WPM 2025/26 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

imanixsupporter

LBS, Walker, Piper are highly overrated by the people on this forum. It is no surprise to me that we finished as low as we did on the table given how much they all played for us. Our standards have slipped so very far from last season. None of these guys are even nearly as good as any of Singh, Cacace, Waine, Old, Surman or Paulsen were for us (or Marco & Kosta before they first left many moons ago). I genuinely hope that none of them are considered part of our best XI when next season starts. I won't pass judgement on GSR because I have barely seen him.

I'm not saying that any of these guys won't develop into solid professionals capable of playing regularly in the A-League either. Some players need a few extra years to really kick on, like Rufer (and LBS is extremely young). I am just saying that they aren't ready to be A-League regulars now and it is totally fine if they aren't being given starts all the time and have to prove they are better than other players to get them. 

Largely agree with you, but has anyone actually said they should start next season? Can't recall anyone advocating for that. 

Gillion certainly isnt starting quality, so we're only talking about him taking bench minutes off much younger players with much higher ceilings.

I have seen multiple people advocating for a back 5 because we must include Piper. And several also hoping LBS starts lots of games

I think Walker has been solid defensively, and -eck- played a variety of positions. 
He’s played WB, FB, midfield and winger iirc.

imanixsupporter

I have seen multiple people advocating for a back 5 because we must include Piper. And several also hoping LBS starts lots of games

In my case I said I think, unfortunately, it’s the only way Piper can start at this stage. No offence, but I don’t entirely trust Payne as a CB in a back 4 and he is a stratospherically better footballer than Piper. 
Piper can’t start at a RB, CF or CB in a 4. If he plays he’s RCB in a 5. 

I’m not necessarily advocating for him starting. The other possibility is that he improves as a footballer by the beginning but of next season, but I honestly can’t see that happening. Not impossible, but unlikely. 

Nelfoos

imanixsupporter

LBS, Walker, Piper are highly overrated by the people on this forum. It is no surprise to me that we finished as low as we did on the table given how much they all played for us. Our standards have slipped so very far from last season. None of these guys are even nearly as good as any of Singh, Cacace, Waine, Old, Surman or Paulsen were for us (or Marco & Kosta before they first left many moons ago). I genuinely hope that none of them are considered part of our best XI when next season starts. I won't pass judgement on GSR because I have barely seen him.

I'm not saying that any of these guys won't develop into solid professionals capable of playing regularly in the A-League either. Some players need a few extra years to really kick on, like Rufer (and LBS is extremely young). I am just saying that they aren't ready to be A-League regulars now and it is totally fine if they aren't being given starts all the time and have to prove they are better than other players to get them. 

Largely agree with you, but has anyone actually said they should start next season? Can't recall anyone advocating for that. 

Gillion certainly isnt starting quality, so we're only talking about him taking bench minutes off much younger players with much higher ceilings.

"Gillion certainly isn't starting quality, so we're only talking about him taking bench minutes off much younger players with much higher ceilings."

Completely disagree to be honest. 

If you go back and watch some of Auckland FC's highlights from the start of the season, you'll see him very active, running at the defence, creating something out of nothing, and yes sometimes without a final product (partly bad-luck IMO, partly poor decision making). But this is something that can be worked on.

If you watch some of those highlights and still believe that he isn't starting A-league quality, or better than all of our other attacking options, then fair enough, I have nothing else to say to you. Not everyone sees the game the same way and that's perfectly fine.

But I think he'd be an easy start for us, and certainly ahead of our younger players that are all starting week in week out. 

I still support all of our players of course, and want them all to do well, but don't think many are quite at A-league level yet (not to say they won't develop over time, but just being frank).

I watched 90min of all of those games live, and was absolutely shocked he got to keep playing as many minutes as he did. Kid can dribble, but he cant pass, cross or shoot - you need to watch more than highlights to assess a player. Maybe he created something out of nothing occasionally, but he spent more time creating nothing out of something.

