WPM 2025/26 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

MetalLegNZ

I am not happy.

How can we be this far into the off season and not have someone lined up either as a AM or CB... surely as we were chasing one we were working on back ups etc.

Yep agree, its very under whelming if its Daniel De Silva they plan on signing. So much for all the BS from them about the type of player they wanted to replace Chico with.
You do wonder if the investment is being made in the womens team this year at the expense of the mens. Dont get me wrong im loving whats happening with the womens team. Because if their isnt significant improvement in the mens team performance this year then they can forget about getting the casuals to turn up and crowds and therefore income will stay crap. 

MetalLegNZ

I am not happy.

How can we be this far into the off season and not have someone lined up either as a AM or CB... surely as we were chasing one we were working on back ups etc.

because we have the longest off season ever and the transfer window has been open for a mere 1-2 weeks

theprof

MetalLegNZ

I am not happy.

How can we be this far into the off season and not have someone lined up either as a AM or CB... surely as we were chasing one we were working on back ups etc.

because we have the longest off season ever and the transfer window has been open for a mere 1-2 weeks

Your right but you would have thought they knew the type of player they were after and have had plenty of time to do scouting and identify who they wamt. Would think its fair to assume they would be close to getting someone given the time they have had. Window might have just opened but that also means players are moving and we dont appear able to convince guys to come here.

ballane

theprof

MetalLegNZ

I am not happy.

How can we be this far into the off season and not have someone lined up either as a AM or CB... surely as we were chasing one we were working on back ups etc.

because we have the longest off season ever and the transfer window has been open for a mere 1-2 weeks

Your right but you would have thought they knew the type of player they were after and have had plenty of time to do scouting and identify who they wamt. Would think its fair to assume they would be close to getting someone given the time they have had. Window might have just opened but that also means players are moving and we dont appear able to convince guys to come here.

We knew 6 months ago for example Garbett wasn't going to have his contract renewed and would be looking for a new club. Just because a player is still contracted doesn't mean they can't be approached (in some cases club actively encourage them to speak to other teams) in preparation for when they become free agents.

Clearly, Cheify hasn't been able to sell his vision to players who were coming off contract (and are now free agents) well enough to get them across the line, or the money we are putting up is too low. Given we lost Kosta, Wooten and Sutton I assume $$ shouldn't be an issue - so I'd say its more of the first option.

And let's be honest, if you were to watch highlights of the team last year, look at our stats (attack) would the NIX excite you as a #10?

De Silva would be a good squad member - so I'd be happy with him. He looked like he was going to be a great player at one time, but never really kicked on. 

MetalLegNZ

I am not happy.

How can we be this far into the off season and not have someone lined up either as a AM or CB... surely as we were chasing one we were working on back ups etc.

I assume it's because we're competing with other teams for the same players and sometimes we lose out. If we weren't competing for talent then we would not be ambitious enough.

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

ballane

theprof

MetalLegNZ

I am not happy.

How can we be this far into the off season and not have someone lined up either as a AM or CB... surely as we were chasing one we were working on back ups etc.

because we have the longest off season ever and the transfer window has been open for a mere 1-2 weeks

Your right but you would have thought they knew the type of player they were after and have had plenty of time to do scouting and identify who they wamt. Would think its fair to assume they would be close to getting someone given the time they have had. Window might have just opened but that also means players are moving and we dont appear able to convince guys to come here.

I've done the scouting, we are going for either Eriksen or Rafinha. Don't worry, we are the only club vying for their services and just seeing which one agrees to our terms first. Should be over the line very soon, possibly get a run in the cup this weekend. Too easy.

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

Ranix

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

We have this conversation every season - "we can't sign players": its the weather, its the city, its the club, its the finances, its the partner's decision etc.

But we have signed some of the best overseas players - often very late. Zawada end of August, Hemed less than a month before the season start, Hooper the first time after the season started, Mandi and Burgess a week before season start etc.

Bullion

Ranix

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

We have this conversation every season - "we can't sign players": its the weather, its the city, its the club, its the finances, its the partner's decision etc.

But we have signed some of the best overseas players - often very late. Zawada end of August, Hemed less than a month before the season start, Hooper the first time after the season started, Mandi and Burgess a week before season start etc.

Yes Sure.  But it's looking like we are going to be signing a visa CB. So that won't be a Zawada or a Hemed. maybe a Taylor if we re lucky.
The remaining spots will need to be local players or Academy grads.

Well we’ve got Eze! 

So Litfin or Burgess or Burns or Gillion or Bertos or Garbett or…or Daniel…not Daniel though. 

