I would take Kosta IF he is happy that he's not going to be starting and on relatively low salary. He can play a few positions, if needed, and could be utilised as a great role model for our younger players. Could totally see it that he works on his coaching badges and is involved with the academy a little.
Screenshot 2026-06-19 at 11.17.10 AM.png406.84 KBMost likely only 2 more local signings left after the visas. For the attacker could see it being: Kosta, Gillion, Feutz, Ramy For the CB doesn't look like many options of NZ or Aussie players but maybe Adams (likely will stay state side), Wynne (if AFC don't sign him) or just promote Munro.
about 3 hours ago· edited about 3 hours ago· History
He wouldn’t replace Eze, but I’d be wary of writing Kosta off. He seems to be in great condition! He’s just led the line to the first NZ victory over a Latin American team.
I think he might still have a couple of A league seasons in him at least. I didn’t see much of his play at WSW, but a lot of good players like Mata and Kraev were unable to make much of an impression for that seemingly stacked team.
As for the team above- It’s exciting. I think LKH is a much better LCB than a LB. He was impressive at CB for NZ. I’m a bit worried now about our depth at RB and midfield. This might be the season we see Roa-Conchie break through. He’s worked a lot with Greenie.
I’d be happy to have a strong defensive import who could play CB, FB, 6 or even 8, if that’s possible. Salas/Sakai/ Boxall/Manny Muscat-esque type…probably aiming to play them as a replacement for Rufer.
Edit: I think I’d almost rather trust Piper and LBS as one of the forwards and try and sign a Verstaete level signing, plus a strong utility, who would replace Payne. Neither Sheridan or Loke, while both promising players, were top drawer FBs yet last season. Possibly one import striker, plus Kosta or Piper or a local player might be okay, if the defense is solid. 4 goals and 4 assists is a decent return from Piper last season.
wilbaker wrote: Screenshot 2026-06-19 at 11.17.10 AM.png406.84 KBMost likely only 2 more local signings left after the visas. For the attacker could see it being: Kosta, Gillion, Feutz, Ramy For the CB doesn't look like many options of NZ or Aussie players but maybe Adams (likely will stay state side), Wynne (if AFC don't sign him) or just promote Munro.
This is pretty much exactly where I see the squad.
For that local CB, Josh Laws has been a free agent for about a year.
Personally though, I’d be making a strong play for James Bulkeley. No longer at North Texas, I understand he’s recently joined Western Springs.
He’s a big, strong CB and was a bit of a standout for the U20s. At 21 he could be a ready replacement for Hughes once he eventually gets his move overseas.
Just dont get people being prepared to take Kosta again. Have people forgotten him Sutton and Wooten all turned in very slack performances in the last games of their stints with us. At times showing little interest.
Good call re Bulkeley. Greeny will know him obviously from the U20 WC. I think he was to play for Auckland in the OFC Pro League but got injured.
Aussie raised (plus time in the UAE and yes Texas) so the fact that he's stayed in NZ with Western Springs might be a pointer that either the Nix or Auckland FC are looking at him as an A League signing.
Unless things have changed in the past month or so, I'm pretty sure we'll see him in on trial when pre-season kicks off. 😉
Auckland had initially looked at signing him for their inaugural season, and he was there on trial for several of their first friendly games but an offer was not forthcoming.
wilbaker wrote: Screenshot 2026-06-19 at 11.17.10 AM.png406.84 KBMost likely only 2 more local signings left after the visas. For the attacker could see it being: Kosta, Gillion, Feutz, Ramy For the CB doesn't look like many options of NZ or Aussie players but maybe Adams (likely will stay state side), Wynne (if AFC don't sign him) or just promote Munro.
McGarry, LKH, Sheridan and Loke as our FBs give me nightmares.
As I stuck on the bottom of the Kosta thing I have more confidence in Piper/LBS/Walker to cover a starting spot than Sheridan/Loke/LKH. And McGarry is newly returned.
I’d like to see a defensive utility signing like Salas who could cover FB or CM/DM. Between those 4 positions there’ll be enough injuries and form slumps. And gives tactical options for substitutions. Not having cover puts a lot more pressure on those players across the season. We’re defensively short of quality and cover without Payne.
Plus I think LKH should be considered a CB. LB: McGarry /Loke CB: Hughes/LKH CB: Tuiloma/(Smith) -can play RCB? RB: Sheridan-Import starter not sure.
And are we keeping Najarrine?
I don’t know Feutz so well, but given two good import forward signings and any of the other 3 signings we have a very good attacking side.
Without replacing Payne and building in a bit more depth of quality and resiliency into the defensive unit, we’re selling ourselves short. We’re not giving ourselves the best chance.
I think it’s fair to say none of LKH/Loke/Smith/Sheridan are settled in a position and James McGarry is newly returned. Without Payne it’s not the settled and potentially title challenging backline we were dreaming of when McGarry signed.
