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WPM 2025/26 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

2790 replies · 178,875 views

2 months ago

Settle down, Nostradamus. It's not a certainty that Kosta would have scored that pen. Kosta had scored the last penalty he'd taken, but Rufer had scored two already that season, including a clutch 95th minute against the Vuck.

Regardless of that penalty he is a great A-League midfielder, and we'll be a substantially poorer side without him

Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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anbr

about 2 months ago

On another note, does anyone know the contract situation of Henry Gray? He's been brilliant on loan at Harrogate in league two, kept a clean sheet against league leaders Bromley the other day. Hard to compare but it looks like he's developed a lot compared to AKH.

Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History

Contracted to Ipswich, and on loan at Harrogate. Born in Germany to I think UK parents, he probably has a strong desire to stay in the England

He’s working his way up the UK pyramid with these loan deals

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about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History

Didn’t Gerard only stay because the Liverpool mob threatened him when it looked like he was moving to Chelsea?

If Eze signs a new contract that would be lovely.

Just saying,

imanixsupporter

He can go elsewhere if he chooses. But you could compare him to Gerrard, who stayed at Liverpool despite big interest from a lot of bigger clubs. Not Newcastle Jets equivalent clubs, we are talking AFC, Sydney, Victory equivalents. Bigger, even. You can call him loyal. If Rufer goes to another team the very first time there is any real fight for his signature then he is nothing special.

Auckland will rise once more

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about 2 months ago

Gray would be a very good signing IMO. But would probably require a fee. Sims is an option if he is tired of being the number two, but he may also have his sights on something bigger/better.

Tzanev is the most likely, but considering his history, may be just as error prone as our current options.

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about 2 months ago

AucklandPhoenix

Didn’t Gerard only stay because the Liverpool mob threatened him when it looked like he was moving to Chelsea?

If Eze signs a new contract that would be lovely.

Just saying,

imanixsupporter

I'll be shocked if Eze signs a new contract. He'll get a better gig in Europe or Asia with his goalscoring record.

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11 days ago

So now the season is done, can think about next season.

James, Nagasawa, Mileusnic, Retre, Oluwayemi, Kartum, Najjarine, Roa Conchie, Edwards & Supyk are all out of contract and I wouldn't shed tears about any of them leaving.

I am anticipating Singh, Eze, Rufer and Armiento won't be sticking around. Only players we know we will be keeping that are A-League top 6 level are Tuiloma and Payne.

Big old rebuild incoming. Hope Welnix make a call ASAP about Greenie one way or the other so we can confirm our next coach and get fully into recruiting ASAP.

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11 days ago

If Rufer does end up taking off somewhere else (which no grudges. Power to him if he does get a chance to have a crack elsewhere. He'll always be a club legend). Who would we be keen on to take the captaincy?

Might be a bit left of a left of field but I'd be be keen to give Hughes a nudge. His development from where he started three seasons ago to now has been really impressive. He also seems to have a good head on his shoulders for a younger bloke whenever he's had to front up in front of the mic over the course of what has mostly been pretty tough seasons for the most of his early professional career. Could be the making of him in the same way it was Rufer when he got given the armband.

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Ma+3

11 days ago

Rock Hopper wrote:
If Rufer does end up taking off somewhere else (which no grudges. Power to him if he does get a chance to have a crack elsewhere. He'll always be a club legend). Who would we be keen on to take the captaincy?

Might be a bit left of a left of field but I'd be be keen to give Hughes a nudge. His development from where he started three seasons ago to now has been really impressive. He also seems to have a good head on his shoulders for a younger bloke whenever he's had to front up in front of the mic over the course of what has mostly been pretty tough seasons for the most of his early professional career. Could be the making of him in the same way it was Rufer when he got given the armband.

