WPM 2024/25 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination
Plenty of lifelong Nix fans until a couple of years ago would talk your ear off about how rubbish Rufer is if that's anything to go by
Plenty of lifelong Nix fans until a couple of years ago would talk your ear off about how rubbish Rufer is if that's anything to go by
Plenty of lifelong Nix fans until a couple of years ago would talk your ear off about how rubbish Rufer is if that's anything to go by
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/518811/who-will-replace-alex-paulsen-at-the-phoenix
5 options mentioned - Tzanev, Duncan, Alby Kelly-Heald/Matt Foord, or a visa player we sort have already discussed. But the other option discussed in the article is a new one for me -
Adam Pavlesic - Sydney FC
Much like Paulsen had to bide his time at the Phoenix before getting his big break ahead of Oli Sail, the same can be said for Andrew Redmayne's young understudy at Sydney FC. The difference here, however, is that Pavlesic never got that break.
5 options mentioned - Tzanev, Duncan, Alby Kelly-Heald/Matt Foord, or a visa player we sort have already discussed. But the other option discussed in the article is a new one for me -
Adam Pavlesic - Sydney FC
Much like Paulsen had to bide his time at the Phoenix before getting his big break ahead of Oli Sail, the same can be said for Andrew Redmayne's young understudy at Sydney FC. The difference here, however, is that Pavlesic never got that break.
The 21-year-old's contract is up in the off-season and he will surely be looking for a place to play regular football. To add another level to this, Pavlesic was part of the Sydney FC FYL team coached by Italiano in 2018/19, making him a known entity to the Phoenix boss. If Chiefy liked what he saw six years ago then Pavlesic might be getting a phone call.
In my own opinion, unless we give our own guys a go, they do not become a marketable product for a future transfer. I would not look at another keeper from "outside" if we are also retaining Duncan. One Academy product and one "other source" keeper is all fine.
There is no guarantee that someone like AKH would become a saleable commodity, but giving them a chance to develop and succeed at the Nix senior team is a precondition of any such sale later on.
There is no guarantee that someone like AKH would become a saleable commodity, but giving them a chance to develop and succeed at the Nix senior team is a precondition of any such sale later on.
No one here will have any concerns about Alby's height at least!
Never seen Alby play. Is he any hood. Food is decent... but even younger.
Listening to a cockney. Not a good call!
Listening to a cockney. Not a good call!
I thought Cockneys lived in East London.
Listening to a cockney. Not a good call!
I thought Cockneys lived in East London.
They do.
Marto has only been in the UK about 18 years, these things do take awhile to work out.
I was also in a bar in Tokyo and met a guy from Newcastle who told Chris Wood was 'utter sharke'.
Marto has only been in the UK about 18 years, these things do take awhile to work out.
😀 tbh there are very few cockneys actually living in London any more, let alone the east end. They’ve moved out into the surrounding counties Kent, Essex, Bucks, Sussex and Herts. My neighbours here in Bucks are all reformed Cockneys.
Marto has only been in the UK about 18 years, these things do take awhile to work out.
😀 tbh there are very few cockneys actually living in London any more, let alone the east end. They’ve moved out into the surrounding counties Kent, Essex, Bucks, Sussex and Herts. My neighbours here in Bucks are all reformed Cockneys.
Saw a doco on the East End a few years ago. And yeah was lots of Cockney 'white flight' out to Essex especially. The East End becoming very multi cultural, a high number of folk from Middle Eastern countries especially. Being teetoalling Muslims, it was meaning the death of many pubs in the East End, and a whole different feel to the area. I imagine a drop in sales of jellied eels & mushy peas as well.
Spent about 3 months living in Leytonstone in 2002. Admittedly it was the colder months up to Christmas but what a depressing sharkhole. Highlight was getting tickets to Upton Park for an EPL game. Hammers losing 0-2 to Charlton. The banter around me not that clever. Chants to the Charlton fans of 'you Paki bastards go home'. But yeah the game felt high octane, end to end.
A Kiwi teacher mate of mine, bought a few houses around Leytonstone. She got perks like subsidised cheap bank loans etc, by being prepared to teach in the less than desirable East End. She did very nicely as prices boomed in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics. The one I lived in the deceased owner had been in the home right back to the London Blitz in 1940.
I was also in a bar in Tokyo and met a guy from Newcastle who told Chris Wood was 'utter sharke'.
With the Nix reserve team keepers is Matt Foord injured?
From what I can see Abby Kelly-Heald has been in goal for 10 games.
17 yr old Josh Capstick has also had 2 games, and Eamonn McCarron was in goal for yesterday's 2-0 win over Miramar.
From what I can see Abby Kelly-Heald has been in goal for 10 games.
17 yr old Josh Capstick has also had 2 games, and Eamonn McCarron was in goal for yesterday's 2-0 win over Miramar.
