Great item on tvone sports news tonight about the 500th Phoenix game. Footage from our first ever game, big crowds, finals appearances, interview with Ricki, mention of rising from the ashes of Kingz and Knights, no mention of Auckland FC, talk about the two pro teams - the Nix men and women and all the academy teams. Good stuff.
Even Three News had a decent story which is suprising as they hardly give us any airtime before matches. Recommend peeps watch them both. Oi Oi Edgecumbe
Great item on tvone sports news tonight about the 500th Phoenix game. Footage from our first ever game, big crowds, finals appearances, interview with Ricki, mention of rising from the ashes of Kingz and Knights, no mention of Auckland FC, talk about the two pro teams - the Nix men and women and all the academy teams. Good stuff.
The Unused Subs show has delivered a packed episode this week, featuring Wellington Phoenix original and former All Whites striker Shane Smeltz as the headline guest.
Smeltz joined the discussion shortly after the 15-minute mark, with the conversation framed around Wellington Phoenix preparing for their 500th men’s match in club history.
He reflected on the club’s inaugural match, his contribution during the first two seasons, and the Johnny Warren Medal that followed his prolific early spell.
The episode also revisited former owner Terry Serepisos, with discussion covering his distinctive sideline presence, personality and involvement around the team environment.
With Smeltz among four New Zealanders to score at a FIFA Men’s World Cup, the panel revisited his goal against Italy in South Africa.
They also examined the offside debate surrounding that moment and shared a behind-the-scenes story involving a chaotic pre-match journey for one All Whites defender.
about 2 months ago· edited about 2 months ago· History
For me it was always Smeltzy that made the difference. And Daniel.
He came off that game against Wales where he looked like a stone cold gold scorer. And then Daniel’s equalizer in the first game.
Browny’s goals against Sydney and anyone in fact. That Melbourne game when he bounced one in.
But it was that goal from Smeltzy against Melbourne that made we think we weren’t NZ teams I’d seen before, making up the numbers and kind of apologising for playing football when it got serious. We could be a class act.
We’d always it seemed had guys like Ivan or Ryan in NZ, or that is to say our better players were often defenders, but Smeltz could score off his left or right peg, with his head, from distance or the six yard line, a finish after a swift counter or through bodies after a corner.
I guess this shows my football age that I didn’t see prime Wynton and also the pre-internet age where overseas could be the moon for any chance we’d see coverage, but yeh, for me Smeltzy was the guy that showed the club could and would be something different. With a very decent support cast.
Edit: Actually looking back, and thinking about what Uffie said about your signings being a big part of the job, this was one thing that Ricki really was able to get right in those first couple of years with Smeltzy and a fair bunch of decent All Whites behind him.
I just hope people show up to the game despite the economic headwinds around Welly. It would be rather sad if you have all this hype and good coverage on the news only to see 4k in the stands.
I say this all of course while living in Tauranga. Id be there in a flash if I was in Welly.
I just hope people show up to the game despite the economic headwinds around Welly. It would be rather sad if you have all this hype and good coverage on the news only to see 4k in the stands.
I say this all of course while living in Tauranga. Id be there in a flash if I was in Welly.
Would love it if your right but Friday nite at 7 on the back of a 4-1 belting just cant see it. Hope like hell im wrong.
I just hope people show up to the game despite the economic headwinds around Welly. It would be rather sad if you have all this hype and good coverage on the news only to see 4k in the stands.
I say this all of course while living in Tauranga. Id be there in a flash if I was in Welly.
Would love it if your right but Friday nite at 7 on the back of a 4-1 belting just cant see it. Hope like hell im wrong.
Yep. That is my concern. Oh well, just the way it is I guess.
City arent havent exactly been the force of passed seasons this year, they are 2 points ahead of us, it's 8th vs 9th. If ever there was a chance to beat them its this Friday.
I'm down in Welly for a stag do tomorrow night and then a wedding on Saturday so I'm going to see if I can convince some of the lads to accompany me tomorrow. Shame they not having a discount ticket price promotion this week.
The Unused Subs episode is a good watch with some nice stories from Smeltz and Iffil. Amazing how we are at 500 games. Its been a roller coaster ride. Not sure how this weekends game will go. It depends on which Nix team turns up....we are up and down this season. But the motivation of playing the 500th game should be enough. I want to see more Kartum and Billy T. Our best 11 looks strong now
I'm down in Welly for a stag do tomorrow night and then a wedding on Saturday so I'm going to see if I can convince some of the lads to accompany me tomorrow. Shame they not having a discount ticket price promotion this week.
There you go Simon someone to offer your discount to.
about 2 months ago· edited about 2 months ago· History
ballane
Nommag
I'm down in Welly for a stag do tomorrow night and then a wedding on Saturday so I'm going to see if I can convince some of the lads to accompany me tomorrow. Shame they not having a discount ticket price promotion this week.