I wouldn't complain. Do agree it would be a bit left out of field. Though I am also biased. Is Nagasawa still contracted? I know depends who the coach is but that is who I think would be likely maybe to take it?
I actually really don't know. Defintely interesting to think about

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11 days ago · edited 11 days ago · History

Per transfermarkt

Contract expiry: 30 June 2026
Alex Rufer
Ifeanyi Eze (I)
Joshua Oluwayemi (I)
Carlo Armiento
Ramy Najjarine
Paulo Retre
Fin Roa Conchie
Manjrekar James (I)
Nikola Mileusnic
Kazuki Nagasawa (I)
Dan Edwards
Luke Supyk
Sander Kartum (I) (Loan)
Sarpreet Singh (Loan)

Contract expiry: 31 December 2026
Eamonn McCarron

Contract expiry: 30 June 2027
Lukas Kelly-Heald
Corban Piper
Alby Kelly-Heald
Tze-Xuan Loke
Luke Brooke-Smith
Anaru Cassidy
Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues
Jayden Smith

Contract expiry: 30 June 2028
Matthew Sheridan
Isaac Hughes
Tim Payne
Bill Tuiloma
Nathan Walker

So for next year
GK
Need an A League quality number 1, AKH and McCarron good for the bench but not number 1s yet.

DEF
LKH-Hughes-Tuiloma-Payne is a serviceable backline. Could do with some depth but not a bad starting point. Don't offer James a new contract.

MID
Pretty bleak. Hope that a change in manager to Greenie might have changed Rufers mind? I'd try to resign Nagasawa. Need to conjure up 4 or 5 decent players here which is a big ask.

FWD/wing
Bleak, but not as bleak as MF. Outside of LBS and Piper no one is really A league stater quality. Snowballs chance in hell we get Eze back.

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11 days ago

I think Hughes could be up to the job of captain, but I also have higher hopes for him than a Rufer-style career, and think he could realistically have a good enough next season to attract a decent fee from an overseas club. I'd rather Payne or Tuiloma got the armband if Rufer leaves as they will be around for at least the next two seasons.

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11 days ago · edited 11 days ago · History

I'd say there are already UK clubs monitoring Hughes (Warrington born lad), and I'm sure he'll be keen to have a crack over there. Wiki says he played at both the Bolton Wanderers and Crewe Alexandra academies before moving to New Zealand at the age of 9.

He maybe gone before next season, but you'd hope he hangs around yes for one more. Offering him the Nix captaincy would certainly help.

Payne is just too injury prone to be skipper.

At least with Tuiloma signed long term there is the possibility to bring in a visa player as a CB signing, plus the likes of LKH, Jayden Smith and Mac Munro as backups. That's if Hughes did leave.

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11 days ago

Rock Hopper wrote:
If Rufer does end up taking off somewhere else (which no grudges. Power to him if he does get a chance to have a crack elsewhere. He'll always be a club legend). Who would we be keen on to take the captaincy?

Might be a bit left of a left of field but I'd be be keen to give Hughes a nudge. His development from where he started three seasons ago to now has been really impressive. He also seems to have a good head on his shoulders for a younger bloke whenever he's had to front up in front of the mic over the course of what has mostly been pretty tough seasons for the most of his early professional career. Could be the making of him in the same way it was Rufer when he got given the armband.

Given who we have its not a bad shout. Of who we have signed next year only Hughes, Tuiloma and Payne are starting quality IMO, I think you could make a decent argument for any of those three.

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10 days ago

On the flip side, the lads tracking quite nicely. I think Oli Sail never recovered from getting the captaincy and being a bit hung out to dry. I like the idea as he’s been the best of the local bunch, but I also think Tuiloma or import might be a better option just in terms of letting him get on with the job he has in front of him.

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10 days ago

martinb wrote:
On the flip side, the lads tracking quite nicely. I think Oli Sail never recovered from getting the captaincy and being a bit hung out to dry. I like the idea as he’s been the best of the local bunch, but I also think Tuiloma or import might be a better option just in terms of letting him get on with the job he has in front of him.

Agree with this. Let him continue to improve and develop his game for now. Bill or a.n.other for captaincy.