18 yr old Foord played 12 games last season in goal for Cashmere Tech (Souther/National League), so can only presume he's injured to have all the above guys, get a game ahead of him for Nix reserves?
Replacing Paulsen will give Chief and Co a few sleepless nights. Do they keep the exact same structure, and try to find a like for like Paulsen replacement. That will be very tough, and a bit high risk as it's so difficult for a keeper to continously play out from the back with pinpoint accuracy. As we saw with the loss at Sydney this season, even the very best like Paulsen make a mistake.
The Nix could try sign like for like, build the game plan around that and then just find, the new GK is making 1 or more bad passes a game, leading to oft goals being conceded. Maybe a lower risk strategy of only playing out, when the pass is say 90% on or something has to be evolved. Going long more than when Paulsen was GK. And does that then mean the Nix need to find a taller foward to play alongside Barba and co. Likely a visa. Do Rufer and Pennington both drop deeper to offer the keeper/CBs more options
But yeah Paulsen leaving changes everything. Will need to be some major tweaks. He's basically impossible to replace
Foord broke his foot in pre-season I think. From what I know he'll absolutely be the starting WeeNix keeper when he gets back - not sure how far away he is. The plan is to have him in and around the first team too.
Watched him play a couple of times when he was down here and looked confident and assured at National League level, making a number of great saves in a 3-3 draw with Wellington Olympic.
Watched him play a couple of times when he was down here and looked confident and assured at National League level, making a number of great saves in a 3-3 draw with Wellington Olympic.
Foord broke his foot in pre-season I think. From what I know he'll absolutely be the starting WeeNix keeper when he gets back - not sure how far away he is. The plan is to have him in and around the first team too.
Watched him play a couple of times when he was down here and looked confident and assured at National League level, making a number of great saves in a 3-3 draw with Wellington Olympic.
Watched him play a couple of times when he was down here and looked confident and assured at National League level, making a number of great saves in a 3-3 draw with Wellington Olympic.
Hopefully Foord recovers soon. Is now obviously a real opportunity there, to become the no 2 GK at an ALM club.
Considering the chat about Ben Old moving on we should definitely be keeping Kraev. If Ben Old moves on, it would be great to have a settled, mature player like Kraev there to help GSR develop
Gill states that there is alot of interest in 2 more players (presumably Old & Surman) & lesser interest in one more player (Sutton? Rufer?).
He doubts Euro clubs will scout the OFC Nations Cup much, but obviously yes will the Olympics.
Still some uncertainty on David Ball's situation, whether he is close to naturalised or not. The Nix need to talk more to NZ Immigration, but Gill not that optimistic Ball will be a Kiwi for the upcoming season.
He doubts Euro clubs will scout the OFC Nations Cup much, but obviously yes will the Olympics.
Still some uncertainty on David Ball's situation, whether he is close to naturalised or not. The Nix need to talk more to NZ Immigration, but Gill not that optimistic Ball will be a Kiwi for the upcoming season.
Aussie Scout saying newly promoted French Ligue 1 club St Ettitine interested in Old.
May have misspelt club name.
May have misspelt club name.
Considering the chat about Ben Old moving on we should definitely be keeping Kraev. If Ben Old moves on, it would be great to have a settled, mature player like Kraev there to help GSR develop
we should definitely be keeping Kraev even in Old stays! They both have roles to play within the squad!
A move to AS Saint-Étienne would be an epic for Old. While they’ve just been in ligue 2 for a couple of seasons, they are still a very big club.
A move to AS Saint-Étienne would be an epic for Old. While they’ve just been in ligue 2 for a couple of seasons, they are still a very big club.
Coupe de France 6 times. In the final as recently as 2019/20 season losing to PSG.
41,000 seater stadium
Great move for him, less so for us (in terms of next season).
If we lose both Oldie and AP, then I really hope to keep Surman and re-sign Kraev
If we lose both Oldie and AP, then I really hope to keep Surman and re-sign Kraev
Shaun Gill, said strong interest in two players. Presumably Old & Surman.
You don't want Surman leaving on a free (12 mths left on his contract), so if a good offer comes in you take it. Hughes & LK-H to step up. Looks like LK-H will go to the Olympics as a CB. And of course Sutton can play LB for the Nix. Or Payne goes back into CB sometimes, as Sheridan looks highly promising as a RB.
Old leaves, then increased playing time for GSR. Yipe definitely want to keep budding Kiwi dad Kraev. I reckon with a pay rise he stays.
I think YH suggested the Nix should look at 21 yr old Liam Gillion, who's going well at ACFC. Sounds like Auckland FC have bypassed Gillion, who has younger brother Fergus with the Nix reserves. They both used to play for Western Suburbs/Ole Academy.
No use getting all angsty about 3 young players leaving for nice transfer fees. It's the Nix model, and what most of the ALM clubs are now striving to do.