There you go Simon someone to offer your discount to.
Cheers - Nommag, I’ve just sent you a message that might help.
Since it is our 500th game, perhaps we can regurgitate the Bonevacia chant changing it to Armiento.
The I would walk 500 miles song by the Proclaimers.
I’ll watch the Nix 500 times And I’ll watch the Nix 500 more Just to be the man who watched a thousand times and want to suffer more
or and wanted more and more!
Though I’ve probably only watched around 15-20 games at a stadium over the years sadly, though I’ve not missed many on the tele, so I’ll defer to those with season tickets!
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11.
LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting.
If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players.
Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.
about 2 months ago· edited about 2 months ago· History
wilbaker
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11.
LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting.
If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players.
Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.
Not sure I agree. LBS is not someone to play a full "adult" game yet, not at his age. Sure way to injure him out. Him and Sander Kartum would be best as subs to come on, Sander possibly a full second half by now perhaps. In contrast, Piper is one of few players who can play a full game and produce exactly the same quality through 90 minutes; so should only be subbed off if there is a very good reason (tactical change, injury etc). Some may not like what he does with the ball but at least he is super consistent and cannot be muscled off easily. Mileusnic post-recovery is likely ready by now to play a longer spell. Both him and Sander Kartum should get decent time on the field. I look forward to both of them being an early sub, even just to take Eze off if he is unproductive. The big Nigerian is good (perhaps even very good by Nix standards) but not the only good player in this squad.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
Sander was fit coming over. Game fitness probably not, but he wasn't injured. Start and give him 60.
MetalLegNZ
Sander was fit coming over. Game fitness probably not, but he wasn't injured. Start and give him 60.
Could be the case - I am not sure if he was playing regularly before leaving Scotland or not, but deff looked physically good last week in his 15 min cameo.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
Something else to disagree with, Mainland! I don't know what's so special about the Nix's 17 year old that requires him to be wrapped in cotton wool, when other clubs are regularly fielding teenagers, 17, 16 even 15, more frequently by the year, and they do well, and don't disproportionately get injured. It's not as if he's frail physically. The opposite, he's one of the strongest teens. And appears to have a stable temperament, unlike, say, Irankunda. He's a potential matchwinner, capable of brilliance, and this season might end with regrets that he wasn't played more and earlier. Mainland FC
wilbaker
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11.
LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting.
If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players.
Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.
Not sure I agree. LBS is not someone to play a full "adult" game yet, not at his age. Sure way to injure him out. Him and Sander Kartum would be best as subs to come on, Sander possibly a full second half by now perhaps. In contrast, Piper is one of few players who can play a full game and produce exactly the same quality through 90 minutes; so should only be subbed off if there is a very good reason (tactical change, injury etc). Some may not like what he does with the ball but at least he is super consistent and cannot be muscled off easily. Mileusnic post-recovery is likely ready by now to play a longer spell. Both him and Sander Kartum should get decent time on the field. I look forward to both of them being an early sub, even just to take Eze off if he is unproductive. The big Nigerian is good (perhaps even very good by Nix standards) but not the only good player in this squad.
Something else to disagree with, Mainland! I don't know what's so special about the Nix's 17 year old that requires him to be wrapped in cotton wool, when other clubs are regularly fielding teenagers, 17, 16 even 15, more frequently by the year, and they do well, and don't disproportionately get injured. It's not as if he's frail physically. The opposite, he's one of the strongest teens. And appears to have a stable temperament, unlike, say, Irankunda. He's a potential matchwinner, capable of brilliance, and this season might end with regrets that he wasn't played more and earlier. Mainland FC
wilbaker
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11.
LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting.
If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players.
Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.
Not sure I agree. LBS is not someone to play a full "adult" game yet, not at his age. Sure way to injure him out. Him and Sander Kartum would be best as subs to come on, Sander possibly a full second half by now perhaps. In contrast, Piper is one of few players who can play a full game and produce exactly the same quality through 90 minutes; so should only be subbed off if there is a very good reason (tactical change, injury etc). Some may not like what he does with the ball but at least he is super consistent and cannot be muscled off easily. Mileusnic post-recovery is likely ready by now to play a longer spell. Both him and Sander Kartum should get decent time on the field. I look forward to both of them being an early sub, even just to take Eze off if he is unproductive. The big Nigerian is good (perhaps even very good by Nix standards) but not the only good player in this squad.
Yeah I agree, he started 3 games last season as 16 year old and started the few aus cup games we had so its not like he's never started before. I do think he should still be managed and not start every week but he hasn't been given one chance to start a game and its not like Ramy has been on hot form.