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10 days ago

I think either Payne or Tuiloma would make fine captains. Give one the arm back and make the other the deputy. Then add in Hughes, maybe Piper and a couple of the new signing to make up the leadership group.
As for the keepers, I don't think AKH is far off being a number one. Rather than going for an import keeper, I'd like to see us give AKH the gloves and bring in a older #2 to push him.
Even if Rufer stays, the midfield needs a rebuild. I'd hope we spend 2-3 import slots in there. The other 2 import slots can go on strikers. Possibly 1 on a left back? It could be quite the bonus for the new gaffer having potentially 5 import slots to play with.
As for the others who have their contracts up, Eze is a no brainer, but also a no-chancer. Singh absolutely but not sure how feasible that is either. I would like to see Armiento stay. While he hasn't played much under Greenie, he has qualities the rest of the squad doesn't and i think that after a pre-season together, he'd have a place in the starting 11. Maybe the same could be said for Najjarine, but I would prefer if he was a bench option rather than starting if he was to stay. Nagasawa has been good in this season but I never thought him and Rufers worked that well together, so I hope we dont renew his.
As for the rest, thanks for their efforts for the club and I wish the best in their next adventures.
In terms of the youngsters, Conchie has pretty much had his chances. I think a bit of time in the Handy Prem or OCL would do him good. Hopefully next year will be a big one for Pounds and GSR, especially as we haven't see the latter much this season. I think Loke, Cassidy and Smith are still fairly unknown so having them pushing and playing parts will help them and us.
Last random idea for next year, I'd love to see LKH tried at anchoring the midfield. He has tried LB and it hasnt worked out, I dont think he is a CB either. But the guy has skill and talent, he just hasn't quite found a position yet. I think a stint at DM is worth a shout.

I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological.

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ni+1

10 days ago

I think Nagasawa makes sense if you think of him as a similar player to David Ball, with stronger defense. Much more impactful as a wide 10 who defends well, who can cover 6 or 8, than a Bell or Rufer.

Think LKH is a CB. Which means at least a year on the bench as at least 3rd choice. Perhaps covers LB.

I think we need a gun LB. A good visa.

If Eze goes down we keep Mileusnic?

How long are Sarpreet and Khartum contracted for? Does Ishige have a contract? Can’t see us playing all three of them. Likely chance of one or fewer staying?

Do we want to try to replace Eze with a big man up front? (And has he been better than Zawada? Where does he rank on our all time forwards? Zawada and Smeltzy are just that bit more clinical. That Celtic lad was handy, and Hemed was scoring consistently.
But the tools are all there and he’s fitter and faster than you’d think, and he’s got all the finishes.)

Or do we look at Piper as our 9, and run forwards- Mileusnic, Ishige, Sarpreet, LBS, Armiento off him? It’s risky. Might be fun. Might be mega frustrating.

And I’ve felt much better with Josh there ahead of AKH. No analysis, just gut. Sorry Alby!

Payne has to be on notice too. A couple better games from him and we’re in the six. He’s a leader, but can’t have as many poor showings as he’s had this season. We rely on him too much.

Have we lost Rufer? And how on earth do we replace him if so?

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9 days ago

martinb wrote:

How long are Sarpreet and Khartum contracted for? Does Ishige have a contract? ?

Singh and Sander are both contracted with their home clubs through to the end of next season, so would need to be a transfer fee or release to sign either of them.

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9 days ago

I would take Singh, if we could get him... I think his club will be waiting to see how his world cup goes. They will get a fee for his attendance, and then hope he plays and does well so they can sell him, otherwise I would expect him to be released.

Sander, has scored two very good goals, but hasn't made me go wow, but that might be a reflection of the quality we can attract currently to the A League with its limited funds.

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9 days ago

MetalLegNZ wrote:
I would take Singh, if we could get him... I think his club will be waiting to see how his world cup goes. They will get a fee for his attendance, and then hope he plays and does well so they can sell him, otherwise I would expect him to be released.

Sander, has scored two very good goals, but hasn't made me go wow, but that might be a reflection of the quality we can attract currently to the A League with its limited funds.

Sander really hasnt been given any minutes to show what he can do, the his two goals show his quality and adds to the surprise he's not been starting games.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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9 days ago

In terms of Kiwis coming off contract the ones I'd be considering is Bayliss (but would have a guess he may be off overseas), Kosta (will be 36 but still think he'd offer more off the bench than Mileusnic, like we saw against Chile still has quality and has been in a poor WSW side), Sail & Tzanev (either to be no. 1 or backup to AKH), Gillion (Has been doing decent in the pro league, which might be his level but could be one of those player that just needs the right coach to get the best out of him).

