WPM 2021/22 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

Mainland FC

Doloras

Honestly, I knew we weren't getting Hemed back when someone waved a Palestine flag at him after he scored at Eden Park.

I know we are disappointed for him to go but that wasn't it.
I expect he has seen enough things waved at him while playing in UK, and that he knows he will see things like that again wherever he goes. 

He's signed for the A League team with a very large Arab background supporter base. Many of them have now voiced their disapproval on him being signed already.
 
I'm sure WSW have told him that he can't go around draping himself in the Israeli flag anymore. Hopefully for him, rockets don't start flying out of Gaza again, during his time at Wanderers. Then it could get messy.

I hope that toughened him up because that is nothing compared to what will happen in Sydney. Hard to imagine too many of his fans turning up and waving the Star of David in the stands either.

Doloras

Honestly, I knew we weren't getting Hemed back when someone waved a Palestine flag at him after he scored at Eden Park.

Doloras

Honestly, I knew we weren't getting Hemed back when someone waved a Palestine flag at him after he scored at Eden Park.

he'll get plenty of those from the RBB.

Hemed has been great for us after a slow start.

If you stalk the Hemed family on Insta you'll see they've fallen in love with the Sydney lifestyle. They were never going to move to Wellington. No Jewish school and a very small Jewish community. It wasn't about the money.

Tomer seems like a good bloke albeit very naïve. I don't think WSW is going to be a good fit for him either culturally or football wise. 

Given that the ANZAC travel bubble is about to burst, he would have been better staying with an Australian based Nix outfit than crossing to WSW if he wanted to live in Sydney. 

I wish Tomer and Shunit all the best at WSW. Just go easy on us when we play. :) You'll need to work on a new goal scoring celebration too...

yeah the Hemed and Ball family have been holidaying together in Sydney for weeks now. Not surprised Tomer went for a Sydney club, lifestyle and Jewish  community/schools makes it easy for his wife and kids. As you've said, WSW is probably going to be the least welcoming of the Sydney clubs given their fans backgrounds.

if the fans of middle eastern backgrounds are angry at an Israeli player regardless of his political beliefs, than it shows you a lot about the fans. 

regardless the fans could make his time at WSW a positive year or an incredibly difficult one. We've already seen the RBB boycott games cos flares were banned, what do you think they'll do if they dislike the Israeli flag being draped over Hemed's head?

If Ufuk wants to bring in another import striker and import attacking midfielder, I wonder what that means for David Ball.

NZPhoenixFan

If Ufuk wants to bring in another import striker and import attacking midfielder, I wonder what that means for David Ball.

Probably competes for one of the 10 roles with a new import & Piscopo. 

Talay made it quite clear that Ball is a contracted player and can only leave if a fee is received.

NZPhoenixFan

If Ufuk wants to bring in another import striker and import attacking midfielder, I wonder what that means for David Ball.

We had zero impact off the bench last season, having more depth in attacking options is needed if we want to get higher this season. That means at points in the season, visas will be on the bench.

theprof

regardless the fans could make his time at WSW a positive year or an incredibly difficult one. We've already seen the RBB boycott games cos flares were banned, what do you think they'll do if they dislike the Israeli flag being draped over Hemed's head?

It is possible that Tomer won't drape his Israeli nationalism all over the place and the RBB won't troll him by holding up pictures of Hassan Nasrallah. Possible, perhaps not likely.

it's possible but I can't seen him changing - he is super proud of his nation and not scared to show it,

theprof

it's possible but I can't seen him changing - he is super proud of his nation and not scared to show it,

Ah well, sadly not our problem anymore. i am disappointed but again I can understand given he has no experience of living this side of the moana.

Think we can move the Tomer chat in here now https://yellowfever.co.nz/categories/wellington-phoenix-discussion/topics/ex-nix-where-what-are-they-now

Mainland FC

Doloras

Honestly, I knew we weren't getting Hemed back when someone waved a Palestine flag at him after he scored at Eden Park.

I know we are disappointed for him to go but that wasn't it.
I expect he has seen enough things waved at him while playing in UK, and that he knows he will see things like that again wherever he goes. 

Contrary to what may have played out in the media, 99% of British football fans are not racist.  It's more likely that he would have got grief in Spain. There are some quite outspoken red necks there like Italy and Eastern Europe.

Anyroad that's his problem to deal with now.

Screenshot_20210713-231646_Instagram.jpg 252.02 KB

Hooper is on his way to NZ.  He has left Singapore and due to land in Auckland at 9.10am Wednesday 

Mate wouldn’t it be great if Auckland had an A league team and that post was his final destination 

AucklandPhoenix

Mate wouldn’t it be great if Auckland had an A league team and that post was his final destination 

As a Jafa by birth (but growing up in the Waikato) I'd love that but I really do worry as to whether there is a fan base to support two A League sized teams.  

