WPM 2025/26 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

martinb

Tuiloma and/or Stanger interesting shouts. Not sure how they’d compare to Wootton. But they wouldn’t be visa players. Could Stanger/Hughes lead our defense? I like Rufer/Tuiloma in CM, but Bill would have to get on his bike. He’s currently got less gas than Lewis had. 

 
Oh that’s a good call I didn’t think of Tuiloma at cm, get him there and Stanger partnering Hughes at cb

From what I have seen recently of Tuiloma he is relatively slow whereas Wootton actually attacked the opposition goal from corners and managed to score a nice header away against Perth.

YellowAndBlack

martinb

Tuiloma and/or Stanger interesting shouts. Not sure how they’d compare to Wootton. But they wouldn’t be visa players. Could Stanger/Hughes lead our defense? I like Rufer/Tuiloma in CM, but Bill would have to get on his bike. He’s currently got less gas than Lewis had. 

 
Oh that’s a good call I didn’t think of Tuiloma at cm, get him there and Stanger partnering Hughes at cb

Tuiloma would be a very immobile CM. Not sure if either Stanger or Bill would b at the same level as Wootton. We really need a strong leader to replace him, Hughes is decent but needs a strong head next to hi.

martinb

Kosta might be retired if he’d stayed in Oz. If he had offers. He’s had 4 seasons in his entire career in double digit goals- two of them have been the last two with Chief. That’s why he’s worth marquee money again.

If Waine goes to Auckland, well f- him. Supyk will go past him in the order soon…

Edit: Don’t get me wrong- I’m a Waine fan, but as an AW and an ex-Nix player anywhere but Auckland. 

 not sure IMO AFC best choice for waine. Sure winning team and $$$ could be good. But the nix were also good season before last and then shipe. Not sure waine would get regular first team starts with AFC and that is what he does need, week in week out starts. As woud about his experiences. Far greater chance of starts at the nix now barber gone. Maybe the nix 24/25 disnt create as much chances as AFC however barber still delivered. Would be the opportunity for waine to similarly show he can deliver if nix also struggle 25/26 - get 10 or more goals in a struggling team and force his way into bazeleys WC squad v possibly sitting on pine in auckland and risk others taking his WC place. If he just wants to sit on the pine may as well stay in england. If he wants to reignite his career then probably having to drop down to 5th tier on england, maybe go a scandanavian league or come home to nix.

Fenton has been gone a few seasons now.

dick le roc returns

martinb

Kosta might be retired if he’d stayed in Oz. If he had offers. He’s had 4 seasons in his entire career in double digit goals- two of them have been the last two with Chief. That’s why he’s worth marquee money again.

If Waine goes to Auckland, well f- him. Supyk will go past him in the order soon…

Edit: Don’t get me wrong- I’m a Waine fan, but as an AW and an ex-Nix player anywhere but Auckland. 

 not sure IMO AFC best choice for waine. Sure winning team and $$$ could be good. But the nix were also good season before last and then shipe. Not sure waine would get regular first team starts with AFC and that is what he does need, week in week out starts. As woud about his experiences. Far greater chance of starts at the nix now barber gone. Maybe the nix 24/25 disnt create as much chances as AFC however barber still delivered. Would be the opportunity for waine to similarly show he can deliver if nix also struggle 25/26 - get 10 or more goals in a struggling team and force his way into bazeleys WC squad v possibly sitting on pine in auckland and risk others taking his WC place. If he just wants to sit on the pine may as well stay in england. If he wants to reignite his career then probably having to drop down to 5th tier on england, maybe go a scandanavian league or come home to nix.

I actually think he would start a lot for AFC if hes playing well. Coirca preferred to have another ST with May and Waine also performs better with another ST.
So if they created a good partnership I could see him being very much nailed on starter.

Although we desperately need him and if he went to Auckland it would be very disappointing and getting a bit scary for us not being able to recruit NZ players from overseas as we really can't consistently rely on all our local players being from the academy.  

wilbaker

dick le roc returns

martinb

Kosta might be retired if he’d stayed in Oz. If he had offers. He’s had 4 seasons in his entire career in double digit goals- two of them have been the last two with Chief. That’s why he’s worth marquee money again.

If Waine goes to Auckland, well f- him. Supyk will go past him in the order soon…

Edit: Don’t get me wrong- I’m a Waine fan, but as an AW and an ex-Nix player anywhere but Auckland. 

 not sure IMO AFC best choice for waine. Sure winning team and $$$ could be good. But the nix were also good season before last and then shipe. Not sure waine would get regular first team starts with AFC and that is what he does need, week in week out starts. As woud about his experiences. Far greater chance of starts at the nix now barber gone. Maybe the nix 24/25 disnt create as much chances as AFC however barber still delivered. Would be the opportunity for waine to similarly show he can deliver if nix also struggle 25/26 - get 10 or more goals in a struggling team and force his way into bazeleys WC squad v possibly sitting on pine in auckland and risk others taking his WC place. If he just wants to sit on the pine may as well stay in england. If he wants to reignite his career then probably having to drop down to 5th tier on england, maybe go a scandanavian league or come home to nix.