Other than that there isn't many coming off contract that would be worth picking up, but like others mentioned there could be a few NZ players like Singh who might get released we can target as well.

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9 days ago

I highly doubt Kosta would be interested in coming back for another stint at the nix, he's have an extension lined up with WSW.
If Singh has a good world cup he too wont be back, he'll get extended where he is or sold to another club in Europe.
Bayliss is a good shout but he too is likely to be off elsewhere.
No thanks to Sail or Tzanev - Sail burned his bridges and is not even good enough to be a back up to AKH, Tzanev just isnt playing any footy to get a real read on his skill set. Assuming Josh O is not retained then we look for a decent Aus or NZ keeper to work with AKH.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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9 days ago

theprof wrote:
I highly doubt Kosta would be interested in coming back for another stint at the nix, he's have an extension lined up with WSW.
If Singh has a good world cup he too wont be back, he'll get extended where he is or sold to another club in Europe.
Bayliss is a good shout but he too is likely to be off elsewhere.
No thanks to Sail or Tzanev - Sail burned his bridges and is not even good enough to be a back up to AKH, Tzanev just isnt playing any footy to get a real read on his skill set. Assuming Josh O is not retained then we look for a decent Aus or NZ keeper to work with AKH.

You think WSW will resign Kosta? He costs them a import slot, and didn't have that good of a season with them. + they just signed Mal Impiombato a new DOF and not sure if Talay is a huge fan of Kosta since he had the 2 good seasons at the nix after he left.

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9 days ago

Its not April the 1st as that can be the only explanation for suggesting Kosta and Sail return. No way no do we want to have Kosta back even from the bench and really what about Sails form the last couple of years puts him anywhere near a starting position.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

Saying Kosta didnt have a good season at WSW is a little rich, given their position on the table, none of them had a good season, that's why the coach is gone and Talay is in. Talay knows Kosta, he'll give him another year, then I'd expect Kota to retire.
WSW's record of 5W, 6D, 13L is not on Kosta, 26 goals in 24 games conceding 39.
Kosta has 4 goals, 1 assist in 21 appearances (1308 mins)(just over 62 mins/game)

Besides all that, if WSW dont want to resign him, why would we pick up a striker like that who finished bottom of the table and only scored 4 goals??

Queenslander 3x a year.

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9 days ago

theprof wrote:
Saying Kosta didnt have a good season at WSW is a little rich, given their position on the table, none of them had a good season, that's why the coach is gone and Talay is in. Talay knows Kosta, he'll give him another year, then I'd expect Kota to retire.
WSW's record of 5W, 6D, 13L is not on Kosta, 26 goals in 24 games conceding 39.
Kosta has 4 goals, 1 assist in 21 appearances (1308 mins)(just over 62 mins/game)

Besides all that, if WSW dont want to resign him, why would we pick up a striker like that who finished bottom of the table and only scored 4 goals??

The difference being we'd be signing him as a local to replace Mileusnic as a bench player/squad player compared to him being an import at WSW which you'd be wanting to be one of your star players. I wouldn't be expecting Kosta to come here and score like he was before but if he's coming off the bench and score a few goals and just overall impacts the game with his runs and link up play I'd be wanting him.

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9 days ago

so We'd be doing WSW a favour by taking an import off their books?
Mileusnic counts as a local too, so it doesn't matter if it's him or Kosta, apart from the fact that Kosta left to win trophies (again), so I ask again, why would we want Kosta back to just warm the bench? We have plenty of younger kids to do that.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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9 days ago

The word from WSW seems to be that Kosta won't be offered an extension.

Also Piney suggested on the Football Fever podcast that he thinks Josh might get offered another deal - although he didn't suggest he had any inside knowledge for anything, just his thoughts.

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

Read somewhere that WSW will be releasing Kosta. I don't see him wanting to return to the Nix. He's probably got his kids settled in a Sydney school now somewhere, and will target clubs like MAC, the Jets and Mariners - or just retire. He's 36 and will finally get to tick the World Cup off his bucket list. Nothing left to achieve really.

Sail is definitely still an ALM quality keeper. I think he'd be a safer bet than AKH as a no 1. But then I think keeping on Josh O isn't a bad option. The success of the last few weeks under Greeny has been built off a settled defensive unit, and Oluwayemi has done well.