Pretty telling how quickly Corica ditched him, and now youre claiming he's better than Barbarouses?!?!?!?

i thought payne was pretty average in his extended run as a fulltime CB a few seasons back, but was very impressed by his CB performance this season when he played there against the wanderers. I'm no longer afraid of him playing there, even though i'd prefer him at RB to prepare for the World Cup. But if that wasnt happening, Sheridan at RB and Payne at CB would be fine by me. 

martinb

imanixsupporter

I have seen multiple people advocating for a back 5 because we must include Piper. And several also hoping LBS starts lots of games

In my case I said I think, unfortunately, it’s the only way Piper can start at this stage. No offence, but I don’t entirely trust Payne as a CB in a back 4 and he is a stratospherically better footballer than Piper. 
Piper can’t start at a RB, CF or CB in a 4. If he plays he’s RCB in a 5. 

I’m not necessarily advocating for him starting. The other possibility is that he improves as a footballer by the beginning but of next season, but I honestly can’t see that happening. Not impossible, but unlikely. 

Coaches ditch talented players all the time for reasons other than performance.

Wouldn't really compare him to Kosta, quite different players (Kotsa a poacher/striker, Gillion winger). 

But I'd say he's certainly better than all of our other current attacking options, yes.

Again, just my opinion :)

imanixsupporter

LBS, Walker, Piper are highly overrated by the people on this forum. It is no surprise to me that we finished as low as we did on the table given how much they all played for us. Our standards have slipped so very far from last season. None of these guys are even nearly as good as any of Singh, Cacace, Waine, Old, Surman or Paulsen were for us (or Marco & Kosta before they first left many moons ago). I genuinely hope that none of them are considered part of our best XI when next season starts. I won't pass judgement on GSR because I have barely seen him.

I'm not saying that any of these guys won't develop into solid professionals capable of playing regularly in the A-League either. Some players need a few extra years to really kick on, like Rufer (and LBS is extremely young). I am just saying that they aren't ready to be A-League regulars now and it is totally fine if they aren't being given starts all the time and have to prove they are better than other players to get them. 

Wow you do understand just why those 3 got so many minutes dont you.Then to compare to  them with a group of players who had much longer in our system and wernt thrown in early because of the limitations of the squad they were in. Not even fair to include either Marco or Kosta because both left early in their Nix career.
Just for the record its not just feverites who rate those 3 players have heard both NZ and Aussie pundits wax lyrical about their talents. 
Have also spoken to 3/4 senior members of our squad who all rate the 3 of them as having great potential. Bally even went as far to say he thinks LBS is one of the most talented youngsters he has seen.
Many on here agree the 3 of them wernt ready for what they were asked to do this season but squad limitations meant they stepped up.
Would be very surprised if all 3  dont make big steps after this season and a full off season.  
I for one hope they have progressed enough to  take their part in match day squads.

Comparing them "with a group of players who had much longer in our system and wernt thrown in early because of the limitations of the squad they were in" is my whole point. they are not good enough yet, they shouldn't be starting. why is it so shocking to you that I would say this?

Gillion reminds of that very famous "Headless Chicken". Shaun Wright-Phillips. Runs and runs and runs, usually around in circles with no end product. He shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot. No thanks, he does nothing to really impress. Waine, could/should come back here for a year to refocus and get his confidence back. I think him and Kosta working together rather than against each other, would be great. So far, Waino owes Kosta 2 X Penalties.

Yeah, we wouldn’t of wanted Wright-Phillips either, who would want an English international?

LG

Gillion reminds of that very famous "Headless Chicken". Shaun Wright-Phillips. Runs and runs and runs, usually around in circles with no end product. He shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot. No thanks, he does nothing to really impress. Waine, could/should come back here for a year to refocus and get his confidence back. I think him and Kosta working together rather than against each other, would be great. So far, Waino owes Kosta 2 X Penalties.

Napier Phoenix

Yeah, we wouldn’t of wanted Wright-Phillips either, who would want an English international?

LG

Gillion reminds of that very famous "Headless Chicken". Shaun Wright-Phillips. Runs and runs and runs, usually around in circles with no end product. He shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot. No thanks, he does nothing to really impress. Waine, could/should come back here for a year to refocus and get his confidence back. I think him and Kosta working together rather than against each other, would be great. So far, Waino owes Kosta 2 X Penalties.

One of lifes great mysteries how he got any caps.  Everyone was calling him the Headless Chicken. and it showed even in Internationals.

LG

Napier Phoenix

Yeah, we wouldn’t of wanted Wright-Phillips either, who would want an English international?

