WPM 2022/23 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

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wilbaker
First Team Squad
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over 5 years
theprof
on that video id sign him, but I doubt anyone in the nix crew is looking at ligue 2 in france.

Last season was in Ligue 1 so idk if that would help with being on their radar. Saw a report from local media saying he's in talks with Lorient but prefers a move abroad whether that's all the way to Wellington is probs unlikely
July 08, 2022 13:44
theprof
Legend
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almost 17 years
we might not have the weather he's looking for, even in a summer(ish) league
July 08, 2022 13:45
mjp2
Starting XI
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about 17 years
martinb
wilbaker
lineup (25).png 143.94 KB

If we sign Krishna I would still like us to target import st and am and then sign JHS to round out the squad he would be playing rb but just put him at cb to show all the names. And then maybe sign another import in Jan if there's a position we need strengthening due to injuries or other reasons. *also the second lewis should be rufer oops*

If we can sign Krishna, I think this is getting close. Though Uffie has sprung pleasant transfer surprises on us before. 
Kosta can cover anywhere across the front 4 imo. Laws and Sutton cover CM. Payne also covers CB. 
I’m wondering if we will see a different formation used at times if we do end up with this personnel. 

Feel Uffie must have something up his sleeve. Has every season so far. Even last season Wootton and Sandoval changed our season and Uffie also had position and formation switches to hold it all together when things got crazy. Davila and Hemed were best in the league type signings. Ball has just been endless running and vision and an absolute warrior. 

Anyone got any suggestions on who might come in up front? 

As well what are the chances of a midfield/defense utility signing who might push the starting players in a number of positions and provide quality cover? Maybe not the most recent example, but John O’Shea played CM and across the defense for United iirc. Unlikely, but trying to think what we need to win the league. A twenty goal striker and a ten goal mid would be handy of course! There was this guy who played for Hamburg back in the day who was handy. Can’t think of his name…

I like the idea of Ugarkovic and Pennington sitting behind Lewis, with Pennington given somewhat more of a box to box role than Ugarkovic.  This as more of a tactical option defending a lead with good counter attacking potential. 

So:
                       Sail
Paine/Elliot Wooten Laws Sutton
     Ugarkovic   Pennington
               Lewis/Import1
Barbarouses            Ball/Krishna/Waine/Import1
          Import2/Waine/Krishna

otherwise starting
             Ugarkovic     Lewis   
Barbarouses/Ball/Waine     Import1/Krishna
         Ball/Waine/Krishna    Import2

If they do get Krishna that's a heap of flexibility/depth across the front four, assuming also an import striker and import wide/playmaker.  Plus Ball.  Plus Barba.  Plus Waine.  So much so that I think it's Krishna or an import wide/playmaker.  Krishna and Sandoval plus an import striker might fit a budget?  But with Barba and Krishna capable in midfield along with Lewis, and the likes of Old in the squad, how much further does the budget go?  Obviously Krishna plus an import midfield playmaking/wide player and striker I'd take.

Just tossing the ideas around.
July 08, 2022 14:02
martinb
Legend
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To support your idea of a 3 in the midfield I believe JHS is a very attacking RB cover. That could lead to Sutton/JHS providing width much further up with Pennington/ Ugarkovic or Lewis covering. 

You’d also think that if this is the last guaranteed year on Uffie’s contract it mightn’t hurt to be a little more open to an aggressive pursuit of a title. It’s our best chance for a long time…
July 08, 2022 17:26 · Edited July 08, 2022 17:42
RR
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Bossi Insider
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about 16 years
Uffie loves his 4-2-2-2, we only changed cuz we didn't have the cattle to play it. I wouldn't be planning on any other formation atm.

I would love for JHS to get a shot but he is gonna have show he can excel in that wide #10 role cuz you don't score as much as he does, if your back defending a lot.

We lacked game changers coming off the bench last season, so we need to add more depth up front. If we can add Krishna along with Kosta and the visas, we might be able to chase a game for once.
July 08, 2022 18:24
Tyler
Not Boyd
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I’m a massive fan of JHS but just remember that Ollie Whyte had a trial last year and wasn’t picked up. It’s a long shot for sure
July 08, 2022 21:25
Ufuks the man
Phoenix Academy
540
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250
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about 5 years
Screenshot_20220708-215152_Twitter.jpg 270.51 KB

Let's hope this is true. 
 
I do think JHS would be a great bench option, we definitely did lack depth last season which hurt us at the end of games 
July 08, 2022 21:56 · Edited July 08, 2022 21:58
Wusty Wab
WeeNix
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780
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Ufuks the man
Screenshot_20220708-215152_Twitter.jpg 270.51 KB

Let's hope this is true. 
 