Liam Gillion is a good call, at least for a trial. Obviously his decision making and finishing is a work on, but I still think there are some comparisons to a young Ben Old, who also wasn't great early days in those areas. It's just that Gillion has come into pro football at a later age, so does he have the same capacity to improve?

Others from the OFC Pro League, that might be at least be worth a trial are Owen Smith, Matt Ellis (3rd time lucky?), Ryan Fuetz, Ronan Wynne, Bailey Ferguson, David Yoo, Haris Zeb and Luka Coveny.

Lastly I think Moses Dyer could be a possible Eze replacement. You'd probably use a visa spot to replace Eze, but Dyer would be a handy guy to have come off the pine. 13 goals in 24 league games in Cambodia. 10 goals in 20 games in the LOI (a few worldies in that tally). Those stats are much better than Max Mata's overall record in the LOI. Okay the level Dyer has played at is questionable, but so in a way was the Iraqi league Eze came from.

AFC coefficient rankings has the ALM at 9th, Iraqi league 13th & Cambodian CPL 19th.

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

wilbaker wrote:
In terms of Kiwis coming off contract the ones I'd be considering is Bayliss (but would have a guess he may be off overseas), Kosta (will be 36 but still think he'd offer more off the bench than Mileusnic, like we saw against Chile still has quality and has been in a poor WSW side), Sail & Tzanev (either to be no. 1 or backup to AKH), Gillion (Has been doing decent in the pro league, which might be his level but could be one of those player that just needs the right coach to get the best out of him).

Other than that there isn't many coming off contract that would be worth picking up, but like others mentioned there could be a few NZ players like Singh who might get released we can target as well.

Would be on board completely with Bayliss coming over - And as far as I know his brother Sebastian is still with the Nix as an analyst/kitman - But there was a report out a month or so ago that he was being chased by at least four A-League clubs (Sydney FC being one of them) and a couple of overseas clubs. Would be a good effort if we can turn his head to come here, but I'm doubtful we could swing it at this stage to be honest.

Others I'd be looking at would come from America.

• Kyle Adams - This is somewhat conditional on if Hughes picks up some interest and moves on too - But he was the USL Championship defender of the year in 2025 with one of the stronger clubs at that level in Louisville. Have always rated his work, and he'd bring good experience. Guess it would also be conditional because his Mrs also plays at a high level in the NWSL for Louisville too.

• Keegan Kelly - Bit more of a look to the future, but I liked what I saw of him at the U20 World Cup. Hardworking striker and has a bit of physical presence and mongrel in him. Would depend on his motivations as he's currently at a D1 college in Denver, but the coaches that have worked with him previously rate him highly. Also feels that a striker signing by us will likely be a visa player. We shall see.

• Alex Greive - Bit of a fall off since leaving Scotland, and has been injured more than he's played since moving to the US. Doubt he'll be renewed over there because of it, but there is still a decent player in there if he can get his body right. Bit more of a wildcard because he wouldn't be bringing any great streak of form with him, and obviously has that history of recent injuries. Plays on the flanks predominantly so may not fit Greenies methods (if he takes up the role fulltime) but also an option up top.

From the A-League guys I'd take Bozhidar Kraev who apparently won't be resigned by WSW. Known quantity, bit up and down with his form, but I think he was bloody good when he was with us initially, if not a bit wasteful in taking his chances.

A big no to Kosta coming back from me though.

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

Good call on Kraev. His partner is a Kiwi after all, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy his time at the Nix.

Yipe Greive could go okay in the ALM. But a very different player to Eze. He's a bit of a diminutive poacher around the box. Another who's LOI stats (0 goals in 11 matches for Bohemians) compare poorly to Dyer.

Kyle Adams partner I think is a fringe women's US national team player, likely way too good for the ALW. Unlikely they can be tempted by a NZ move at this stage. But yeah Adams seems too good for the USL, but not good enough for the MLS. A perfect ALM fit!

Greeny did play Kelly ahead of Luke Supyk at the U20 WC. But KK still has another year (2027) to go at his US college?

