If he can get his body right he’s definitely got big potential as a 6, and maybe as a CB too. If he’s open to coming to NZ I reckon he’d definitely be worth a punt.
WPM 2026/27 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination
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Friar Tuck wrote:
If he can get his body right he’s definitely got big potential as a 6, and maybe as a CB too. If he’s open to coming to NZ I reckon he’d definitely be worth a punt.
Seen him play a few times...don't like to deride young players as they are all on their journey but not really a good distributor from 6.
We tend to get excited about the opportunity when a young overseas NZ player is released by a released by their club but they are being released for a reason.
Rumour has it they in discussions with Finn McKenlay after his exit from AFC...but also rumours he goes to the US so the problem with rumours...
We tend to get excited about the opportunity when a young overseas NZ player is released by a released by their club but they are being released for a reason.
Rumour has it they in discussions with Finn McKenlay after his exit from AFC...but also rumours he goes to the US so the problem with rumours...
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Friar Tuck wrote:
If he can get his body right he’s definitely got big potential as a 6, and maybe as a CB too. If he’s open to coming to NZ I reckon he’d definitely be worth a punt.
Would be better off trying to get a loan for Dibley-Dias if that's the way we're looking.
Unlikely given his injury history and lack of playing time recently, as well as Fulham's reluctance to loan outside of UK/Europe. A shorter season and playing in warmer conditions might be of some help in finally getting his body right though.
No thanks on McKenlay too. Haven't seen enough from him to warrant jumping all over him to be part of our midfield setup, even if the rumour was there that he was looking to try and get a trial with us because he's worked with Greenie previously.
Unlikely given his injury history and lack of playing time recently, as well as Fulham's reluctance to loan outside of UK/Europe. A shorter season and playing in warmer conditions might be of some help in finally getting his body right though.
No thanks on McKenlay too. Haven't seen enough from him to warrant jumping all over him to be part of our midfield setup, even if the rumour was there that he was looking to try and get a trial with us because he's worked with Greenie previously.
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Gillion just left AFC. Visibly improved through the season. I'd sign him if he's interested.
Disappointed to see FRC and McCarron in the squad, and agree with the need to sign a second keeper, oops, third.
https://x.com/i/status/2070000220558254211
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Gillion doesnt fit Greenie's system really and would probably mean less minutes for LBS.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
Valley FC til I die?
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YoungHeartHM wrote:Friar Tuck wrote:
No thanks on McKenlay too. Haven't seen enough from him to warrant jumping all over him to be part of our midfield setup, even if the rumour was there that he was looking to try and get a trial with us because he's worked with Greenie previously.
Started once, played poorly and yanked at halftime. Young player (Rufer wasn't impressive at that age IMO) but it's telling that in a late season game, with AFC's last DM off injured, and McKenlay on the bench, they brought on a CB, and pushed Girdwood-Reich into midfield.
My 10c: Northern League is his level.
My 10c: Northern League is his level.
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nixin wrote:YoungHeartHM wrote:Started once, played poorly and yanked at halftime. Young player (Rufer wasn't impressive at that age IMO) but it's telling that in a late season game, with AFC's last DM off injured, and McKenlay on the bench, they brought on a CB, and pushed Girdwood-Reich into midfield.Friar Tuck wrote:
No thanks on McKenlay too. Haven't seen enough from him to warrant jumping all over him to be part of our midfield setup, even if the rumour was there that he was looking to try and get a trial with us because he's worked with Greenie previously.
My 10c: Northern League is his level.
Girdwood-Reich started as a DM before Uffie shifted him to CB at Sydney, so I wouldn't hold that against him.
Still not that interested him myself tho.
Still not that interested him myself tho.
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Nelfoos wrote:
Gillion doesnt fit Greenie's system really and would probably mean less minutes for LBS.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
Haven't seen it mentioned whether he has/or is able to get Aussie citizenship or not. So yes, will most likely take up a Visa slot if he goes to WSW.
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Nelfoos wrote:
Gillion doesnt fit Greenie's system really and would probably mean less minutes for LBS.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
Maybe the system should make room for players who can do this:
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nixin wrote:Nelfoos wrote:Maybe the system should make room for players who can do this:
Gillion doesnt fit Greenie's system really and would probably mean less minutes for LBS.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
LBS basically did this against Roar but laid it off for the tap in.