I actually think he would start a lot for AFC if hes playing well. Coirca preferred to have another ST with May and Waine also performs better with another ST.
So if they created a good partnership I could see him being very much nailed on starter.

Although we desperately need him and if he went to Auckland it would be very disappointing and getting a bit scary for us not being able to recruit NZ players from overseas as we really can't consistently rely on all our local players being from the academy.  

You might be correct. I didn't see May as leading the front line last season though, Mata did this and May benefitted. AFC scoed a goal more per game of thereabouts when Mata played. I don't see waine doing that role either, he looks more like a second striker/poacher feeding off someone else rather than target man/creater. So to me May and Waine would be similar enough that it would require a change of plan from Corica to get best out of them both, playing the same scheme as last season with May and Waine harder to see either being unleashed to have a prolific season, but others more knowledgable might put me straight.

Reflecting on the Waine discussion, we have had some awesome strikers over the years. Players who if they got the ball in a good position you always fancied to score. So when we had some good defenders we typically have done ok, but have we ever had an effective midfield? Is this our achilles heel? Have we always been one decent midfielder short? 

Think it has been a long time since we have had a true box to box midfielder 

AucklandPhoenix

Think it has been a long time since we have had a true box to box midfielder 

Most recent that comes to mind is a Cam Devlin type - it's been 4 years since he left though... time flies! 

Since2007

AucklandPhoenix

Think it has been a long time since we have had a true box to box midfielder 

Most recent that comes to mind is a Cam Devlin type - it's been 4 years since he left though... time flies! 

Ugakovich

I would consider both of them defensive.

Neither of them scored more then one goal in their Nix career.

A box to box needs to deliver more then one goal.

Tim Brown?

AucklandPhoenix

I would consider both of them defensive.

Neither of them scored more then one goal in their Nix career.

A box to box needs to deliver more then one goal.

Tim Brown?

Dont think we have ever had anyone that has been like Brownie was sadly.

Are we the only yet to announce a signing?

MetalLegNZ

Are we the only yet to announce a signing?

Dont think Auckland have announced anyone yet either but sadly the silence is deafening from the Phoenix. Two weeks before they start preseason you would like to think somethings going to happen soon.

Surely Mandi

Auckland strongly rumoured to get Waine and also their new backup keeper has already been reported if not officially announced. Meanwhile no rumours for us

AFC’s turnover is a lot less. Realistically if they have their reserve goal keeper signed up and Waine, then they only need one import, who they have said they will take their time on to get it right. 

Also don’t have any big preseason games coming up. 

I think what’s most worrying for the Nix is they haven’t yet managed to shift any underperforming imports under contract. 

Based on the signings we made in the women's team, seems like the management are finally happy to take out the money

If Billy T had a good preseason I think his mobility would be fine. He’s got a great record of headed goals in the MLS. I think he could be a good partner for Rufer. I think he’s a good athlete. Let Rufer chase and he can sit, tackle and distribute. 

I think Waine could definitely lead an A league line as a 9. Look at the header he won. He’s strong and got a good leap, and can definitely worry A league CBs. And he’s got Kosta-esque skills too. I want him playing. 

I'd be happy to sign BT if the intention was to play him anywhere other than defense (or keeper). There is a footballer in there somewhere but he can't defend and with us losing Wootton we need a rock solid defender to partner Hughes who is still extremely young for a CB. 

imanixsupporter

I'd be happy to sign BT if the intention was to play him anywhere other than defense (or keeper). There is a footballer in there somewhere but he can't defend and with us losing Wootton we need a rock solid defender to partner Hughes who is still extremely young for a CB. 

I think he’s best either in a 3 or as a DM potentially. And as a back up for Payne. 

But he’s Piper with technique. He’s a goal threat on the ball at set piece or in the air. Can distribute well. 

Stanger and Hughes, plus an Aussie journeyman competing for two places at the back. Or another Kiwi? Then we’ve got visas to use on a striker/forward and a creative mid/forward.

Stanger ain't coming to the ALM. And Billy T will need to take a very very big pay cut to come to the Nix. Realistically he's more an Auckland target.

But why would a team offer him big money?

You are only worth what someone is willing to pay.

Yeah unfortunately to a degree coochiee is right, Tuiloma’s contract finishes  Dec 31st 2025 and he’s on $460000 usd and our season kicks back off in oct(going off last season) so he ain’t t walking out on that, a potential loan Deal? But I don’t know with loan deals if you cover the players full wages or how it works so a loan might be out of the nix reach, however he’s not likely to get resigned by any mls team so jan if we are in need maybe a free move? 
And Stanger he is likely to go to a league 2 maybe league 1 team realistically bar injury  he would realise he’s not in wc contention this time round so coming to a ALM team isn’t going to benefit him. 

coochiee

Stanger ain't coming to the ALM. And Billy T will need to take a very very big pay cut to come to the Nix. Realistically he's more an Auckland target.

