So genuine question for those that know more about player development than myself, do you think the way this team is structured is going to produce the best possible players for the national team in the future?
I'm fully expecting the team to lose this weekend and most likely get wooden spoon, thats not me hating the players or team I just see it as the reality. Does losing all the time the way they do help the ladies development particularly? Or do you think that the team would be better off with a few more quality imports and setting aspirations for mid table instead?
I don't really know the answer but I think it's a question that needs to be asked, especially if they want fans to engage with the team a lot more. Will the young players be getting decent transfers and moving to a higher level in the future if they end up stuck rock bottom?
So genuine question for those that know more about player development than myself, do you think the way this team is structured is going to produce the best possible players for the national team in the future?
I'm fully expecting the team to lose this weekend and most likely get wooden spoon, thats not me hating the players or team I just see it as the reality. Does losing all the time the way they do help the ladies development particularly? Or do you think that the team would be better off with a few more quality imports and setting aspirations for mid table instead?
I don't really know the answer but I think it's a question that needs to be asked, especially if they want fans to engage with the team a lot more. Will the young players be getting decent transfers and moving to a higher level in the future if they end up stuck rock bottom?
With the retained players having a year's experience under their belts, older experienced players like Hassett, Satchell & Rolston signed to a young squad plus actual home games - lots of optimism the team should have performed better this season not worse. The club/NZF would have expected this squad to improve on last year.
Big call was probably moving Lawrence into head coach role, when Lewis left so close to the season start. Was that the right call?
Plus injuries to some of the better players in Taylor, Alfeld & Rolston haven't helped. Now Whinham is unavailable.
It's still a very new team/setup, and their first season being based in NZ. Does the JV with NZF finish after this season, last season before WWC?
Is there a conflict between a NZF long term desire for young NZ player development, and a club short term desire for more wins? Or do the club not really care, as without NZF's financial input into the JV there is no ALW team?
I'm sure the whole setup will be reviewed at season end, and work done on what can be done better. As a whole the Nix as a club seems well run, so they won't be happy if is no forward progress with the ALW team the rest of the season.
So genuine question for those that know more about player development than myself, do you think the way this team is structured is going to produce the best possible players for the national team in the future?
I'm fully expecting the team to lose this weekend and most likely get wooden spoon, thats not me hating the players or team I just see it as the reality. Does losing all the time the way they do help the ladies development particularly? Or do you think that the team would be better off with a few more quality imports and setting aspirations for mid table instead?
I don't really know the answer but I think it's a question that needs to be asked, especially if they want fans to engage with the team a lot more. Will the young players be getting decent transfers and moving to a higher level in the future if they end up stuck rock bottom?
With the retained players having a year's experience under their belts, older experienced players like Hassett, Satchell & Rolston signed to a young squad plus actual home games - lots of optimism the team should have performed better this season not worse. The club/NZF would have expected this squad to improve on last year.
Big call was probably moving Lawrence into head coach role, when Lewis left so close to the season start. Was that the right call?
Plus injuries to some of the better players in Taylor, Alfeld & Rolston haven't helped. Now Whinham is unavailable.
It's still a very new team/setup, and their first season being based in NZ. Does the JV with NZF finish after this season, last season before WWC?
Is there a conflict between a NZF long term desire for young NZ player development, and a club short term desire for more wins? Or do the club not really care, as without NZF's financial input into the JV there is no ALW team?
I'm sure the whole setup will be reviewed at season end, and work done on what can be done better. As a whole the Nix as a club seems well run, so they won't be happy if is no forward progress with the ALW team the rest of the season.
Hopefully a big review coming soon, its really a shame to see the team going backwards. I don't think it's unfair to say at this point the Lawrence isn't really up to this level. Maybe she's more of an assistant type coach anyway, idk.
Hope they can get some results soon though. My partner and most of her friends play football and they were so excited for a pro women's team initially and now none if them are even bothering to watch, its a sad situation really in that regard.
I have serious doubts if this is all set up properly to achieve success.
Having a team in the league for the phoenix franchise as its a great look in regard to gender equality and growing women's game, it had to happen eventually and they got lucky with the help of others. At the same time it is funded by NZF so a great bonus for the phoenix - question is do they(Fenix) really care to much about the set up? the results? when really its NZFs team - they provide the players, they provide the coaches, they provide the funds. They just play under the Wellington Phoenix umbrella.
In terms of the coaching - what is interesting by all accounts is that HPSNZ have previously sent national sporting organisations a letter of recommendation/ they must show intent in growth of women coaches if they are to receive future funding. NZF sent Lawrence on HPSNZ courses. She was always going to get the job. Maybe she will get better? but again I don't think Fenix care too much whose coaching the team or even if they have a say who knows. I would like to see Alana Gunn from Chch get the job - she has a great reputation domestically and is a proper coach according to the players you speak to. Leon Birnie has International experience in the womens game and would be good but he is a male so rules him out. Maybe that's why he's been removed from his nzf role with U17's...who knows again.
