there is not really much anyone can do unless someone comes in and pay's a fee to complete a transfer. Either that or a mutual termination.
It's a catch 22 though on his club holding out for a fee though, as he's not playing so likely wouldn't garner much interest, and he'll be unable to play for another club until his contract expires.
It all feels like a bit of a waste to be honest, clearly a quality footballer in there - A diamond in the rough, but lots of natural ability and athleticism to work with. It would be a shame if his career petered out into nothingness given the hype he's had around him for a while now.
While he has ability, it seems the mental side of his game is letting him down. Could well spell the end of his career.
Maybe someone will emerge from the OFC Nations cup in June? Be great if we could find another Roy Krishna. There has to be some lightening quick strikers in the pacific islands.
Raphael Lea'i
Is he even still playing? Left his club early and then what?
If he's still under contract with his Bosnian club then there is not really much anyone can do unless someone comes in and pay's a fee to complete a transfer. Either that or a mutual termination.
It's a catch 22 though on his club holding out for a fee though, as he's not playing so likely wouldn't garner much interest, and he'll be unable to play for another club until his contract expires.
It all feels like a bit of a waste to be honest, clearly a quality footballer in there - A diamond in the rough, but lots of natural ability and athleticism to work with. It would be a shame if his career petered out into nothingness given the hype he's had around him for a while now.
While he has ability, it seems the mental side of his game is letting him down. Could well spell the end of his career.
Yeah, it absolutely is. Received horrid advice all throughout his career, suffered from homesickness, and wasn’t prepared for the rigours of pro football at all as a result. I don’t think that preparedness will ever come.
He’s now providing coaching assistance at hometown club Henderson Eels during the OFC Champions League and beyond as he’s not able to be registered to play
Bosnia was always very strange choice. And if Wellington (Nix Academy) as a school boy was too much of a culture shock/cold - then Sarajevo didn't seem a smart move.
Why not try the QLD NPL (is a sizeable ex pat Melanesian community in Brisbane), and see how that goes. If he's good enough, an ALM club will look at him, and have a better pastoral care setup, than some club in Bosnia.
Solomons had a flash new football Academy open in January. Some Japanese Govt cash helped fund it, in the diplomacy proxy war with China.
He's a 27 year old Brazilian striker currently at Moreirense in the Liga Portugal. He's spent most of his career in the Spanish 2nd and 3rd tiers and had a brief stint at Orlando in the MLS. Was previously on the books at Watford in the U23s but never played.
From his highlights he's an incredibly quick and powerful striker. Decision making and finishing leave a bit to be desired but we wouldn't be looking at him if he was the total package.
He looks to be a real family man as well. Apparently his salary at Orlando was $438k NZD which would make him a designated player and might be unaffordable. His goalscoring has dried up a bit since then though so he might take a pay-cut to revive his career a la Kraev.
I think the asset we need the most is a set-piece coach.
Rewatching the Melbourne winner with the movement in and out of players, it is almost impossible to defend, and we had 11-3 corner advantage and did not threaten from a corner, and did not do much from them or free-kicks all season.
I think the asset we need the most is a set-piece coach.
Rewatching the Melbourne winner with the movement in and out of players, it is almost impossible to defend, and we had 11-3 corner advantage and did not threaten from a corner, and did not do much from them or free-kicks all season.
Absolutely - was it one goal from a corner all season? Even that was headed clear to the edge of the box before Old scored our goal of the season.
Shopping list for me would be: Creative AM/CM (replacing Ball- not that I think he is going anywhere, I just don’t think he’s a starter anymore) Striker (replacing Zawada) RB cover Set piece coach Other replacements for who ever is sold/let go.
Not leaving, but also not playing 90 minutes to be honest. However I do not think we need to shop around for someone in that position, Ball just needs a young understudy who will benefit from Ball's wisdom. A player that is more like Devlin and less like Piscopo (both talented players), and early in their career.
Not leaving, but also not playing 90 minutes to be honest. However I do not think we need to shop around for someone in that position, Ball just needs a young understudy who will benefit from Ball's wisdom. A player that is more like Devlin and less like Piscopo (both talented players), and early in their career.
