you reckon Foster is easily upgradable? Realistically players will use the ALeague to get back into form or for playing time and use it as a stepping stone and an opportunity to get on tv and head to Europe to earn better money. I am perfectly happy with that outcome. But for none of these players who are aspirational can they make a decent living long term through playing ten years in the ALeague. The men can now but the men’s game is 20-30 years ahead of the women’s game. I hope as many as possible of our NZ players leave and head to Europe as soon as possible after ALeague. It will also give opportunities for the youngsters coming through who are technically better than the ones playing professionally now. just witness Whinham, Fraser etc. The 10 year olds playing now will be better again than them. Looking forward to the future. Nelfoos
Cox and Speckmaier have been real difference makers, but I think Foster, Breslin and especially Davidson are all replaceable/upgradable.
This season is still a big step up on previous teams though.
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
you reckon Foster is easily upgradable? Realistically players will use the ALeague to get back into form or for playing time and use it as a stepping stone and an opportunity to get on tv and head to Europe to earn better money. I am perfectly happy with that outcome. But for none of these players who are aspirational can they make a decent living long term through playing ten years in the ALeague. The men can now but the men’s game is 20-30 years ahead of the women’s game. I hope as many as possible of our NZ players leave and head to Europe as soon as possible after ALeague. It will also give opportunities for the youngsters coming through who are technically better than the ones playing professionally now. just witness Whinham, Fraser etc. The 10 year olds playing now will be better again than them. Looking forward to the future. Nelfoos
Cox and Speckmaier have been real difference makers, but I think Foster, Breslin and especially Davidson are all replaceable/upgradable.
This season is still a big step up on previous teams though.
I don't know that we could do better than Foster, but I think Edwards (if retained) is close enough that the visa spot would be better used elsewhere.
Breslin has been poor IMO and not worth a spot. Speckmaier is quick, but a poor finisher (an issue that plagues women football generally) and not a great option taker. Davidson - I think would be better in a better team. The amount of times she doesn't seem to have an option to pass to is frustrating, a fact she doesn't hide. Cox looks decent, Foster is clearly a good keeper. Can't remember who the other one is - probably a sign of their worth.
Breslin has been poor IMO and not worth a spot. Speckmaier is quick, but a poor finisher (an issue that plagues women football generally) and not a great option taker. Davidson - I think would be better in a better team. The amount of times she doesn't seem to have an option to pass to is frustrating, a fact she doesn't hide. Cox looks decent, Foster is clearly a good keeper. Can't remember who the other one is - probably a sign of their worth.
I doubt Davidson wuld be good enough for a better team, at least not as a defender, she seems ok on attack, so maybe she could play as a wide midfielder but her defensive work is horrible.
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
These players should be trying to be playing Aussie NPL level in the long long off season. Would be good to see quite a few of them do this. If they get picked up by Aussie A league teams next year then all good in the big picture. Especially with Auckland coming on board the following season. Need to keep grooming NZ talent. I think 5 imports this year was too many. Speckmaier and Cox have been the best two for me, and it was in those forward positions that was identified that we needed reinforcements from last year. Why we ended up with 5 imports I'm not sure. Foster in goal I thought was a good call at the time. But be happy with Edwards and Alfeld (returning from injury) or Candy next year.
When Alen Stajcic was messily sacked as Matildas coach, was rumours that some of the player's parents were involved. There has obviously been alot of change compared to the first two seasons under Jones & Lawrence. Expect the Nix will do an indepth post season review, consult everyone and then work through any issues behind closed doors.
Based purely off results I'd expect Temple to get a 2nd season. But that may not be the sole barometer. Maybe he needs some more female staffers/assistants? But yes trust the Nix as a club to work through it all in the off season.
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
Parents getting involved in any kind of professional gig, football or otherwise is not on and embarrassing for all parties, I'm glad the club isn't listening to them. It's for sure a problem if the players aren't being listened to in the environment, but parents advocating on their behalf is some u11s shark and should be nipped in the bud.
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
Parents getting involved in any kind of professional gig, football or otherwise is not on and embarrassing for all parties, I'm glad the club isn't listening to them. It's for sure a problem if the players aren't being listened to in the environment, but parents advocating on their behalf is some u11s shark and should be nipped in the bud.
Thing is that women's pro football skews much younger than the men's game. I'm not surprised that pro women who're under 20 might not have the confidence to speak up for themselves (remember Marco Rojas' dad getting involved though!)
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
Parents getting involved in any kind of professional gig, football or otherwise is not on and embarrassing for all parties, I'm glad the club isn't listening to them. It's for sure a problem if the players aren't being listened to in the environment, but parents advocating on their behalf is some u11s shark and should be nipped in the bud.
Thing is that women's pro football skews much younger than the men's game. I'm not surprised that pro women who're under 20 might not have the confidence to speak up for themselves (remember Marco Rojas' dad getting involved though!)
Sure but running to mummy and daddy doesn't exactly scream that you have the maturity or mentality to play pro football - Rojas with his dad as his agent maybe an exception but I truthfully don't know exactly what went down there.
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
Parents getting involved in any kind of professional gig, football or otherwise is not on and embarrassing for all parties, I'm glad the club isn't listening to them. It's for sure a problem if the players aren't being listened to in the environment, but parents advocating on their behalf is some u11s shark and should be nipped in the bud.
Thing is that women's pro football skews much younger than the men's game. I'm not surprised that pro women who're under 20 might not have the confidence to speak up for themselves (remember Marco Rojas' dad getting involved though!)