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9 days ago

YoungHeartHM wrote:
wilbaker wrote:
In terms of Kiwis coming off contract the ones I'd be considering is Bayliss (but would have a guess he may be off overseas), Kosta (will be 36 but still think he'd offer more off the bench than Mileusnic, like we saw against Chile still has quality and has been in a poor WSW side), Sail & Tzanev (either to be no. 1 or backup to AKH), Gillion (Has been doing decent in the pro league, which might be his level but could be one of those player that just needs the right coach to get the best out of him).

Other than that there isn't many coming off contract that would be worth picking up, but like others mentioned there could be a few NZ players like Singh who might get released we can target as well.
Would be on board completely with Bayliss coming over - And as far as I know his brother Sebastian is still with the Nix as an analyst/kitman - But there was a report out a month or so ago that he was being chased by at least four A-League clubs (Sydney FC being one of them) and a couple of overseas clubs. Would be a good effort if we can turn his head to come here, but I'm doubtful we could swing it at this stage to be honest.

Others I'd be looking at would come from America.

• Kyle Adams - This is somewhat conditional on if Hughes picks up some interest and moves on too - But he was the USL Championship defender of the year in 2025 with one of the stronger clubs at that level in Louisville. Have always rated his work, and he'd bring good experience. Guess it would also be conditional because his Mrs also plays at a high level in the NWSL for Louisville too.

• Keegan Kelly - Bit more of a look to the future, but I liked what I saw of him at the U20 World Cup. Hardworking striker and has a bit of physical presence and mongrel in him. Would depend on his motivations as he's currently at a D1 college in Denver, but the coaches that have worked with him previously rate him highly. Also feels that a striker signing by us will likely be a visa player. We shall see.

• Alex Greive - Bit of a fall off since leaving Scotland, and has been injured more than he's played since moving to the US. Doubt he'll be renewed over there because of it, but there is still a decent player in there if he can get his body right. Bit more of a wildcard because he wouldn't be bringing any great streak of form with him, and obviously has that history of recent injuries. Plays on the flanks predominantly so may not fit Greenies methods (if he takes up the role fulltime) but also an option up top.

From the A-League guys I'd take Bozhidar Kraev who apparently won't be resigned by WSW. Known quantity, bit up and down with his form, but I think he was bloody good when he was with us initially, if not a bit wasteful in taking his chances.

A big no to Kosta coming back from me though.

Was waiting for someone to mention Kraev, would absolutely have him back.

Also, for striker options, could Ben Gibson be one?

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9 days ago

Should also add that the midfield rebuild is going to be massive - Even more-so if Rufer leaves. Currently only LBS as an attacking option and Anaru Cassidy signed up beyond the end of this season, and Cassidy is not A-League level.

Could probably look to sign someone like Hayden Thomas on a scholarship deal from the Ressie's squad to fill out the #'s, but otherwise that is a massive hole in the squad. Would Tuiloma be a candidate to move up to a DM if Ruf's is off?

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9 days ago

HattyCW wrote:
YoungHeartHM wrote:
wilbaker wrote:
In terms of Kiwis coming off contract the ones I'd be considering is Bayliss (but would have a guess he may be off overseas), Kosta (will be 36 but still think he'd offer more off the bench than Mileusnic, like we saw against Chile still has quality and has been in a poor WSW side), Sail & Tzanev (either to be no. 1 or backup to AKH), Gillion (Has been doing decent in the pro league, which might be his level but could be one of those player that just needs the right coach to get the best out of him).

Other than that there isn't many coming off contract that would be worth picking up, but like others mentioned there could be a few NZ players like Singh who might get released we can target as well.
Would be on board completely with Bayliss coming over - And as far as I know his brother Sebastian is still with the Nix as an analyst/kitman - But there was a report out a month or so ago that he was being chased by at least four A-League clubs (Sydney FC being one of them) and a couple of overseas clubs. Would be a good effort if we can turn his head to come here, but I'm doubtful we could swing it at this stage to be honest.

Others I'd be looking at would come from America.

• Kyle Adams - This is somewhat conditional on if Hughes picks up some interest and moves on too - But he was the USL Championship defender of the year in 2025 with one of the stronger clubs at that level in Louisville. Have always rated his work, and he'd bring good experience. Guess it would also be conditional because his Mrs also plays at a high level in the NWSL for Louisville too.