In all seriousness Zawada has shown you can come from an Eredivisie squad and use the A league to get minutes and goals (provided you can) to step up to the Eredivisie and get regular minutes. 

Ranix

Bullion

Ranix

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

We have this conversation every season - "we can't sign players": its the weather, its the city, its the club, its the finances, its the partner's decision etc.

But we have signed some of the best overseas players - often very late. Zawada end of August, Hemed less than a month before the season start, Hooper the first time after the season started, Mandi and Burgess a week before season start etc.

Yes Sure.  But it's looking like we are going to be signing a visa CB. So that won't be a Zawada or a Hemed. maybe a Taylor if we re lucky.
The remaining spots will need to be local players or Academy grads.

When I look at the squad, CB is an area with less quality than basically any other position in the squad. 

Ranix

Bullion

Ranix

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

We have this conversation every season - "we can't sign players": its the weather, its the city, its the club, its the finances, its the partner's decision etc.

But we have signed some of the best overseas players - often very late. Zawada end of August, Hemed less than a month before the season start, Hooper the first time after the season started, Mandi and Burgess a week before season start etc.

Yes Sure.  But it's looking like we are going to be signing a visa CB. So that won't be a Zawada or a Hemed. maybe a Taylor if we re lucky.
The remaining spots will need to be local players or Academy grads.

Is this just based off what Chiefytheman said on the previous page or is there some info I have missed from the club itself?

I feel like this forum just runs on vibes when we have no leads. Fair enough though, all of us want to speculate about the Nix. Im just trying to work out if this is wild speculation based on vibes or if the club has stated "we will go after a visa CB if a quality local one is not available" or something to that effect

anaveragestem

Ranix

Bullion

Ranix

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

We have this conversation every season - "we can't sign players": its the weather, its the city, its the club, its the finances, its the partner's decision etc.

But we have signed some of the best overseas players - often very late. Zawada end of August, Hemed less than a month before the season start, Hooper the first time after the season started, Mandi and Burgess a week before season start etc.

Yes Sure.  But it's looking like we are going to be signing a visa CB. So that won't be a Zawada or a Hemed. maybe a Taylor if we re lucky.
The remaining spots will need to be local players or Academy grads.

Is this just based off what Chiefytheman said on the previous page or is there some info I have missed from the club itself?

I feel like this forum just runs on vibes when we have no leads. Fair enough though, all of us want to speculate about the Nix. Im just trying to work out if this is wild speculation based on vibes or if the club has stated "we will go after a visa CB if a quality local one is not available" or something to that effect

on the previous page it was said that Gill talked about it on Pineys radio show

anaveragestem

Ranix

Bullion

Ranix

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Do you really think we have no one lined up? When you have one visa spot to use, the juggling act must be to do with getting the best possible local player and then using the visa to balance the squad. I bet we have a list of players lined up. If A signs, then B. If B signs, then C... Like selling a house, all the possible permutations must align.

Maybe signing the best possible experienced local players is the issue though, and proving tough.
The initial comment IIRC was.  due to missing out on local player to fill the CB role they are having to sign a visa in this position.
Was always going to be difficult to convince experienced quality local players (NZ / Aus) that have options, to come in on the back of game style shown by Chiefy over last couple of seasons. 

Edit. We might just have to rely on promising academy players for this season, and look to build for the future. Some certainly showing they are worth the gamble

We have this conversation every season - "we can't sign players": its the weather, its the city, its the club, its the finances, its the partner's decision etc.

But we have signed some of the best overseas players - often very late. Zawada end of August, Hemed less than a month before the season start, Hooper the first time after the season started, Mandi and Burgess a week before season start etc.

Yes Sure.  But it's looking like we are going to be signing a visa CB. So that won't be a Zawada or a Hemed. maybe a Taylor if we re lucky.
The remaining spots will need to be local players or Academy grads.

Is this just based off what Chiefytheman said on the previous page or is there some info I have missed from the club itself?

I feel like this forum just runs on vibes when we have no leads. Fair enough though, all of us want to speculate about the Nix. Im just trying to work out if this is wild speculation based on vibes or if the club has stated "we will go after a visa CB if a quality local one is not available" or something to that effect

And yes. Based on what Chiefytheman said. Which I think was from Pineys chat with Gilly on the weekend broadcast.
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/weekend-sport-with-jason-pine/

I love the potential of LBS but think its concerning if Gill and others at the club are looking to him to be providing our attacking output. At this stage of his development he dosnt need that sort of pressure. 

ballane

I love the potential of LBS but think its concerning if Gill and others at the club are looking to him to be providing our attacking output. At this stage of his development he dosnt need that sort of pressure. 