The Mariners have lost Torres, Barcellos & Vukovic (retired). Hall, Farrell & Nisbet are also all likely leaving. Maybe others.
There is good older experienced spine to the Nix - Wootton, Payne, Rufer, Pennington, Ball & Barba. The younger Weenix grads come in and learn off these guys. LK-H, Conchie, OVH, Sutton will be better players again after the Nations Cup & Olympics experiences. It's replacing Paulsen that will give Chief & Gill the most headaches.
You don't want Surman leaving on a free (12 mths left on his contract), so if a good offer comes in you take it. Hughes & LK-H to step up. Looks like LK-H will go to the Olympics as a CB. And of course Sutton can play LB for the Nix. Or Payne goes back into CB sometimes, as Sheridan looks highly promising as a RB.
Old leaves, then increased playing time for GSR. Yipe definitely want to keep budding Kiwi dad Kraev. I reckon with a pay rise he stays.
I think YH suggested the Nix should look at 21 yr old Liam Gillion, who's going well at ACFC. Sounds like Auckland FC have bypassed Gillion, who has younger brother Fergus with the Nix reserves. They both used to play for Western Suburbs/Ole Academy.
No use getting all angsty about 3 young players leaving for nice transfer fees. It's the Nix model, and what most of the ALM clubs are now striving to do.
The Mariners have lost Torres, Barcellos & Vukovic (retired). Hall, Farrell & Nisbet are also all likely leaving. Maybe others.
There is good older experienced spine to the Nix - Wootton, Payne, Rufer, Pennington, Ball & Barba. The younger Weenix grads come in and learn off these guys. LK-H, Conchie, OVH, Sutton will be better players again after the Nations Cup & Olympics experiences. It's replacing Paulsen that will give Chief & Gill the most headaches.
Considering the chat about Ben Old moving on we should definitely be keeping Kraev. If Ben Old moves on, it would be great to have a settled, mature player like Kraev there to help GSR develop
we should definitely be keeping Kraev even in Old stays! They both have roles to play within the squad!
Shaun Gill, said strong interest in two players. Presumably Old & Surman.
You don't want Surman leaving on a free (12 mths left on his contract), so if a good offer comes in you take it. Hughes & LK-H to step up. Looks like LK-H will go to the Olympics as a CB. And of course Sutton can play LB for the Nix.
Old leaves, then increased playing time for GSR. Yipe definitely want to keep budding Kiwi dad Kraev. I reckon with a pay rise he stays.
I think YH suggested the Nix should look at 21 yr old Liam Gillion, who's going well at ACFC. Sounds like Auckland FC have bypassed Gillion, who has younger brother Fergus with the Nix reserves. They both used to play for Western Suburbs/Ole Academy.
No use getting all angsty about 3 young players leaving for nice transfer fees. It's the Nix model, and what most of the ALM clubs are now striving to do.
The Mariners have lost Torres, Barcellos & Vukovic (retired). Hall, Farrell & Nisbet are also all likely leaving. Maybe others.
You don't want Surman leaving on a free (12 mths left on his contract), so if a good offer comes in you take it. Hughes & LK-H to step up. Looks like LK-H will go to the Olympics as a CB. And of course Sutton can play LB for the Nix.
Old leaves, then increased playing time for GSR. Yipe definitely want to keep budding Kiwi dad Kraev. I reckon with a pay rise he stays.
I think YH suggested the Nix should look at 21 yr old Liam Gillion, who's going well at ACFC. Sounds like Auckland FC have bypassed Gillion, who has younger brother Fergus with the Nix reserves. They both used to play for Western Suburbs/Ole Academy.
No use getting all angsty about 3 young players leaving for nice transfer fees. It's the Nix model, and what most of the ALM clubs are now striving to do.
The Mariners have lost Torres, Barcellos & Vukovic (retired). Hall, Farrell & Nisbet are also all likely leaving. Maybe others.
I've heard conflicting stories on Gillion, but I'm pretty sure he's signed for Auckland. Have sought clarification for this.
For what it's worth, if he was still available I would seriously be looking at him for the Nix!
Sounds like younger brother Fergus (an AM?) is rated as a prospect. Might crack the senior squad this coming season.
But based off last season Chief, Griffiths etc have shown they can successfully integrate young guys into the team. These young guys speak well of being told to be confident, and have a crack. Not to be scared of failure in training or in games. Whereas under Talay they may not have been so liberated
However again replacing Paulsen looms as tough
But based off last season Chief, Griffiths etc have shown they can successfully integrate young guys into the team. These young guys speak well of being told to be confident, and have a crack. Not to be scared of failure in training or in games. Whereas under Talay they may not have been so liberated
However again replacing Paulsen looms as tough
Sounds like younger brother Fergus (an AM?) is rated as a prospect. Might crack the senior squad this coming season.