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nixin wrote:Nelfoos wrote:Maybe the system should make room for players who can do this:
Gillion doesnt fit Greenie's system really and would probably mean less minutes for LBS.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
He can do it in the OFC league, but his end product in the A-League has been below standard so far.
If the system was going to change to make room for players then we'd have kept Armiento.
Dribbly bois are useful but I dont expect LBS to start, given we have Nagasawa and probably an incoming import in that role, so I dont think we need another one who is 5 years older and unlikely to have significant development.
If WSW want to overpay him I dont see why we should get in their way.
If the system was going to change to make room for players then we'd have kept Armiento.
Dribbly bois are useful but I dont expect LBS to start, given we have Nagasawa and probably an incoming import in that role, so I dont think we need another one who is 5 years older and unlikely to have significant development.
If WSW want to overpay him I dont see why we should get in their way.
Valley FC til I die?
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Nelfoos wrote:nixin wrote:He can do it in the OFC league, but his end product in the A-League has been below standard so far.Nelfoos wrote:Maybe the system should make room for players who can do this:
Gillion doesnt fit Greenie's system really and would probably mean less minutes for LBS.
Would he take up a visa spot for an Australian team? If so the fact that someone is interested probably speaks to the salary cap being fucked, hes nowhere near import quality.
If the system was going to change to make room for players then we'd have kept Armiento.
Dribbly bois are useful but I dont expect LBS to start, given we have Nagasawa and probably an incoming import in that role, so I dont think we need another one who is 5 years older and unlikely to have significant development.
If WSW want to overpay him I dont see why we should get in their way.
The only explanation of WSW signing Gillion is that they found out he has Australian citizenship too. No way near import quality and if he is being seriously looked at by them its more on the league compared to WSW and Gillion
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Dude’s young, fast, exciting and let’s be honest - how great was Ben Old’s shooting percentages when he left? He’s found a career at LB which avoids the spotlight on it.
Gillion- better for us than Cola. Though to be fair we never saw the best of that lad. Better than a fair few.
Do you think these players are afraid of competition? Let’s make it official!
Think LBS reads a game much better than Gillion so far and has a great range of passing. Gillion has him on speed perhaps, LBS a bit more on control.
Gillion gets punters in the door, imo. If you don’t want broken Aussie forwards, sign unbroken kiwi ones. Perhaps the best way to learn or advance is outside Corica’s strictures, just playing and enjoying it.
Plus we might be able to get The Auckland Phoenix’s People’s Front of Liam to return and bring Napier Nix too! Rrrivals. National Mum and Labour Dad on Calvary Street. Then we just need to find Junior. Happy Days.
I guess he plays as a wide 10 or a striker or even as part of a midfield two if he’s given a free role to advance the ball.
Probably signed up, but never hurts to ask.
Gillion- better for us than Cola. Though to be fair we never saw the best of that lad. Better than a fair few.
Do you think these players are afraid of competition? Let’s make it official!
Think LBS reads a game much better than Gillion so far and has a great range of passing. Gillion has him on speed perhaps, LBS a bit more on control.
Gillion gets punters in the door, imo. If you don’t want broken Aussie forwards, sign unbroken kiwi ones. Perhaps the best way to learn or advance is outside Corica’s strictures, just playing and enjoying it.
Plus we might be able to get The Auckland Phoenix’s People’s Front of Liam to return and bring Napier Nix too! Rrrivals. National Mum and Labour Dad on Calvary Street. Then we just need to find Junior. Happy Days.
I guess he plays as a wide 10 or a striker or even as part of a midfield two if he’s given a free role to advance the ball.
Probably signed up, but never hurts to ask.
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martinb wrote:
Dude’s young, fast, exciting and let’s be honest - how great was Ben Old’s shooting percentages when he left? He’s found a career at LB which avoids the spotlight on it.
Gillion- better for us than Cola. Though to be fair we never saw the best of that lad. Better than a fair few.
Do you think these players are afraid of competition? Let’s make it official!
Think LBS reads a game much better than Gillion so far and has a great range of passing. Gillion has him on speed perhaps, LBS a bit more on control.
Gillion gets punters in the door, imo. If you don’t want broken Aussie forwards, sign unbroken kiwi ones. Perhaps the best way to learn or advance is outside Corica’s strictures, just playing and enjoying it.