I do think JHS would be a great bench option, we did lack depth last season which hurt us at the end of games 

If the account was created pretty recently, I don't know if I would trust it. I agree it would be good to have JHS as he can play out wide and be cover for Barbarouses. Just hope he can be as prolific as he has been in the Central League.
July 08, 2022 22:00 · Edited July 08, 2022 22:05
taylorcg69
Trialist
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over 2 years
July 09, 2022 16:30
RR
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Bossi Insider
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about 16 years
taylorcg69

Never heard of Ted Sterling, so take with a pinch of salt
July 09, 2022 16:59
Wusty Wab
WeeNix
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780
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about 2 years
This Sterling guy only created his account last month. Again not sure if I would trust him.

I have only been on this forum for two weeks though so what do I know.
July 09, 2022 17:04 · Edited July 09, 2022 17:11
and 2 others
wilbaker
First Team Squad
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over 5 years
Wouldn't say any of those accounts are reliable but I think it is likely he'll sign with us the WSW rumors have died down and not sure if any other A-League teams would take the risk on the import slot.
July 09, 2022 17:19
Ryan
Marquee
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almost 14 years
wilbaker
Wouldn't say any of those accounts are reliable but I think it is likely he'll sign with us the WSW rumors have died down and not sure if any other A-League teams would take the risk on the import slot.
dont think it's a risk, he's a Johnny Warren winner and was one of the top players in the IPL for the last three years.
July 09, 2022 19:29 · Edited July 09, 2022 19:30
WhoStoleMySock
First Team Squad
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over 10 years
Ryan
wilbaker
Wouldn't say any of those accounts are reliable but I think it is likely he'll sign with us the WSW rumors have died down and not sure if any other A-League teams would take the risk on the import slot.
dont think it's a risk, he's a Johnny Warren winner and was one of the top players in the IPL for the last three years.

You can argue Nathan Burns was a Johnny Warren winner in his first stint too, but being a top player in the IPL makes me a little more optimistic.
July 09, 2022 20:37
Friar Tuck
First Team Squad
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1.6K
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almost 7 years
WhoStoleMySock
Ryan
wilbaker
Wouldn't say any of those accounts are reliable but I think it is likely he'll sign with us the WSW rumors have died down and not sure if any other A-League teams would take the risk on the import slot.
dont think it's a risk, he's a Johnny Warren winner and was one of the top players in the IPL for the last three years.

You can argue Nathan Burns was a Johnny Warren winner in his first stint too, but being a top player in the IPL makes me a little more optimistic.
Yeah Burns was horrific in Japan, barely did anything. Admittedly India is a much lower level but at least Roy hasn’t slowed down/stopped scoring.
July 09, 2022 21:00
coochiee
Legend
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over 9 years
WhoStoleMySock
Ryan
wilbaker
Wouldn't say any of those accounts are reliable but I think it is likely he'll sign with us the WSW rumors have died down and not sure if any other A-League teams would take the risk on the import slot.
dont think it's a risk, he's a Johnny Warren winner and was one of the top players in the IPL for the last three years.

You can argue Nathan Burns was a Johnny Warren winner in his first stint too, but being a top player in the IPL makes me a little more optimistic.

Batting or bowling?
July 10, 2022 01:56
WhoStoleMySock
First Team Squad
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1.4K
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over 10 years
coochiee
WhoStoleMySock
Ryan
wilbaker
Wouldn't say any of those accounts are reliable but I think it is likely he'll sign with us the WSW rumors have died down and not sure if any other A-League teams would take the risk on the import slot.
dont think it's a risk, he's a Johnny Warren winner and was one of the top players in the IPL for the last three years.

You can argue Nathan Burns was a Johnny Warren winner in his first stint too, but being a top player in the IPL makes me a little more optimistic.

Batting or bowling?
 Oh wow, I didn't even realise. It shows how much I care about the *ISL then.
July 10, 2022 02:38
coochiee
Legend
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The ISL is a weak league, and Krishna will be 35 next month. He won't be the same player who left the Nix 3 seasons ago, as a star. Uffie will know that. His last season with ATK Mohun Bagan, wasn't as productive as his first two, and he also played less. But he will still be good quality, maybe very good for the A League. 

If he does sign for the Nix, I expect Talay & Gill to still pursue a quality visa striker. I reckon that will take priority over a visa AM, if they want to have a real crack at the title. Maybe they could sign Sandoval for that AM role if he's cheap enough.