Absolutely this, burnout is real and could seriously stifle his development. He's clearly got potential and skills, but we can't rely on him at this stage. It's not fair.

I'd be pretty happy if we signed Daniel da Silva. I love watching that guy play. Lovely touch and does the simple stuff well.

With 2 clubs in NZ now and a requirement to play x Kiwis/Aussies the pool is reduced for us now. So makes sense to keep developing and promoting your own youngsters especially given that AFC are likely to win any bidding war with us for a player they want. So less angst and get used to it, exciting times in terms of pathways for our young men and women.

Napier Phoenix

With 2 clubs in NZ now and a requirement to play x Kiwis/Aussies the pool is reduced for us now. So makes sense to keep developing and promoting your own youngsters especially given that AFC are likely to win any bidding war with us for a player they want. So less angst and get used to it, exciting times in terms of pathways for our young men and women.

No angst at all just love our promotion of young talent. But that still dosnt mean its wrong to have some concern that they might ask to much of a young player just starting to find his way in the professional game. Im sure your aware just as i am of the damage that can be done by asking too much too soon of a young player.

There would be worse signings that Daniel De Silva

Unfortunantely for the Nix, LBS only has 2 years left on his deal and if he impresses at all this season then he probably won't be signing an extension. The Nix probably want him to shine this year and sell him at the end of this coming season when he turns 18, so the temptation will be strong to play him a lot. If they had him on a 5 year deal then it'd be much easier for them to slowly ease him into full time first team action. 

Some of the above will be true. Nix won’t want LBS leaving on a free. With an English dad he’ll likely have a UK passport, making it a bit easier for clubs there to sign him. 

If he stars at the U20 WC expect that club interest to really materialise. As the commentator said in the Glory game, Nix fans enjoy LBS and GSR while you can

The might both be young wingers with hyphenated names, but IMO LBS and GSR shouldn't be lumped together, as the comms did, as if they were equally promising.
A front three of Ishige, Eze, and LBS looks very exciting. Absent a good 10, Italiano might go for a 3 4 3, with Armiento or LBS, and Payne or Loke as wingbacks,
Compared to other young players, not going to name names, LBS appears calm and confident. Not overawed.
For the team's sake, I hope he gets plenty of starts and minutes.

coochiee

Some of the above will be true. Nix won’t want LBS leaving on a free. With an English dad he’ll likely have a UK passport, making it a bit easier for clubs there to sign him. 

If he stars at the U20 WC expect that club interest to really materialise. As the commentator said in the Glory game, Nix fans enjoy LBS and GSR while you can

I can see it with LBS but have yet to see what’s behind the hype of GSR.

Hope he really takes off this season.

Hopefully GSR isn't OVH V2.0

AucklandPhoenix

I can see it with LBS but have yet to see what’s behind the hype of GSR.

Hope he really takes off this season.

LBS jumped ahead in the pecking order through his playing time last season while GSR was laid low with injury. 

Thought GSR was good in the playoff match v Brisbane to conclude last season, but I get the feeling roles have reversed somewhat and he is at where Pounds was to begin last year.

Physique wise, LBS looks more suited to the physical component of A-League rigours at this stage as well.

I wonder if it's more of a mental thing with GSR - lack of confidence playing with the first team kind of thing? I know he hasn't had much opportunity to lock in and I don't doubt he can do some good stuff but when I see him on the pitch he looks a bit lost or rattled. Pounds, by comparison, looks like he's having a blast out there.

imanixsupporter

Unfortunantely for the Nix, LBS only has 2 years left on his deal and if he impresses at all this season then he probably won't be signing an extension. The Nix probably want him to shine this year and sell him at the end of this coming season when he turns 18, so the temptation will be strong to play him a lot. If they had him on a 5 year deal then it'd be much easier for them to slowly ease him into full time first team action. 

we've seen plenty of young players sign extensions just before moving on including Cacace and paulson

queenofthequail

I wonder if it's more of a mental thing with GSR - lack of confidence playing with the first team kind of thing? I know he hasn't had much opportunity to lock in and I don't doubt he can do some good stuff but when I see him on the pitch he looks a bit lost or rattled. Pounds, by comparison, looks like he's having a blast out there.

Due to injury he really hasnt had a good crack at  showing what he has got. Some of the senior players and coaching staff i have spoken to over the last couple of years  really rate him and its their opinion for me that counts more than some on the forums. 

Would be ideal if we could get him to sign an extension in the coming months, but I dont think Cacace or Paulsen signed extensions after becoming impressive first team mainstays. If he becomes a regular starter and is bossing games before signing an extension then I would not be surprised if he was then advised not to sign one. 