The great crowds we've seen of late are more likely due to the novelty factor. I fear a Kingz/Knights situation that will weaken both an AKL team as well as the Nix fan base.

I understand the concern but with the exception of a 20k crowd at eden park for the nix once a year, I think the advantages would out strip that- if nothing else demonstrates in both the a league and the rugby comp, local derbies are the life blood. Many years after the kingz and the knights I think Auckland is mature and big enough 

It should increase the visibility of the league and therefore increase fans and sponsor attention. It will also increase the crowd size for those "derbies" because at least there will be more than a handful of traveling fans for once so we should still get those one or two one off games per year.

I'd also expect it to mean that other parts of the country get exposed to football that they wouldn't. If the Phoenix take a game on the road (even if it's because of stadium availability) they take it to Auckland at the moment because that's where the cash is. If there's an Auckland team they may decide to go to Christchurch and Dunedin.

Ryan

It may also increase the visibility of the league and therefore increase fans and sponsor attention and will also increase the crowd size for those "derbies" because at least there will be more than a handful of traveling fans for once.

Welnix owners have openly said they want a 2nd NZ side in Auckland. If anyone is aware of the pros & cons of another A League team in the NZ market it's them.

A game every week, with potentially double the A League/football media coverage in NZ, are two big pluses. Eden Park would have to be the home ground. Other venues there don't work.

Yes, the annual 20g game in Auckland would be replaced with 20,000 in both Wellington and Auckland.

AucklandPhoenix

I understand the concern but with the exception of a 20k crowd at eden park for the nix once a year, I think the advantages would out strip that- if nothing else demonstrates in both the a league and the rugby comp, local derbies are the life blood. Many years after the kingz and the knights I think Auckland is mature and big enough 

Napier Phoenix

Yes, the annual 20g game in Auckland would be replaced with 20,000 in both Wellington and Auckland.

AucklandPhoenix

I understand the concern but with the exception of a 20k crowd at eden park for the nix once a year, I think the advantages would out strip that- if nothing else demonstrates in both the a league and the rugby comp, local derbies are the life blood. Many years after the kingz and the knights I think Auckland is mature and big enough 

I don’t think it should be an all encompassing Auckland team. Maybe an Eastern or Waitak or Manukau or Northern  or Central team, with some home games at Nth Shore or Eden Park instead of wherever. It has to have a local identity within Auckland I’d say to really tap into parochial spirit. Especially if it takes root, because then you may get a second Auckland team at 2 mill population and in 10-15 years or so…

Again, dunno what thread we have for this conversation on here but this sure aint it. 

Moved that off topic chat to A League expansion thread.

Do we know of any other of our players (on top of Uffie) who are currently in aussie and can't come back given the situation? 

"Assistant coach Giancarlo Italiano and players David Ball, Steven Taylor, Joshua Laws and Jaushua Sotirio have also been held up across the Tasman with no certainty as to when they will be allowed to fly."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125665343/phoenix-coach-ufuk-talays-return-to-wellington-delayed-by-covid19-outbreak

newzealandpower

Do we know of any other of our players (on top of Uffie) who are currently in aussie and can't come back given the situation? 

I just want some new signing news and rumors!!! I know we have a long off season but would be good to get the new Uli and Scrappy sooner rather than later.

Also really hoping we get back to the old preseason schedule of Kapiti coast game and maybe another in the Regions (Unbiasedly would love one in Palmy). 

JP__3

"Assistant coach Giancarlo Italiano and players David Ball, Steven Taylor, Joshua Laws and Jaushua Sotirio have also been held up across the Tasman with no certainty as to when they will be allowed to fly."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125665343/phoenix-coach-ufuk-talays-return-to-wellington-delayed-by-covid19-outbreak

newzealandpower

Do we know of any other of our players (on top of Uffie) who are currently in aussie and can't come back given the situation? 

What sucks is we're in the best position ever to do well in the FFA cup - we're used to playing away from home, we've got a squad largely assembled, we've got momentum, but we're still going to go into it underdone because of lockdowns.

I wouldn't be surprised if they club holds off announcing anything until Uffy is back in the country. It's safe to assume things are ticking away behind the scenes tho.

RoriM6

I just want some new signing news and rumors!!! I know we have a long off season but would be good to get the new Uli and Scrappy sooner rather than later.

Victory have signed Brillante, he would have been a great Devlin replacement. Guess I gotta hope for Antonis then.

RR

Victory have signed Brillante, he would have been a great Devlin replacement. Guess I gotta hope for Antonis then.

So Jurman & Brillante have both left Xanthi. Poppa's sons left with the ex coach.
That just leaves Elliot & Izzo.