You could have Barba, Waine & Old as your bench players if Krishna, visa ST, visa AM were all starting alongside Ball and everyone fit. So unlike most of last season, some impact off the bench if chasing the game.
July 10, 2022 04:15 · Edited July 10, 2022 04:26
MetalLegNZ
Marquee
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about 12 years
I don't see Barbs signing on for us to be a bench player.

With him and Ball up top we will have two hard working 'strikers' and I expect to see a lot of press on D.

July 10, 2022 08:59
martinb
Legend
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15K
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about 17 years
Want to see Old get plenty of time, if he maintains his form from the end of last season. 
July 10, 2022 10:20
kungfu panda
Phoenix Academy
870
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450
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almost 3 years
Old is a very talented player. He needs to improve his finishing. His work rate needs to be higher in terms of recovering the ball.

I thought that he'd come and support the defence when he felt like it, rather than it being a responsibility (Piscopo was the same). Maybe down to fitness. 

He's still very young. A NZ star of the future for sure.
July 10, 2022 12:43 · Edited July 10, 2022 12:48
Bullion
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Marquee
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about 17 years
kungfu panda
Old is a very talented player. He needs to improve his finishing. His work rate needs to be higher in terms of recovering the ball.

I thought that he'd come and support the defence when he felt like it, rather than it being a responsibility (Piscopo was the same). Maybe down to fitness. 

He's still very young. A NZ star of the future for sure.
I found that he needs to keep his head up more, seems to run down blind alleys and loses his balance often.
July 10, 2022 12:57
and 1 other
Ryan
Marquee
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almost 14 years
He was our most effective attacking player towards the end of the season, especially in the finals. But, I'll qualify that by saying the wheels were falling off at the time.
July 10, 2022 13:55 · Edited July 10, 2022 13:55
kungfu panda
Phoenix Academy
870
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450
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almost 3 years
  • Ryan
    He was our most effective attacking player towards the end of the season, especially in the finals. But, I'll qualify that by saying the wheels were falling off at the time.
  • Except he couldn't finish
July 10, 2022 14:37
kungfu panda
Phoenix Academy
870
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450
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almost 3 years
  • Bullion
    kungfu panda
    Old is a very talented player. He needs to improve his finishing. His work rate needs to be higher in terms of recovering the ball.

    I thought that he'd come and support the defence when he felt like it, rather than it being a responsibility (Piscopo was the same). Maybe down to fitness. 

    He's still very young. A NZ star of the future for sure.
    I found that he needs to keep his head up more, seems to run down blind alleys and loses his balance often.
  • I think that's unfair. His dribbling is really exceptional. 
July 10, 2022 14:38
martinb
Legend
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about 17 years
Don’t think the finishing is far away. Didn’t he put away a beauty of a volley only to have that head-in-hands offside called? And he put away that assist from Waine with style. 
Finishing is opportunities and confidence. 
But geez let’s not load up on him, just hoping we see more of the same this season. 
July 10, 2022 15:38
Ryan
Marquee
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9.7K
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almost 14 years
kungfu panda
  • Ryan
    He was our most effective attacking player towards the end of the season, especially in the finals. But, I'll qualify that by saying the wheels were falling off at the time.
  • Except he couldn't finish
and? What about that makes my statement incorrect? No one was finishing.
July 10, 2022 15:51 · Edited July 10, 2022 15:52
kungfu panda
Phoenix Academy
870
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450
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almost 3 years
  • Ryan
    kungfu panda
    • Ryan
      He was our most effective attacking player towards the end of the season, especially in the finals. But, I'll qualify that by saying the wheels were falling off at the time.
    • Except he couldn't finish
    and? What about that makes my statement incorrect? No one was finishing.
  • OK. Fair enough.
July 10, 2022 16:57
reubee
Phoenix Academy
350
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420
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about 9 years
kungfu panda
Old is a very talented player. He needs to improve his finishing. His work rate needs to be higher in terms of recovering the ball.

I thought that he'd come and support the defence when he felt like it, rather than it being a responsibility (Piscopo was the same). Maybe down to fitness. 

He's still very young. A NZ star of the future for sure.
  in terms of fitness and defense, when we lost 2-1 to WSW when Sail went up for last minute corner, it was Old that was doing the chasing.  Similarly there was a Weenix - Eastern Suburbs game just over a year ago where there was a sending off involving mistaken identity after a player chased back a breakway and committed a DOGSO foul.  The player chasing back and committing the foul was Old. 
July 10, 2022 19:55
Oi Oi Edgecumbe
One in a million
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over 17 years
reubee wrote:

kungfu panda

Old is a very talented player. He needs to improve his finishing. His work rate needs to be higher in terms of recovering the ball.