Ryan

imanixsupporter

Unfortunantely for the Nix, LBS only has 2 years left on his deal and if he impresses at all this season then he probably won't be signing an extension. The Nix probably want him to shine this year and sell him at the end of this coming season when he turns 18, so the temptation will be strong to play him a lot. If they had him on a 5 year deal then it'd be much easier for them to slowly ease him into full time first team action. 

we've seen plenty of young players sign extensions just before moving on including Cacace and paulson

Note LBS will be 18, June next year. Next month's U20 WC definitely a shop window.

The good advice would hopefully be he does at least 3 seasons in the ALM before heading north, ie a 1 year Nix extension.

Do we have a history in the A League of talented youngsters moving up north and succeeding / growing their career, despite a limited time in the ALM?
I am not asking for examples of people who went from AUS/NZL academies to the northern leagues without ever playing in the ALM; only those who did turn out for the first teams for a season or two before going north at a still young age. 

It's always a bit hit and miss isn't it?

Not saying LBS is anywhere near their level but you could mention Garang Kuol and Nestory Irankunda, as two recent high profile examples going north as teenagers. Still very early days with both

Looks like Newcastle (4 year deal signed 2022) will either release Kuol or loan him out again. He's been loaned out to Hearts & Volendam (Holland) without doing much. Potential Miss?

Bayern loaned Irankunda to Grasshoppers in Switzerland. But he's now signed a loan 5 year deal with Watford. Potential Hit.

What could help LBS settle more than most is he likely has family in the UK, and so possibly a support network. His folks may even move (back) there. That's if it was a club in Blighty that signed him. But very early days to be talking about this stuff. Lets see how he goes in Chile next month, and this coming ALM season.

Certainly the general chatter is that young guys are better to wait until they have at least 3-4 good seasons in the ALM behind them before trying Europe. Higher chance of success. A bit of patience is a good thing.

I always thought the example of Robbie Kruse was good.  He was a talented young (18) new striker for Brisbane Roar, but arguably only became a full package when he moved to Melbourne Victory two years later (in 2009).  Fortuna Duesseldorf signed him in 2011 and he played for Fortuna, then Bayern Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart until 2016.  So a successful European stint, but I think it was the time at the MV under Ernie Merrick that made the difference for young Kruse.  

Libby can be counted as a success i would think but he also shows a grounding of playing more than just 1 season helped.
Singh i always thought went to soon and could have done with another a League season.
Also think despite many having reservations it looks like Surman may have taken the right route for him to eventually do well in Europe.
So for me i hope both LBS and GSR do at least another season after this before moving I think that would really help to give them both a better chance of success. While also being good for us.

Mainland FC

Do we have a history in the A League of talented youngsters moving up north and succeeding / growing their career, despite a limited time in the ALM?
I am not asking for examples of people who went from AUS/NZL academies to the northern leagues without ever playing in the ALM; only those who did turn out for the first teams for a season or two before going north at a still young age. 

The two strategies that seem to have the best results for ALM players tend to be 
a) heading to an overseas academy before you are 18 (need a EU/UK passport for that) or 
b) sticking around playing 50-60 ALM games, being a regular starter & then jumping to EU/UK league where you can play from the start.

If you are 18+ and being signed for an Overseas Team's Academy, the success rate isn't great.

Libby signing for a middling club in Belgium, also with retrospect really worked out well for him. Almost immeditely he was starting for Sint-Truiden in a very decent European League. And yes you can it working similar for Surman, by first going to the MLS. Same Old at St Etienne, with them now in Ligue Two.

But with all 3 (esp Cacace) there were some Nix fans who thought they should have immediately gone to a bigger club.

Singh the different route, straight to a massive club. Then a miserable loan deal to nearby Nuremburg that it sounded like he really hated. Long German winters, Covid lockdowns, home sickness, that Osteitis pubis injury. He's had no luck at all. Maybe if he was a bit older when he first arrived in Europe he would have better copped with all that. Maybe

I agree on Singh, but apart from the above, I do not really know whether his less than stellar turnout for the AWs during the WC qualifiers that we had in NZ was a result of what we could call "a decline in his fortunes", or whether it was just circumstantial (he had a bad game or two, he was not 100% fit, unfamiliar with his current team makeup??? etc).   

Mainland FC

I agree on Singh, but apart from the above, I do not really know whether his less than stellar turnout for the AWs during the WC qualifiers that we had in NZ was just a result of what we could call "a decline in his fortunes", or whether it was just circumstantial (he had a bad game or two, he was not 100% fit, unfamiliar with his current team makeup??? etc).   

Singh was, IMHO, very good against Tunisia and Egypt.