But based off last season Chief, Griffiths etc have shown they can successfully integrate young guys into the team. These young guys speak well of being told to be confident, and have a crack. Not to be scared of failure in training or in games. Whereas under Talay they may not have been so liberated
However again replacing Paulsen looms as tough
But based off last season Chief, Griffiths etc have shown they can successfully integrate young guys into the team. These young guys speak well of being told to be confident, and have a crack. Not to be scared of failure in training or in games. Whereas under Talay they may not have been so liberated
However again replacing Paulsen looms as tough
We need a Ben Old replacement now too. 🥲
Or it could be we’ll play a little different depending on our available folk. Perhaps with Pennington or Conchie further forward?
Heard rumours, though maybe they were from Coochie, about the potential for Mt. Ott’s return.
I guess there’s big questions about where Supyk and GSR will be in their development.
Questions about Bally too. Will he be a Kiwi? There was an approach from a club about him a wee while back too. Otherwise maybe he’s got some of Old’s goal contributions covered.
Heard rumours, though maybe they were from Coochie, about the potential for Mt. Ott’s return.
I guess there’s big questions about where Supyk and GSR will be in their development.
Questions about Bally too. Will he be a Kiwi? There was an approach from a club about him a wee while back too. Otherwise maybe he’s got some of Old’s goal contributions covered.
I think at this point the club deserves our trust. Really since the Rudan season, we've been at bare minimum competitive in the league every season, and have lost multiple key players in the every off-season only to be completely fine the next - all while trying to keep the lights on through covid.
As much as I'd love to see what AP, Old and Surman could do for us next season, potentially getting three big (for us, anyway) transfer fees would be unreal for the club. Stating what is obvious, but the A-League in general is on rocky footing so any injection of cash is massive for most clubs right now
As much as I'd love to see what AP, Old and Surman could do for us next season, potentially getting three big (for us, anyway) transfer fees would be unreal for the club. Stating what is obvious, but the A-League in general is on rocky footing so any injection of cash is massive for most clubs right now
Or it could be we’ll play a little different depending on our available folk. Perhaps with Pennington or Conchie further forward?
Heard rumours, though maybe they were from Coochie, about the potential for Mt. Ott’s return.
I guess there’s big questions about where Supyk and GSR will be in their development.
Questions about Bally too. Will he be a Kiwi? There was an approach from a club about him a wee while back too. Otherwise maybe he’s got some of Old’s goal contributions covered.
Heard rumours, though maybe they were from Coochie, about the potential for Mt. Ott’s return.
I guess there’s big questions about where Supyk and GSR will be in their development.
Questions about Bally too. Will he be a Kiwi? There was an approach from a club about him a wee while back too. Otherwise maybe he’s got some of Old’s goal contributions covered.
All I said is Ott is worth a look, given he's having a hot little scoring run in the VIC NPL. Team need a large CF with Zawada leaving and someone like 22 yr old Ott, would be nearer making an impact I feel, than 18 yr old Supyk. But Chief having some cash may go searching for a visa CF.
Shaun Gill not optimistic Ball will be naturalised for the coming season.
He also mentioned that Chiefy is currently in Thailand but will be heading to Japan for holidays whilst also speaking to agents there.
He also mentioned that Chiefy is currently in Thailand but will be heading to Japan for holidays whilst also speaking to agents there.
Yes interesting that Chief's trip to Japan seems work related. There are a few Aussies & Aussie coaches in the J League. Maybe the Nix can organise a loan deal for a young Japanese guy for 12 mths. Or an older guy like Sakai (AFC's rumoured signing) on the outer at his club. Longshot but Mitch Duke seems more a bench player now at his J1 club.
Maybe there is a plethora of keepers in Japan who are great will the ball at their feet.
He also mentioned that Chiefy is currently in Thailand but will be heading to Japan for holidays whilst also speaking to agents there.
Yes interesting that Chief's trip to Japan seems work related. There are a few Aussies & Aussie coaches in the J League. Maybe the Nix can organise a loan deal for a young Japanese guy for 12 mths. Or an older guy like Sakai (AFC's rumoured signing) on the outer at his club. Longshot but Mitch Duke seems more a bench player now at his J1 club.
Maybe there is a plethora of keepers in Japan who are great will the ball at their feet.
Looks like he’s already there
Maybe the ausi keeepr Mitchell Langerek, is on his radar?
Maybe the ausi keeepr Mitchell Langerek, is on his radar?
Interesting thought. He’s been settled in Japan for a long while.
It does seem as though there’s been a few Japanese players coming to the A league in recent years, particularly younger guys like Danzaki, Ibusuki and Imai and that we didn’t see before. Maybe it’s lifestyle or some such…but there must be agents and players open to the idea and it’s led to Sakai coming to Auckland and now Chief on a ticky tour.
Hope he’s hydrating. It is hot right now!