A reality cheque, sure…depends if he wants to be playing and giving himself a chance for the WC squad or not. 

Listening to the radio this AM "A key signing made by the Phoenix...... women"

I got excited for a min. But then back to reality. 

It is slightly concerning that there is absolutely zero comms on the men’s team. Even by the usual poor standard of socials there appears to be radio silence! 

Am happy to be excited for the women, until the men's turn comes.

YellowAndBlack

Yeah unfortunately to a degree coochiee is right, Tuiloma’s contract finishes  Dec 31st 2025 and he’s on $460000 usd and our season kicks back off in oct(going off last season) so he ain’t t walking out on that, a potential loan Deal? But I don’t know with loan deals if you cover the players full wages or how it works so a loan might be out of the nix reach, however he’s not likely to get resigned by any mls team so jan if we are in need maybe a free move? 
And Stanger he is likely to go to a league 2 maybe league 1 team realistically bar injury  he would realise he’s not in wc contention this time round so coming to a ALM team isn’t going to benefit him. 

If his current club has indicated to him that they won't extend his contract they may come to an agreement where he can be released early with his current club paying out not the entirety but a portion of his remaining contract and any new contract he has makes up the difference so he is no worse off. That would be in the benefit of all parties involved. 

WanderingSheep

It is slightly concerning that there is absolutely zero comms on the men’s team. Even by the usual poor standard of socials there appears to be radio silence! 

it's mid June, I'd rather the signings were delayed and well researched than having them here now before pre-season training even begins!

It'd be very interesting to be in the Tuiloma camp right now. Sure, you're earning big bucks to be a benchwarmer, but your contract expires in December and then what? 

Unlikely for another MLS side to offer you terms similar to what you're on, especially for more than 1 year.

For the A-League's lack of frills, we can at least offer him a couple of years on a decent enough wage (but obviously 'decent' is subjective)

theprof

WanderingSheep

It is slightly concerning that there is absolutely zero comms on the men’s team. Even by the usual poor standard of socials there appears to be radio silence! 

it's mid June, I'd rather the signings were delayed and well researched than having them here now before pre-season training even begins!

Yeahhh here's hoping they're not delayed AND poorly researched. I'm not holding my breath considering the fails we had last season.

While we're waiting for the signings to be announced there is still hope!

dunnix

It'd be very interesting to be in the Tuiloma camp right now. Sure, you're earning big bucks to be a benchwarmer, but your contract expires in December and then what? 

Unlikely for another MLS side to offer you terms similar to what you're on, especially for more than 1 year.

For the A-League's lack of frills, we can at least offer him a couple of years on a decent enough wage (but obviously 'decent' is subjective)

True. 

I just won't bet against one of either Hall, Pijnaker or Smith leaving Auckland before the new ALM season. If that happens I see them as going after Tuiloma, and they would be his first choice of the 2 NZ teams.

You might be right - there were reports of Dan Hall getting overseas interest, despite his interrupted season.

Bullion

YellowAndBlack

Yeah unfortunately to a degree coochiee is right, Tuiloma’s contract finishes  Dec 31st 2025 and he’s on $460000 usd and our season kicks back off in oct(going off last season) so he ain’t t walking out on that, a potential loan Deal? But I don’t know with loan deals if you cover the players full wages or how it works so a loan might be out of the nix reach, however he’s not likely to get resigned by any mls team so jan if we are in need maybe a free move? 
And Stanger he is likely to go to a league 2 maybe league 1 team realistically bar injury  he would realise he’s not in wc contention this time round so coming to a ALM team isn’t going to benefit him. 

If his current club has indicated to him that they won't extend his contract they may come to an agreement where he can be released early with his current club paying out not the entirety but a portion of his remaining contract and any new contract he has makes up the difference so he is no worse off. That would be in the benefit of all parties involved. 

 agreed would have to be a loan or early release of BT wants to move to the nix. The incentive for him is the opportunity for a world cup place. $$ v chance of worls cup. As things stand only 1 of the 2 are possible

Mainland FC

You might be right - there were reports of Dan Hall getting overseas interest, despite his interrupted season.

Also some rumours that Tommy Smith's family might want to move back to the UK

On Bill- if he was a guy who was thought well enough of in the MLS to be offered 450USD he’s plenty good enough for the A league. 

If he’s the best fit for us I don’t know, especially if he doesn’t get in early and do the preseason. It’s a difficult comparison to someone like Sheridan say. There’s not enough recent data. You’re going off character as much as anything. 

I remember we had Simon Elliot come to Wellington, but he didn’t fit with what we were doing at the time then. 

Any more sightings of Lasogga? Has he done a medical? 

coochiee

Fenton has been gone a few seasons now.

See wot you did. Eventually. Took me a fair while!

AucklandPhoenix

I would consider both of them defensive.

Neither of them scored more then one goal in their Nix career.

A box to box needs to deliver more then one goal.

Tim Brown?

Yeh, cos Urgarkovic was poor for us! Didn’t deliver quite what we expected given his pedigree and trajectory since.