Plus we might be able to get The Auckland Phoenix’s People’s Front of Liam to return and bring Napier Nix too! Rrrivals. National Mum and Labour Dad on Calvary Street. Then we just need to find Junior. Happy Days.
I guess he plays as a wide 10 or a striker or even as part of a midfield two if he’s given a free role to advance the ball.
Probably signed up, but never hurts to ask.
I mean he's worth it for us as he isn't a foreign slot so why not even on a 1+1, shown glimpses when he can.
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Gillion improved his game in the lower level OPL. Corica brought him back to the ALM squad and gave him regular mins off the pine
Nelfoos is clearly not a fan, but I think Liam G still has some upside. He’ll likely never get to Europe like Old, but there is some sort of comparison there, re needing to improve that 'finished product'
I also like Gillion as he seems a cheeky sort of likeable guy great for a dressing room. Dolores’s little rat boy. Really hope he does well wherever he goes. Shame he came into pro football at a lateish age (21?). Would have benefited I reckon coming through say Weenix, training every day to get that head up etc etc
Nelfoos is clearly not a fan, but I think Liam G still has some upside. He’ll likely never get to Europe like Old, but there is some sort of comparison there, re needing to improve that 'finished product'
I also like Gillion as he seems a cheeky sort of likeable guy great for a dressing room. Dolores’s little rat boy. Really hope he does well wherever he goes. Shame he came into pro football at a lateish age (21?). Would have benefited I reckon coming through say Weenix, training every day to get that head up etc etc
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If we need a 4th choice player in that position we could do worse as a footballer - he's definitely ahead of GSR & Walker. I just don't see Greenie going for it, especially if WSW are gonna give him import wages. We'd be idiots to try compete with that.
Valley FC til I die?
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Nelfoos wrote:
If we need a 4th choice player in that position we could do worse as a footballer - he's definitely ahead of GSR & Walker. I just don't see Greenie going for it, especially if WSW are gonna give him import wages. We'd be idiots to try compete with that.
Given the noises out of WSW like here after Uffie’s final season, and their years of Mata and Fraser, and f- all on the pitch, they might be going for lower cost imports?
I mean I like Walker and think he’s probably better than Gillion overall, but we haven’t seen him in two years. Just currently Gillion has got everyone smoked on pace. And I’d love to see him keep hitting the top bins.
And yeh, Gillion’s just a fun player! Remember Daniel, Timmy, Felipe, Kenny Cunningham, Waffles…even the dudes with Darjie - Kaluderovic and Lubo iirc. Paul the master Ifill…
Saw the joy get taken from Eze a bit with being here and it’s why those that do like watching Piper. He bloody enjoys playing. He’s not afraid of the pitch or the ball or making mistakes.
We wanna win, absolutely. But having players who still love playing the game and create things to enjoy and celebrate helps.
I mean I like Walker and think he’s probably better than Gillion overall, but we haven’t seen him in two years. Just currently Gillion has got everyone smoked on pace. And I’d love to see him keep hitting the top bins.
And yeh, Gillion’s just a fun player! Remember Daniel, Timmy, Felipe, Kenny Cunningham, Waffles…even the dudes with Darjie - Kaluderovic and Lubo iirc. Paul the master Ifill…
Saw the joy get taken from Eze a bit with being here and it’s why those that do like watching Piper. He bloody enjoys playing. He’s not afraid of the pitch or the ball or making mistakes.
We wanna win, absolutely. But having players who still love playing the game and create things to enjoy and celebrate helps.
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Nelfoos wrote:
If we need a 4th choice player in that position we could do worse as a footballer - he's definitely ahead of GSR & Walker. I just don't see Greenie going for it, especially if WSW are gonna give him import wages. We'd be idiots to try compete with that.
Don't think WSW will be giving him import wages probably more than what we'd offer. I'd be surprised if it'd be 100k+ AUD
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https://x.com/i/status/2070432132413997354
Well that's that all done and dusted.
What names we pulling out of the rolodex next?
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YoungHeartHM wrote:https://x.com/i/status/2070432132413997354Well that's that all done and dusted.What names we pulling out of the rolodex next?
The Phoenix must get new foreign attackers and maybe 1 from Australia. No other proven A League level NZ attackers available as far as I know (starters).