I don't think we need RB cover - the young fella Sheringham who covered for Pane when suspended looked more than good enough to me.
Double yellow re the spelling.
But yes Sheridan looks a real prospect. Many picking him as the starting RB for Olywhites in Paris - which will be a massive step up against best young players from France, USA & Guinea. He may have Mbappé running at him. Al-Taay can also play RB, or Salas if he is retained.
I think Surman (contract expires June 2025) is the highest chance of leaving, ahead of Old & Paulsen (both June 2027). Payne could have to fill in at CB, if either Wootton or Hughes were injured. Sheridan may end up starting a number of games at RB.
If Surman leaves will need CB not RB cover. Chiefy/Gill may need to then look at off contract Aussies to find someone suitable. NZ U17 rep Dylan Gardiner potentially the next CB prospect via the Academy.
I don't think we need RB cover - the young fella Sheringham who covered for Pane when suspended looked more than good enough to me.
Double yellow re the spelling.
But yes Sheridan looks a real prospect. Many picking him as the starting RB for Olywhites in Paris - which will be a massive step up against best young players from France, USA & Guinea. He may have Mbappé running at him. Al-Taay can also play RB, or Salas if he is retained.
I think Surman (contract expires June 2025) is the highest chance of leaving, ahead of Old & Paulsen (both June 2027). Payne could have to fill in at CB, if either Wootton or Hughes were injured. Sheridan may end up starting a number of games at RB.
If Surman leaves will need CB not RB cover. Chiefy/Gill may need to then look at off contract Aussies to find someone suitable. NZ U17 rep Dylan Gardiner potentially the next CB prospect via the Academy.
Seth Karunaratne made the bench when Hughes was injured. But Gardiner is the next big star in my opinion.
Chief has spoken about wanting to play more like a De Zerbi team if he were to have the right players. I can’t say I’ve watched Brighton or Sassuolo under Roberto, but he plays a 4231 with inverted wingers, fullbacks that push up high and CMs that stay fairly deep.
It looks like a 244 formation in attack with the 10 pushing up next to the striker. Thinking about it, it makes complete sense why we were playing a 424 in pre-season now.
Assuming we keep everyone (except Zawada), our current squad might look like this in that formation:
Honestly, the only change I would make is bringing in a left footed RW to play instead of Ball. You could maybe upgrade Pennington but I rate him.
Tbh I’m not tactician so I don’t know how well this would work, but the squad could look something like this:IMG_6737.jpeg474.58 KBAssuming Ball gets citizenship that squad only has 4 imports, and you would hope the striker and left winger wouldn’t be too pricey.
In terms of players to fill the import spots, I like Matheus Aiás at striker and former CCM right winger Beni Nkololo is off contract (might be expensive now though). Not sure about left wing yet but will edit this post when I’ve found someone.
Chief has spoken about wanting to play more like a De Zerbi team if he were to have the right players. I can’t say I’ve watched Brighton or Sassuolo under Roberto, but he plays a 4231 with inverted wingers, fullbacks that push up high and CMs that stay fairly deep.
It looks like a 244 formation in attack with the 10 pushing up next to the striker. Thinking about it, it makes complete sense why we were playing a 424 in pre-season now.
Assuming we keep everyone (except Zawada), our current squad might look like this in that formation:
Honestly, the only change I would make is bringing in a left footed RW to play instead of Ball. You could maybe upgrade Pennington but I rate him.
Tbh I’m not tactician so I don’t know how well this would work, but the squad could look something like this:IMG_6737.jpeg474.58 KBAssuming Ball gets citizenship that squad only has 4 imports, and you would hope the striker and left winger wouldn’t be too pricey.
In terms of players to fill the import spots, I like Matheus Aiás at striker and former CCM right winger Beni Nkololo is off contract (might be expensive now though). Not sure about left wing yet but will edit this post when I’ve found someone.
Pretty much what I'd expect to see although I get the feeling that Kraev will end up on the right hand side of the AM three with Ball in the middle. Depending on Ball's fitness and conditioning I can see Chief wanting to start him. He's a consistently good player for 60+ mins but I dont really see him making an impact as a sub. I'd think any import spaces used would be expected to be starters unless they are cheap.