I thought that he'd come and support the defence when he felt like it, rather than it being a responsibility (Piscopo was the same). Maybe down to fitness. 

He's still very young. A NZ star of the future for sure.

  in terms of fitness and defense, when we lost 2-1 to WSW when Sail went up for last minute corner, it was Old that was doing the chasing.  Similarly there was a Weenix - Eastern Suburbs game just over a year ago where there was a sending off involving mistaken identity after a player chased back a breakway and committed a DOGSO foul.  The player chasing back and committing the foul was Old. 

old, Older
July 10, 2022 22:34
kungfu panda
Phoenix Academy
870
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450
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almost 3 years
  • reubee
    kungfu panda
    Old is a very talented player. He needs to improve his finishing. His work rate needs to be higher in terms of recovering the ball.

    I thought that he'd come and support the defence when he felt like it, rather than it being a responsibility (Piscopo was the same). Maybe down to fitness. 

    He's still very young. A NZ star of the future for sure.
      in terms of fitness and defense, when we lost 2-1 to WSW when Sail went up for last minute corner, it was Old that was doing the chasing.  Similarly there was a Weenix - Eastern Suburbs game just over a year ago where there was a sending off involving mistaken identity after a player chased back a breakway and committed a DOGSO foul.  The player chasing back and committing the foul was Old. 
  • Ok but really that was my point. He chases back sometimes. Where Ball persistently chases back. At the end this is where Ball is currently picked ahead of Old (and last season even ahead of Piscopo).
  • Old is a young player. He won't be hitting his peak for another 5 years. He's very talented. We're just looking at areas that he will improve.
July 11, 2022 00:24
MetalLegNZ
Marquee
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5.8K
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about 12 years
Old has potential, but did go missing in games at times last year.

He's a good dribbler (but he does run into trouble) of the ball, and can see a pass. For him, it's as much about knowing when to take an option and when not to. That comes with experience.

I would also like to see him work on his right foot. he is so dominate left it makes him easier to mark because you know he will generally look to cut in on his left etc.
July 11, 2022 08:40
DodgyB
Trialist
110
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100
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over 6 years
Bullion
Interesting to see lots of lineups with Payne ahead of Laws at CB. I rate Laws, he's been very good the past couple of seasons.

I agree that Laws deserves to be starting CB, thought he was pretty good TBH. If JHS comes in we have an oversupply of RB's which makes no sense. So either Elliot is leaving and JHS is replacing him or Payne Laws and Wooten are our CB's which puts Laws on the bench.
July 11, 2022 09:08
Ranix
Starting XI
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2.7K
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almost 6 years
MetalLegNZ
Old has potential, but did go missing in games at times last year.

He's a good dribbler (but he does run into trouble) of the ball, and can see a pass. For him, it's as much about knowing when to take an option and when not to. That comes with experience.

I would also like to see him work on his right foot. he is so dominate left it makes him easier to mark because you know he will generally look to cut in on his left etc.
Last season thought Old went to ground far too easily in contact looking for a foul. Gave away possession a lot when he needed to be stronger on the ball. But feel this is something that can quite easily be addressed with his development and growth as a player.
July 11, 2022 09:31
Friar Tuck
First Team Squad
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1.6K
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almost 7 years
Personally I just want us to have the strongest starting XI possible, and if that means Uffie reckons Payne CB and Elliot RB with Laws on the bench then I’m happy with that.

Also I wouldn’t call 3 right backs an oversupply when Payne covers RB/CB/DM, Elliot covers RB/LB and JHS would cover RB/RW/LB + LW at a stretch. 