In below article sounded like Elliot was still set on returning to Greece, post the Olympics. But you'd think he'll miss his Aussie team mates.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125623662/olywhite-callan-elliot-has-no-regrets-about-greek-move-after-tokyo-olympics-nod?rm=a

coochiee

RR

Victory have signed Brillante, he would have been a great Devlin replacement. Guess I gotta hope for Antonis then.

So Jurman & Brillante have both left Xanthi. Poppa's sons left with the ex coach.
That just leaves Elliot & Izzo.

In below article sounded like Elliot was still set on returning to Greece, post the Olympics. But you'd think he'll miss his Aussie team mates.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125623662/olywhite-callan-elliot-has-no-regrets-about-greek-move-after-tokyo-olympics-nod?rm=a

That interview was done before the Aussie players left & the Aussie owner being accused of a massive bank fraud. So no idea what the situation with Elliot would be now.

RR

coochiee

RR

Victory have signed Brillante, he would have been a great Devlin replacement. Guess I gotta hope for Antonis then.

So Jurman & Brillante have both left Xanthi. Poppa's sons left with the ex coach.
That just leaves Elliot & Izzo.

In below article sounded like Elliot was still set on returning to Greece, post the Olympics. But you'd think he'll miss his Aussie team mates.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125623662/olywhite-callan-elliot-has-no-regrets-about-greek-move-after-tokyo-olympics-nod?rm=a

That interview was done before the Aussie players left & the Aussie owner being accused of a massive bank fraud. So no idea what the situation with Elliot would be now.

Elliot might like the lifestyle in Greece?
And didn't Xanthi just sign up two more Aussies. Mo Adams + 1.

Ranix

RR

coochiee

RR

Victory have signed Brillante, he would have been a great Devlin replacement. Guess I gotta hope for Antonis then.

So Jurman & Brillante have both left Xanthi. Poppa's sons left with the ex coach.
That just leaves Elliot & Izzo.

In below article sounded like Elliot was still set on returning to Greece, post the Olympics. But you'd think he'll miss his Aussie team mates.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125623662/olywhite-callan-elliot-has-no-regrets-about-greek-move-after-tokyo-olympics-nod?rm=a

That interview was done before the Aussie players left & the Aussie owner being accused of a massive bank fraud. So no idea what the situation with Elliot would be now.

Elliot might like the lifestyle in Greece?
And didn't Xanthi just sign up two more Aussies. Mo Adams + 1.

Yep two new Aussie kids from Sydney Olympic, closer to his age than the original three Aussies. Seems Jurman in particular was a ‘big brother’ mentor for Elliot last season, so Callan might have to take on some responsibility to integrate those two. Plus Talay mentioned that he still views Payne as a right back, so if he came back, with Fenton contracted, he’d be back in the same situation he left which was as the third choice.

Antonis going to WSW it sounds. So that is both available upgrades on Devlin probably gone, ugh.

carlind

Ranix

RR

coochiee

RR

Victory have signed Brillante, he would have been a great Devlin replacement. Guess I gotta hope for Antonis then.

So Jurman & Brillante have both left Xanthi. Poppa's sons left with the ex coach.
That just leaves Elliot & Izzo.

In below article sounded like Elliot was still set on returning to Greece, post the Olympics. But you'd think he'll miss his Aussie team mates.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125623662/olywhite-callan-elliot-has-no-regrets-about-greek-move-after-tokyo-olympics-nod?rm=a

That interview was done before the Aussie players left & the Aussie owner being accused of a massive bank fraud. So no idea what the situation with Elliot would be now.

Elliot might like the lifestyle in Greece?
And didn't Xanthi just sign up two more Aussies. Mo Adams + 1.

Yep two new Aussie kids from Sydney Olympic, closer to his age than the original three Aussies. Seems Jurman in particular was a ‘big brother’ mentor for Elliot last season, so Callan might have to take on some responsibility to integrate those two. Plus Talay mentioned that he still views Payne as a right back, so if he came back, with Fenton contracted, he’d be back in the same situation he left which was as the third choice.

Payne playing at RB depends on finding a Aussie/NZ CB better than Payne. Uffie didn't rule out looking into Elliot's availability, so that might be a fall back option.

The owner of his club has done a runner, Elliot might like the lifestyle etc but I'm sure he likes to get paid as well. That might not be the case now, I don't know. Guess we wait and see.

RR

Antonis going to WSW it sounds. So that is both available upgrades on Devlin probably gone, ugh.

Seems like we'll have to look overseas again... We only have two visa spaces right? So one of another striker (if we are still wanting one, a Davila replacement and a Devlin replacement will have to be local... Along with a starting CB.
That's the current wish list right? 

Chris Herd is still available as a very experienced Aussie midfielder but I believe he may have been injured