Contracted Players - Return of the Long Pins
Ridenton will be a bigger loss than Weemac
Is he taking his tv with him?
Smith released to play winter football. Because he was on a youth and not a professional until next season. He doesn't face the FIFA stand down and can start playing for LH straight away. https://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/news/smith-relea...
Rescheduled FakeNorwich vs United game is next Wednesday at Fraser. Chance to see Keegan probably.
Rescheduled FakeNorwich vs United game is next Wednesday at Fraser. Chance to see Keegan probably.
Be worth conceeding a penalty to see how he tries to put off the pen taker!
Bidvest Wits have already started planning for next season, and have brought in a Serbian striker to try and help fire them up the table after surviving the Absa Premiership drop.
According to Siya sources, Serbian striker, Andrija Kaluđerović, has started training with the Clever Boys as they look for a new goal-getter, with the 30-year-old looking to try and impress Gavin Hunt in Braamfontein.
Gold star for the thread title.
the Clever Boys
the Clever Boys
One of Kris Bright's long list of former clubs.
the Clever Boys
One of Kris Bright's long list of former clubs.
the Bright and Clever boys
Report: Jets nab tricky midfielder from the Nix https://t.co/7rxs6PCdDt #football #ALeague pic.twitter.com/sY8Mhi03XJ
— ⚽️ FourFourTwo ?? (@FourFourTwoOz) May 9, 2018
442 finally picked up on the Herald's report & TCA is reporting it now also.
Newcastle Jets set to confirm the signing of talented Wellington Phoenix star ->https://t.co/xC1l73Hgp4
— Covert Agent (@TheCovertAgent) May 9, 2018
I don't understand why all the fans whom were sticking up for Ridenton all season and vouching for his abilities are all quite as mice now he has gone?
Doesn't make sense.
And confirmed goneski
PLAYER NEWS | Midfielder, @MattRidenton departs the #Nix after his fifth season to join the @NewcastleJetsFC
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) May 9, 2018
From everyone at the club, we wish Matt the very best for his next step.
Read more here ? https://t.co/9MAknlIOlX
I don't understand why all the fans whom were sticking up for Ridenton all season and vouching for his abilities are all quite as mice now he has gone?
Doesn't make sense.
I'm just sad he had to make such a choice to try an secure his future, nix only have a year or two left and the opportunities that the Jets offered were clearly better for him. Not like how Kosta was on good dough and backs out midway contact.
I don't understand why all the fans whom were sticking up for Ridenton all season and vouching for his abilities are all quite as mice now he has gone?
Doesn't make sense.
First time on the site since the early hours of the morning. This sucks. Agree with Ballane. Tim Brown version 2 for us and now lost.
I don't understand why all the fans whom were sticking up for Ridenton all season and vouching for his abilities are all quite as mice now he has gone?
Doesn't make sense.
I think it’s a real tragic that the club can’t offer something for him to stay. He is exactly a midfielder we need, a young kiwi who played great in a mostly shark team in the worst season of the club. Matt shouldered a lot last season and I‘m not sure who is capeable to replace him. He will do great under Ernie and will improve, good for him.
Sadly I feel happy for him.
BUT remember Newcastle are our feeder club. He'll be back with a lucky headbandage. Browny played for them first
ahhhhhhhh...... i remember so fondly the days when the Jets were our feeder club.
I said it in another thread, I don't think he is irreplaceable.
He did well for us last year, and often in a man marking role, but didn't dominate a game... perhaps in large because we never did as a team. With Singh up top in the middle of the park and one assumes on peanuts, we probably have room to look for and the opportunity to get two really quality midfielders to really hold that part of the park which is something we have struggled to do.
His natural position is a 10 apparently - and long term I dont think he would of kept Singh out.
I said it in another thread, I don't think he is irreplaceable.
He did well for us last year, and often in a man marking role, but didn't dominate a game... perhaps in large because we never did as a team. With Singh up top in the middle of the park and one assumes on peanuts, we probably have room to look for and the opportunity to get two really quality midfielders to really hold that part of the park which is something we have struggled to do.
His natural position is a 10 apparently - and long term I dont think he would of kept Singh out.
Everyone is replaceable. My point is that the same thing will happen with Singh or any other young player, he will go the first chance he gets. We have to be a successful, stable club where players want to stay, or even join and play for us because they can do the next step.
Sad day for the club. We have lost our most consistent player from last year. A talented young lad who played anywhere he was needed and most of the time did an excellent job of it. We won't replace him easily.
But I wish him all the best.
Cacace signed, Dura re-signed
Wellington Phoenix Add Youth And Experience To Its Squad
The Wellington Phoenix have signed young full back, Liberato Cacace, and
re-signed club Captain, Andrew Durante, for the Hyundai A-League season
2018/19.
Cacace, a Phoenix Academy graduate who has been in the club’s youth
programme for four years, signs on a two year deal, with Club Captain,
Andrew Durante, re-signing on a one season deal.
Phoenix General Manager, David Dome said the club was thrilled to have secured the services of the two players for next season.
All time A-League appearance record holder, Andrew Durante’s leadership
and experience was seen as crucial as the club moves forward.
‘’Dura brings leadership on and off field and is hugely respected within the playing group’’, Dome said.