LG

Gillion reminds of that very famous "Headless Chicken". Shaun Wright-Phillips. Runs and runs and runs, usually around in circles with no end product. He shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot. No thanks, he does nothing to really impress. Waine, could/should come back here for a year to refocus and get his confidence back. I think him and Kosta working together rather than against each other, would be great. So far, Waino owes Kosta 2 X Penalties.

One of lifes great mysteries how he got any caps.  Everyone was calling him the Headless Chicken. and it showed even in Internationals.

32 goals, 35 assists in the Premier League. Not bad for a "headless chicken".

imanixsupporter

Comparing them "with a group of players who had much longer in our system and wernt thrown in early because of the limitations of the squad they were in" is my whole point. they are not good enough yet, they shouldn't be starting. why is it so shocking to you that I would say this?

I agree with you for two of the three. For mine Piper by the end of the season was good enough to make any bench in the ALeague as impact. He probably starts for any of the bottom 4 teams.

Considering his trajectory and the fact he'll have his first full professional season + off season starting now - I reckon he starts for top 6 sides by next season. There is no question in my mind he'll be competing and pushing so hard that he'll invariably end up starting even if we improve as a team considerably next season.

LBS and GSR plus the other academy grads are still too young - still growing. They have time on their hands and have the luxury of developing slowly. Piper has clearly put everything into his chance in 1 year to impress and easily won himself that extension. No doubt he'll keep working.

So where does Piper start then?

imanixsupporter

So where does Piper start then?

If we have an excellent squad, he’s on the bench. If we have an average to decent squad, he’s a right sided CB in a back three. If we have a bad squad, he starts anywhere from CB to CM to RB to RM to the wing to ST.

I wonder if the club would like to take a look at Charlie Kelman? He scored 2 in last nights game for Orient against Stockport County. Scoring goals for fun in League 1. Belongs to QPR but has spent the season on loan to the O's. More solid than Ben Waine and pretty damn quick. Just a thought. USA so a Visa player.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Kelman

Anyone scoring goals for fun in league one is not coming to the A league.

Never know until you ask 🤷‍♂️

martinb

Never know until you ask 🤷‍♂️

May as well ask Haaland if he fancies it then.

Wow the insanity of the off season has started already - why is anyone considering a bench warmer for AFC as an option to be a starter for us? Theres a reason Gillion hasnt seen more minutes for AFC, 12 appearances no goals doesnt scream "sign me now" and nor should it - we've had plenty of fast players in our years and they last one or two seasons before everyone realises they have no end product or a poor first touch and the fade away - we have to be looking for better, not the crimbs from AFC.

Not saying he is the answer but one of the reasons is the guy obviously try’s and presses like a maniac.

In many regards that’s why Piper is now loved. It is that he try’s and he also has maniac in him

The more days that pass the more concerned I am about Kosta.

Does anyone have any goss?

Kosta has to be #1 priority right now.
I agree re: the press the Gillion offers, but how many "maniacs" do you really need in a squad? Piper does the donkey work and I dont think we need anyone else who is a headless chicken who's only real skill is running fast.

I think the key is the mindset - I think they need at least half a dozen.

That is up to the coach it appears to have to install in them and also get them fit enough to do it.

Agree with you the continued silence is concerning. I for one will  very disapointed if he goes again given some of the things he has said this time around.

Sorry, I was worried about if I tried to link the post it wouldn't work. So here is screenshots. (As RR posted on both the Sam Sutton and Scott Wootton thread)

no mention of where they are heading to but I assume its Perth

brookem

Sorry, I was worried about if I tried to link the post it wouldn't work. So here is screenshots. (As RR posted on both the Sam Sutton and Scott Wootton thread)

Screenshot 2025-05-12 123439.png 749.56 KB

Screenshot 2025-05-12 123455.png 79.18 KB

Not unexpected, but still a bit sad nonetheless, moreso for Sutts departure thinking he was the next cab off the block to be sold. Wootton a very solid, never let you down, seasoned campaigner, and as sad as I am to see him go as well I'm excited to see what quality is brought in to replace him. 

Hopefully the recruitment effort is in full swing now, especially with European seasons winding down. Ideally we want everyone back for July - New players included. There is a lot to work on, and a lot of holes to fill. Excuses won't fly later on this year about unavailability, late arrivals, or a disjointed pre season campaign, so it's time to get things right!

All the best to Woots and Sutts though, and good luck in Perth (just not against us).

