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.
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.