The players aren't up to it, not their fault they've been chosen at the end of the day so you cant be too critical. Surprisingly, their body language has improved in recent weeks so that's an improvement.
You raise good questions? Could NZF and Fenix be doing more? looks like at times they're being hung out to dry. They need and experienced player or two to settle them - possibly a Anna Green? or another slightly older fern. But again do those players want to play for Fenix. Tricky. Do these players have suitable staff around them to make them better footballers? allow fans to have better perceptions? again not sure.
NZF and Fenix have to care and you have to trust they do. But do you trust NZF to do it and get things right? hmm..
They have to win a game surely.....just won. I think we will get lucky 1 week.
FFS man its Phoenix not Fenix! get it right. Show some respect. The club has been working for years to get a womens team into the league so of course they care, the loss of Lewis so close to the season was a massive blow, really no other options at that stage but to give it to the assistant, Might find that she is replaced next season. The team was set up to develop the women's game for NZF and the game long term.
Yea Lawrence didn't exactly apply for the job and get chosen as the best option. She got dropped in it with lewis leaving so soon and she is doing what she can.
Between that and early player injuries she wasn't set up to have a blinder first season as coach.
I hope we get someone new next year and she stays on as assistant to develop.
In fairness to Lawrence I'm not sure why people compare her to Lewis as she wasn't exactly tracking well with what you could say was a better squad than the current one.
Lewis had a 14% win rate. But was 0 from opening 10 games of her reign.
Lawrence currently 0 from 6 but could nab a couple of late season wins albeit weaker squad but you never know.
Alana Gunn - is a no brainer - top coach - female - well respected by players and football community and has personality. Whether she would want her own assistant or Lawrence that's up to her. Other option for me would be Leon Birnie but as stated in previous post probably fails the gender push by HPSNZ. Any other female options coming through? didn't see to many in the womens national league.
Maybe a bit optimistic...but i think this team has a surprised win in them soon! decent set pieces our threat.
In fairness to Lawrence I'm not sure why people compare her to Lewis as she wasn't exactly tracking well with what you could say was a better squad than the current one.
Lewis had a 14% win rate. But was 0 from opening 10 games of her reign.
Lawrence currently 0 from 6 but could nab a couple of late season wins albeit weaker squad but you never know.
Alana Gunn - is a no brainer - top coach - female - well respected by players and football community and has personality. Whether she would want her own assistant or Lawrence that's up to her. Other option for me would be Leon Birnie but as stated in previous post probably fails the gender push by HPSNZ. Any other female options coming through? didn't see to many in the womens national league.
Maybe a bit optimistic...but i think this team has a surprised win in them soon! decent set pieces our threat.
Gareth Turnbull should have been offered the job when Lewis left. Maybe he was. Who knows.
HPSNZ drive for female coaches won't get Turnbull the job. Not sure he would leave Melbourne Victory job for it! He would be great.
Support the drive of female coaches - we need more. Just need to make sure just like the men that they are put in the right roles. I'm starting to feel for Lawrence at the moment. Whose the guy that stands next to her? never seen him before - is he much help??Ranix
Showtime Nixie
In fairness to Lawrence I'm not sure why people compare her to Lewis as she wasn't exactly tracking well with what you could say was a better squad than the current one.
Lewis had a 14% win rate. But was 0 from opening 10 games of her reign.
Lawrence currently 0 from 6 but could nab a couple of late season wins albeit weaker squad but you never know.
Alana Gunn - is a no brainer - top coach - female - well respected by players and football community and has personality. Whether she would want her own assistant or Lawrence that's up to her. Other option for me would be Leon Birnie but as stated in previous post probably fails the gender push by HPSNZ. Any other female options coming through? didn't see to many in the womens national league.
Maybe a bit optimistic...but i think this team has a surprised win in them soon! decent set pieces our threat.
Gareth Turnbull should have been offered the job when Lewis left. Maybe he was. Who knows.
HPSNZ drive for female coaches won't get Turnbull the job. Not sure he would leave Melbourne Victory job for it! He would be great.
Support the drive of female coaches - we need more. Just need to make sure just like the men that they are put in the right roles. I'm starting to feel for Lawrence at the moment. Whose the guy that stands next to her? never seen him before - is he much help??Ranix
Showtime Nixie
In fairness to Lawrence I'm not sure why people compare her to Lewis as she wasn't exactly tracking well with what you could say was a better squad than the current one.
Lewis had a 14% win rate. But was 0 from opening 10 games of her reign.
Lawrence currently 0 from 6 but could nab a couple of late season wins albeit weaker squad but you never know.
Alana Gunn - is a no brainer - top coach - female - well respected by players and football community and has personality. Whether she would want her own assistant or Lawrence that's up to her. Other option for me would be Leon Birnie but as stated in previous post probably fails the gender push by HPSNZ. Any other female options coming through? didn't see to many in the womens national league.