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Always good to see the pool of Kiwi players spread further across the league. Not exactly gutted we didn't get him, but best of luck to him. Hope he's more Storm Roux than Matt Ridenton.
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The silver lining of Singh having a pretty underwhelming world cup is you'd think we have a much better chance of getting him back for next season now
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.
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YoungHeartHM wrote:https://x.com/i/status/2070432132413997354Well that's that all done and dusted.What names we pulling out of the rolodex next?
Pity. When first at AFC,he did the hard things well (beating a man) but didn't seem to know what to do next. And so got dropped. Reintroduced late in the season, I thought his final product was much better. Starting to impress. WSW seem to agree; hope they give him a decent run.
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Jazzy Jeff wrote:
The silver lining of Singh having a pretty underwhelming world cup is you'd think we have a much better chance of getting him back for next season now
Didn't show much in Wellington this year either, and doesn't seem to be the player he used to be. Lacking self belief, motivation? Compare his progress with Just's, for example. Worth a punt but don't pay or expect too much.
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nixin wrote:Jazzy Jeff wrote:Didn't show much in Wellington this year either, and doesn't seem to be the player he used to be. Lacking self belief, motivation? Compare his progress with Just's, for example. Worth a punt but don't pay or expect too much.
The silver lining of Singh having a pretty underwhelming world cup is you'd think we have a much better chance of getting him back for next season now
To be fair, it's pretty tough to show much for us (or the all whites for that matter) when the 55 minutes he played in February and 19 minutes he played in April after the injury were the only club football he's played in 2026. I have full faith that he would get back to his best with a full pre-season and a forgiving league calendar that the A-League provides.
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.
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Paul Mullin has left Wrexham. Hasn't played much in the last couple of years but he's the kind of guy I'd like to see us sign to lead the line. Get Libby to put in a good word for us. Might be out of our reach wage wise though.
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Sorry does anyone know. I thought Singh was singed on only loan? Was it not a loan?
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brookem wrote:
Sorry does anyone know. I thought Singh was singed on only loan? Was it not a loan?
Yep, it was just a loan. His Serbian club got relegated though, and Kalezic (who brought him in) got sacked halfway through last season iirc, so even though he's under contract with them it seems unlikely he'll stick around.
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.
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Jazzy Jeff wrote:brookem wrote:Yep, it was just a loan. His Serbian club got relegated though, and Kalezic (who brought him in) got sacked halfway through last season iirc, so even though he's under contract with them it seems unlikely he'll stick around.
Sorry does anyone know. I thought Singh was singed on only loan? Was it not a loan?
Ah okay thank you! It was only I wasn't getting why he wasn't included in the goodbye list of players who've left. As Kartum has gone already. Thank you again
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Wibblebutt wrote:
Paul Mullin has left Wrexham. Hasn't played much in the last couple of years but he's the kind of guy I'd like to see us sign to lead the line. Get Libby to put in a good word for us. Might be out of our reach wage wise though.
This might not be as far-fetched as it may appear at first glance. On top of the Libby connection, was Mullin part of the squad that came over here last year, and there may be at least some familiarity with the club and city if nothing else?
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Rock Hopper wrote:Wibblebutt wrote:This might not be as far-fetched as it may appear at first glance. On top of the Libby connection, was Mullin part of the squad that came over here last year, and there may be at least some familiarity with the club and city if nothing else?
Paul Mullin has left Wrexham. Hasn't played much in the last couple of years but he's the kind of guy I'd like to see us sign to lead the line. Get Libby to put in a good word for us. Might be out of our reach wage wise though.
Mullin was loaned out to Wigan last season.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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LG wrote:Rock Hopper wrote:Mullin was loaned out to Wigan last season.Wibblebutt wrote:This might not be as far-fetched as it may appear at first glance. On top of the Libby connection, was Mullin part of the squad that came over here last year, and there may be at least some familiarity with the club and city if nothing else?
Paul Mullin has left Wrexham. Hasn't played much in the last couple of years but he's the kind of guy I'd like to see us sign to lead the line. Get Libby to put in a good word for us. Might be out of our reach wage wise though.
I thought a large part of the reason he was at Wrexham and as you say Wigan was that they are both relatively close to his family in Liverpool. Can't realistically see him wanting to move to Welly
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From memory from the doc, his child may also have some health issues which would mean being around family would be important.
Auckland will rise once more
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