‘’Besides giving us some real solidity to build around, Dura is also
taking up a part management role off the field to assist the team in
commercial, marketing and community initiatives.
‘’Dura is currently in the United States on some professional
development funded by the club, and we are looking forward to him
returning with some learnings to help us build into next season.’’
Making his debut for the club last season, Liberato Cacace impressed
with his resolute defending and driving runs forward from deep, and his
signing signals the clubs intent to bring through young, New Zealand
players
‘’We are extremely proud of the quality of players coming through our
Academy programme, and Libby has been a shining light in our youth set
up in recent years.
“Libby is extremely dedicated and hard-working and in his A-League
appearances to date has shown what a quality player he is, with the
potential to grow further into something really special.’’
Dome added that the signing of the two players was consistent with
statements made by the club that the build up to season 18/19 was
continuing unabated despite public comment on the club’s future.
‘’There has been immense speculation around the club in recent weeks.
‘’While this is not helpful, we as a club cannot control media
speculation, but we can remain committed to working hard to pull
together a competitive playing squad for next season.
‘’Libby is in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens with a number of
other promising young New Zealand players, we are working on our
pre-season trip to Beijing in July and have a few other pre-season plans
that are being looked at.
‘We are continuing to build into the season 18/19 in a number of areas,
including working very hard to finalise the appointment of our new Head
Coach."
Congrats to Dura and Libby. The prospective coach must have said yes to the signings.
Congrats to Dura and Libby. The prospective coach must have said yes to the signings.
Keeping Dura around makes sense, with WeeMac and Ridenton going there just isn't much experience left in the squad (Krishna on 95 games, Doyle 68 games, Burns 39 games)
Glad on both counts but more importantly glad Liberato was signed for two years which bodes well for the future..
Wellington Phoenix Add Youth And Experience To Its Squad
[edit]
Dome added that the signing of the two players was consistent with
statements made by the club that the build up to season 18/19 was
continuing unabated despite public comment on the club’s future.
‘’There has been immense speculation around the club in recent weeks.
‘’While this is not helpful, we as a club cannot control media
speculation, but we can remain committed to working hard to pull
together a competitive playing squad for next season.
‘’Libby is in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens with a number of
other promising young New Zealand players, we are working on our
pre-season trip to Beijing in July and have a few other pre-season plans
that are being looked at.
‘We are continuing to build into the season 18/19 in a number of areas,
including working very hard to finalise the appointment of our new Head
Coach."
I concede, the Nix can't completely control media speculation, BUT... the club can jump on cr*p stories as soon as they surface. Start shooting them down. Please, for everyone's sakes. Show some grit and fighting spirit. The Nix may be an underdog in some eyes, but the public loves an underdog that fights back. No one admires an underdog that just lies down and takes a kicking.
After losing Ridenton, I'm glad they've secured Cacace. Keeping Dura is really cool too, hopefully on '36-year-old-centre-back' wages
How many of our keepers are we keeping? I assume there's not room for Tando Velaphi, Oli Sail, Keegan Smith and Lewis Italiano.
How many of our keepers are we keeping? I assume there's not room for Tando Velaphi, Oli Sail, Keegan Smith and Lewis Italiano.
Italiano is back in Perth for his wedding, so I guess he won't be seen in Welly again but Velaphi is doing his rehab here & hoping to get a contract afaik.
I can't believe the number of people that think that resigning Durante is a wonderful thing. Which games have they been watching?
He is now 36 years old and played in most of last seasons games which we conceded 55 goals. Surely that must say something.
The guy is just not good enough at this level and if you think I'm wrong just wait and see.
I can't believe the number of people that think that resigning Durante is a wonderful thing. Which games have they been watching?
He is now 36 years old and played in most of last seasons games which we conceded 55 goals. Surely that must say something.
The guy is just not good enough at this level and if you think I'm wrong just wait and see.
Edit:::: first post after #Beersie #Greenie
I can't believe the number of people that think that resigning Durante is a wonderful thing. Which games have they been watching?
He is now 36 years old and played in most of last seasons games which we conceded 55 goals. Surely that must say something.
The guy is just not good enough at this level and if you think I'm wrong just wait and see.
He can't be a starter, but we need leadership in the squad.
I can't believe the number of people that think that resigning Durante is a wonderful thing. Which games have they been watching?
He is now 36 years old and played in most of last seasons games which we conceded 55 goals. Surely that must say something.
The guy is just not good enough at this level and if you think I'm wrong just wait and see.
And if you're wrong, wait and see as well.
Looking on Transfermarkt theres a craig henderson off contract whose a def mid and new zealander.
would he be worth a look?
I agree we need leadership. But wasn't there a hint that the first step in the tumble to our current predicament - Merrick leaving - was because the team's "leadership" were flatly refusing to enact his tactics?
Good point. I'd love to know what really happened with Merrick leaving
I can't believe the number of people that think that resigning Durante is a wonderful thing. Which games have they been watching?
He is now 36 years old and played in most of last seasons games which we conceded 55 goals. Surely that must say something.
The guy is just not good enough at this level and if you think I'm wrong just wait and see.
I agree we need leadership. But wasn't there a hint that the first step in the tumble to our current predicament - Merrick leaving - was because the team's "leadership" were flatly refusing to enact his tactics?
In another way without personalising it - has the club recognised what the internal culture issues have been within the club and acted accordingly?