Maybe a bit optimistic...but i think this team has a surprised win in them soon! decent set pieces our threat.
Gareth Turnbull should have been offered the job when Lewis left. Maybe he was. Who knows.
I think she mentioned him on the podcast. Kallum or something? IIRC she requested him
I would like us to play with outright wingers and would be awesome to see some rotation up top. Our fullbacks/wingbacks don't push up enough and this means our inverted wingers are already on the backfoot and are in a position where they are easier to defend. We have the personnel and pace to stretch them. Better attitude in the game just gone, needs to be more of that - backing themselves.
Also, is there a separate thread for the USA v NZ game?
I would like us to play with outright wingers and would be awesome to see some rotation up top. Our fullbacks/wingbacks don't push up enough and this means our inverted wingers are already on the backfoot and are in a position where they are easier to defend. We have the personnel and pace to stretch them. Better attitude in the game just gone, needs to be more of that - backing themselves.
Also, is there a separate thread for the USA v NZ game?
▪️ Hassett is unavailable as she is at Football Fern Rosie White's wedding ▪️ Emma Rolston comes into the Starting XI ▪️ Mackenzie Barry is captain today
have to wonder how some of the thuggery in the women's game gets let to slide by the refs? Vosper cleaned out by a WU midfielder and the ref doesnt even blink an eye.
have to wonder how some of the thuggery in the women's game gets let to slide by the refs? Vosper cleaned out by a WU midfielder and the ref doesnt even blink an eye.
I think players get away with it because women don't go to ground as much as the men. I've noticed it too, some dodgy tackles don't get pulled up.
▪️ Hassett is unavailable as she is at Football Fern Rosie White's wedding ▪️ Emma Rolston comes into the Starting XI ▪️ Mackenzie Barry is captain today
have to wonder how some of the thuggery in the women's game gets let to slide by the refs? Vosper cleaned out by a WU midfielder and the ref doesnt even blink an eye.
I think players get away with it because women don't go to ground as much as the men. I've noticed it too, some dodgy tackles don't get pulled up.
which simply says the refs arent watching the game or reffing it as it should be. Just cos a player doesnt fall to the ground doesnt mean there isnt a foul. It's contrary to what the refs are supposed to be doing. Blow the fouls, even when a player holds their feet and then there is no need to fall over so easily like the men do currently.
Nothing up top from us. I don't think Pritchard has made one sussesful pass. Clegg doesn't look like a winger. bring on Lancaster and put Clegg in as striker.
despite not seeing the ball alot the nix lasses have looked pretty solid in defence. No shots on goal from WUN. Eraced one issue - conceding silly goals early. Now to to remove the other issue and get that win!
Tuned in after half an hour after getting home. Really trying to get into the game, and I know Western are a good side & going great guns in their first campaign, but we've really regressed this season haven't we?
Good to see we're a bit more defensively cohesive these past few games after a pretty ragged start to the campaign, but it's very hard to see where the goals are coming from. Set piece has looked our most likely source over the course of the season, but feels like we're lacking that cut and thrust and that real bit of quality in the middle & final thirds.
Tuned in after half an hour after getting home. Really trying to get into the game, and I know Western are a good side & going great guns in their first campaign, but we've really regressed this season haven't we?
Good to see we're a bit more defensively cohesive these past few games after a pretty ragged start to the campaign, but it's very hard to see where the goals are coming from. Set piece has looked our most likely source over the course of the season, but feels like we're lacking that cut and thrust and that real bit of quality in the middle & final thirds.
Harsh?
Nah I dont think thats harsh, pretty accurate tbh.
We really need a decent striker cause what we've got atm isn't cutting it.
Tuned in after half an hour after getting home. Really trying to get into the game, and I know Western are a good side & going great guns in their first campaign, but we've really regressed this season haven't we?
Good to see we're a bit more defensively cohesive these past few games after a pretty ragged start to the campaign, but it's very hard to see where the goals are coming from. Set piece has looked our most likely source over the course of the season, but feels like we're lacking that cut and thrust and that real bit of quality in the middle & final thirds.
Harsh?
Nah I dont think thats harsh, pretty accurate tbh.
We really need a decent striker cause what we've got atm isn't cutting it.
Rolston will put one away if given time on the edge (not sure she will)
Our squad is stronger this year but we are so much poorer.
Coach not up to it??
that's probably part of the issue, but you can't exactly blame the coach, she was dropped in it at very short notice.
Course you can (not saying she should be)
fair, sure you can, but you probably shouldnt
Ok. Because?
just my opinion but I dont think it's fair to lay the blame at a person who is probably a little out of her depth but is doing her best in a job she probably didnt even want given a very short lead time. She was the assistant coach up until a month or so before the season started. Assistant is a very different position to head coach as I'm sure you're aware, different focus etc. Club peobably didnt have time to find a replacement and she stepped up when the team was in a jam.