Im with you YoungHeart but the fear i have is they try and just go with the young guys we already have.
As you say lots of holes to fill and not many spots to fill them with.
Could get worse if the longer we wait for word on Kosta means he is off too.

Retaining Kosta makes us much more attractive recruitment wise.

With Woots and Sutts departing, of our players currently retained for next season, only Rufer and Payne are up to standard. That's a tough sell when you're looking to attract quality free agents.

If we can retain Chico and Kosta, we will have a better chance of being an attractive option for good players.

If not, our early signings will need to be significant, so that the better free agents like us.

Barring any of this happening, a good portion of those who want to play for us will be players desperate for a contract, fearing a drop to the state leagues. Under this scenario, the club may prefer youth. 

I'm getting way ahead of myself obviously. Just a scenario for one element of recruitment. There are other elements of course.

Why is it that every single season we lose at least two players (usually more) to other A-League clubs but we never ever pick up players from other A-League clubs that they would have wanted to keep. Who is the last player we got from Australia where you saw comments from their fans saying they were gutted to lose that player? Even Kosta was clearly discarded by Sydney after an average couple of years to finish his stint there. 

And it isn't like we lose them to the big boys, which would be understandable. Ugarkovic went to City and Kraev went to WSW but all the other players who we lost across the ditch in recent times all went to other middling sides. 

Simple really more attractive for players to play in Australia than in Wellington. 
Can just imagine the stink on the forums if the Nix had signed Scott for 2 years and totally understandable why Sutton wanted to move on.

How many Australians are there in your workplace?

Unless you are prepared to pay well overs like presumably Auckland did to secure Hall, Brimmer & Galloway (what's happened to him?) - leaving Aussie for little brother NZ will always be unattractive. That's unless you are a hungry young player eager to break into the ALM. Aka Cam Devlin. I doubt many of the Perth Glory guys were sold on EnZed’s weather in their double header week

I think WSW fans were disappointed when Ugarkovic left the Wanderers for the Nix.


PS. A little running joke of one of the dads at my daughter's school here on the Sunshine Coast. 

"What won't Kiwis do for their Country?"
"Live there!"

To be fair there are a few of us here.

Maybe they want to escape the racist Australians who teach their kids those jokes? 

I don't understand how Australia weather is supposed to be a big attraction for A-League players. If I was a professional footballer I would much prefer to live in Wellington where the climate over summer is far more suitable for playing football in than Brisbane or Perth or Sydney. At least half your games are going to be played in reasonable temperatures, guaranteed. 

Not actually "racist", likely more "economist", but what would I know.

imanixsupporter

I don't understand how Australia weather is supposed to be a big attraction for A-League players. If I was a professional footballer I would much prefer to live in Wellington where the climate over summer is far more suitable for playing football in than Brisbane or Perth or Sydney. At least half your games are going to be played in reasonable temperatures, guaranteed. 

If an ALM player could do his whole pre/off season in Queensland, and playing campaign in Welly yeah he'd be a very contented human.

It's just more enjoyable to get out of bed June-October when it's 20 degrees C, and the sun is shining on your face. 

Just perusing the off contract players for positions we need.

George Stanger anyone?
Good age, good experience, and has worked his way up the pyramid in Scotland from 5th tier to 2nd tier over a number of years and plays every week.

Ayr not getting promoted to the SPL could be in our favour and a change of scenery potentially puts him under the nose of Bazeley and Co - Albeit he has a hell of a task in front of him if he wants to play for the AW's. 

Mere suggestion of course, but I vaguely recall his name being mentioned a few times last off season...

YoungHeartHM

Just perusing the off contract players for positions we need.

George Stanger anyone?
Good age, good experience, and has worked his way up the pyramid in Scotland from 5th tier to 2nd tier over a number of years and plays every week.

Ayr not getting promoted to the SPL could be in our favour and a change of scenery potentially puts him under the nose of Bazeley and Co - Albeit he has a hell of a task in front of him if he wants to play for the AW's. 

Mere suggestion of course, but I vaguely recall his name being mentioned a few times last off season...

Yipe profile wise he fits the bill. But been a few L1/L2 transfer rumours, and that's probably where he will want to go if he can.

If he was was playing League One regularly, he'd be firmly on English born Baze's radar. Then he'd need a CB injury or two to crack the squad.

I'd say Kyle Adams a more realistic punt, if we are talking about a guy who wants to break into the AWs. The USL is just too low profile.