• Keegan Kelly - Bit more of a look to the future, but I liked what I saw of him at the U20 World Cup. Hardworking striker and has a bit of physical presence and mongrel in him. Would depend on his motivations as he's currently at a D1 college in Denver, but the coaches that have worked with him previously rate him highly. Also feels that a striker signing by us will likely be a visa player. We shall see.

• Alex Greive - Bit of a fall off since leaving Scotland, and has been injured more than he's played since moving to the US. Doubt he'll be renewed over there because of it, but there is still a decent player in there if he can get his body right. Bit more of a wildcard because he wouldn't be bringing any great streak of form with him, and obviously has that history of recent injuries. Plays on the flanks predominantly so may not fit Greenies methods (if he takes up the role fulltime) but also an option up top.

From the A-League guys I'd take Bozhidar Kraev who apparently won't be resigned by WSW. Known quantity, bit up and down with his form, but I think he was bloody good when he was with us initially, if not a bit wasteful in taking his chances.

A big no to Kosta coming back from me though.

Was waiting for someone to mention Kraev, would absolutely have him back.

Also, for striker options, could Ben Gibson be one?

In the same article I mentioned Ben Gibson had interest from two A-League clubs - Clayton Taylor (10) Bayliss (4) and Lachie Rose (4) were the others, but obviously Rose has since been confirmed as moving to Scotland.

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

Tuiloma hasn't played as a DM in over 10 years.
I think his skills in tight paces are actually poor, and he can't play with his back to goal. Remember how by dithering he gave away the ball twice in one of his early Nix games, the 2nd time conceding the goal. He'd have to get much fitter/slimmer than he is now.

Rufer would be a huge loss. You'd likely need to replace him with a visa. Talk with the player agents who brought Gallegos and Verstraete to Auckland.

It's a shame that Finn-Conchie hasn't been consistently good enough to cement a spot. But then it took Roofs years to master his craft in midfield. Do the Nix persist with Roa?

I'd add small midfielder Seth Clark (on CCM's books but injured) as another Kiwi worth looking at.

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9 days ago

I like the look of Kelly, so happy for that.

Tyler Boyd, how long does he have left on contract. After a year off injured, ig he has a poor year, he would be an interesting shout, similar to Tuiloma.

Wilkins another who might be keen to come home.

Dyer worth a shout too.

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

YoungHeartHM wrote:
Should also add that the midfield rebuild is going to be massive - Even more-so if Rufer leaves. Currently only LBS as an attacking option and Anaru Cassidy signed up beyond the end of this season, and Cassidy is not A-League level.

Could probably look to sign someone like Hayden Thomas on a scholarship deal from the Ressie's squad to fill out the #'s, but otherwise that is a massive hole in the squad. Would Tuiloma be a candidate to move up to a DM if Ruf's is off?

Pennington is off contract at the end of the season... Has played a good amount of footy since he left us, 5 goals this season. At 27 will be hitting his prime now, might not be who we want as a starter but as a backup to Rufer and the import DM, he'd be a decent option.

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9 days ago · edited 8 days ago · History

Good comments all around. Tuiloma is signed long term so barring injuries he will be here for a while. I would personally think his insticts are better as a CB than as a DM since to my eye he struggles with decision-making when he has more than one option to choose from. His physicality is an asset and he is still relatively fast.

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9 days ago

YoungHeartHM wrote:
Should also add that the midfield rebuild is going to be massive - Even more-so if Rufer leaves. Currently only LBS as an attacking option and Anaru Cassidy signed up beyond the end of this season, and Cassidy is not A-League level.

Could probably look to sign someone like Hayden Thomas on a scholarship deal from the Ressie's squad to fill out the #'s, but otherwise that is a massive hole in the squad. Would Tuiloma be a candidate to move up to a DM if Ruf's is off?

What about GSR and Nathan Walker?

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9 days ago

Personally i would much prefer to see some new talent brought in than a rehash of guys who have been here before. Dont think we should be bringing guys back unless they are likely to be definite starters last thing we need is more guys coming off the bench.
Think we just gotta hope being our 20th season the Welnix guys loosen the purse strings.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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