We had 3 dedicated RBs last season and I don’t seem to remember anyone saying we had an oversupply, particularly when the likes of Sotirio and Waine had to deputise.
July 11, 2022 13:15
Wusty Wab
WeeNix
1.3K
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780
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about 2 years
If Krishna signs and Talay and Gill still want an import striker, they could try and get former All Whites and Phoenix striker Greg Draper back. Not sure if he would be considered an import, was born and raised in England and moved to New Zealand when he was 12. Had a short stint with the Phoenix as a teenager in their first two seasons and only got to play a couple of games. He has now become the 2nd all time leading goal scorer in Wales 1st division which for whatever reason is nowhere as big as the A-League but still a respectable enough league to be playing in. Not sure how keen he would be on coming back to New Zealand considering how long he has been in Wales. He dropped down to the 2nd division last season and hasn't had much game time so far, though I think this is because he is taking on a player-coach role. There also doesn't seem to be an end date on his contract.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/greg-draper/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/55325
July 11, 2022 14:15
Friar Tuck
First Team Squad
4.2K
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1.6K
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almost 7 years
Wusty Wab
If Krishna signs and Talay and Gill still want an import striker, they could try and get former All Whites and Phoenix striker Greg Draper back. Not sure if he would be considered an import, was born and raised in England and moved to New Zealand when he was 12. Had a short stint with the Phoenix as a teenager in their first two seasons and only got to play a couple of games. He has now become the 2nd all time leading goal scorer in Wales 1st division which for whatever reason is nowhere as big as the A-League but still a respectable enough league to be playing in. Not sure how keen he would be on coming back to New Zealand considering how long he has been in Wales. He dropped down to the 2nd division last season and hasn't had much game time so far, though I think this is because he is taking on a player-coach role. There also doesn't seem to be an end date on his contract.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/greg-draper/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/55325
He's still with The New Saints as of last year in a non-playing role, overseeing their foundation as an "Elite Playing Coach". If there was ever a time to sign Draper, it probably would've been during the end of the Ernie days/the Kalezic era when Greg was still firing and we were struggling big time for talent.
July 11, 2022 14:22
coochiee
Legend
13K
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25K
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over 9 years
Wusty Wab
If Krishna signs and Talay and Gill still want an import striker, they could try and get former All Whites and Phoenix striker Greg Draper back. Not sure if he would be considered an import, was born and raised in England and moved to New Zealand when he was 12. Had a short stint with the Phoenix as a teenager in their first two seasons and only got to play a couple of games. He has now become the 2nd all time leading goal scorer in Wales 1st division which for whatever reason is nowhere as big as the A-League but still a respectable enough league to be playing in. Not sure how keen he would be on coming back to New Zealand considering how long he has been in Wales. He dropped down to the 2nd division last season and hasn't had much game time so far, though I think this is because he is taking on a player-coach role. There also doesn't seem to be an end date on his contract.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/greg-draper/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/55325

What are you smokin! Just no

July 11, 2022 14:32
and 4 others
Wusty Wab
WeeNix
1.3K
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780
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about 2 years
coochiee
Wusty Wab
If Krishna signs and Talay and Gill still want an import striker, they could try and get former All Whites and Phoenix striker Greg Draper back. Not sure if he would be considered an import, was born and raised in England and moved to New Zealand when he was 12. Had a short stint with the Phoenix as a teenager in their first two seasons and only got to play a couple of games. He has now become the 2nd all time leading goal scorer in Wales 1st division which for whatever reason is nowhere as big as the A-League but still a respectable enough league to be playing in. Not sure how keen he would be on coming back to New Zealand considering how long he has been in Wales. He dropped down to the 2nd division last season and hasn't had much game time so far, though I think this is because he is taking on a player-coach role. There also doesn't seem to be an end date on his contract.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/greg-draper/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/55325

What are you smokin! Just no


Alright just trying to make a suggestion. Idk do you guys think Talay and Gill will go for another striker if Krishna signs? Ball, Krishna, Waine and Barbarouses, would preferably have him play out wide but still can play as a striker if needed. Is that enough depth?
July 11, 2022 14:41
YoungHeartHM
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Marquee
8.3K
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5.3K
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about 10 years
Wusty Wab
If Krishna signs and Talay and Gill still want an import striker, they could try and get former All Whites and Phoenix striker Greg Draper back. Not sure if he would be considered an import, was born and raised in England and moved to New Zealand when he was 12. Had a short stint with the Phoenix as a teenager in their first two seasons and only got to play a couple of games. He has now become the 2nd all time leading goal scorer in Wales 1st division which for whatever reason is nowhere as big as the A-League but still a respectable enough league to be playing in. Not sure how keen he would be on coming back to New Zealand considering how long he has been in Wales. He dropped down to the 2nd division last season and hasn't had much game time so far, though I think this is because he is taking on a player-coach role. There also doesn't seem to be an end date on his contract.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/greg-draper/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/55325

We should look at bringing this Shane Smeltz guy back into the fold. Cracking record and proven in the A-League that fella. 

While we're at it we could bring back Tony Warner as GK cover for when Sail potentially makes a move offshore...


July 11, 2022 15:42 · Edited July 11, 2022 15:44
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WPM 2022/23 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

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