Most of the women are over 18, so well old enough to be making their own deicsions. Parent getting involved in any team is when issues start arising. Plus it's usuaklly complaints along the lines of "my girl should be starting ahead of ......" or "why is ....... playing in this position, she's a better xxxxx". All complete bollocks and something the cluib should most definately be ignoring. If the parents dont like it then they can take their kids and go play in a semi-pro league and qatch their daughters get treated with less respect and have access to wose facilities. It seems to me that the women's game is a little behind in how/what being a pro looks like. It's not all hugs and cuddles, it's actually hard work with hard decision having to be made. An yes we all remember Marco's dad getting involved, look how that ended, marco and Dad thought he was better than he was and should be starting, ignoring the fact he'd been introduced the the top team and had been injured for a loooong time so there was no evidence to justify his starting spot, shipped him off to Melbourne citing better facilities - which was probably accurate at the time.
Coaching women is different to men, but the standard and expectation should be the same for players and coaches.
Be professional, be respectful but also be demanding of excellence.
More work can be done to help girls transition into the professional environment which is more cut throat.
Totally agree, the transition is clearly what is lacking in the women's game. There seems to be an expectation that the pro-game is gonna be the same family environment as the local leagues. Not saying it cant be similar but there is undoubtedly more pressure and higher expectations.
A lot of talk when we don’t know what has been going on. We don’t know if what has happened is what we’d expect from a professional environment or not. Presumably the players aren’t talking, but perhaps a parent or two has said to a friend my xyz isn’t happy with her job and NZ is a small gossipy country.
Until investigations are made public, if they can be, I’d hold back on discussing who should be doing what. Remembering we’ve never had a men’s team that had to put up with only being employed part of the year.
All of the imports have more than justified their inclusion in what was not a strong squad. Foster, Speckmaier, and Cox have performed consistently well. Breslin has had a solid season and imo excellent in the loss to Sydney. Davidson has been caught out positionally occasionally but a worthwhile acquisition, and had an excellent game last night.
Of the NZ’ers, the notion that Robertson and Elliot ‘don’t cut it’ is nonsense. Robertson, as someone said, offers energy, pace, and directness. Elliot ffs is very young and is developing nicely. A good option if only for now off the bench.
Fenix
lthomas20
Fenix
I think all of the foreigners could be replaced adequately. Hannah Keane would do us well I think., maybe Michelle Hayman too
Went to the game last night. Thought Davidson was poor in the first half. Little impact going forward and her passes often put players under pressure. She did improve in the second half but I thought the whole team lifted. All the other imports were solid and impacted the game to a much greater extent.
Breslin has played better in a more central role but is not demanding of a position. Mcmeekan, sorry for spelling is a star in the making and more than effective replacement at Rb for Davidson. And Foster, whilst a good goalkeeper is not that good to warrant an import spot.
I personally thought top 6 this year as a minimum, but can understand why we haven't. Too many injuries etc. Still a big improvement on previous years and I think next year we can be title contenders if we keep Fraser in particular.
Breslin has played better in a more central role but is not demanding of a position. Mcmeekan, sorry for spelling is a star in the making and more than effective replacement at Rb for Davidson. And Foster, whilst a good goalkeeper is not that good to warrant an import spot.
I personally thought top 6 this year as a minimum, but can understand why we haven't. Too many injuries etc. Still a big improvement on previous years and I think next year we can be title contenders if we keep Fraser in particular.
And was that expectation at the start of the season or after about five games?
Our squad on paper was about where we are on the table. Heaps of Nix fans who have little understanding of the leagues playing pool got expectations too high after a strong start.
Let's hope we can finish strong because to make finals would be an excellent season
All of the imports have more than justified their inclusion in what was not a strong squad. Foster, Speckmaier, and Cox have performed consistently well. Breslin has had a solid season and imo excellent in the loss to Sydney. Davidson has been caught out positionally occasionally but a worthwhile acquisition, and had an excellent game last night.
Of the NZ’ers, the notion that Robertson and Elliot ‘don’t cut it’ is nonsense. Robertson, as someone said, offers energy, pace, and directness. Elliot ffs is very young and is developing nicely. A good option if only for now off the bench.
Fenix
lthomas20
Fenix
I think all of the foreigners could be replaced adequately. Hannah Keane would do us well I think., maybe Michelle Hayman too
Dreaming if you think they'll come to us
Well,Heymann is playing for Canberra!!!
Don't agree with this - you only get 5 import spots, and these are players you need to drive the team and drive your season. I think keeping all five would be a mistake; you need some fresh blood and change every season. Cox and Speckmaier have been superb (albeit the latter has dipped in and out and back in to form), I think Foster has been underrated by Nix fans too and would like to keep her, she's a better keeper than Bri (who I feel for, but truth is she's an inbetween player; worse than most no 1s in the league, but better than most if not all no 2s).
No desire to keep Breslin or Davidson. Davidson hasn't hit the standards you'd hope from an import, more so I'm not sure we need an import fullback. Breslin has been decent at times and average in others... but if Fraser, Whinham and Longo stay, I think it's wasteful to use an import spot on a creative mid/10 type player.
The one who needs a replacement is Paul Temple. Just ask Chloe Knott.
If I could,I would! Results have certainly turned since Knott left, and even when she was here,our performances were better when she was on the pitch. Could be coincidence of course. I'm sure we would all like to hear the inside story.
The inside stories that I'm hearing (take with as much salt as needed) is that the parents of players are *very* unhappy with how Temple is running things but can't seem to get a hearing from the club (and can't go public without threatening their daughters' careers), and that there may be quite a few exits to Aussie NPL-level clubs next season
Parents getting involved in any kind of professional gig, football or otherwise is not on and embarrassing for all parties, I'm glad the club isn't listening to them. It's for sure a problem if the players aren't being listened to in the environment, but parents advocating on their behalf is some u11s shark and should be nipped in the bud.
Thing is that women's pro football skews much younger than the men's game. I'm not surprised that pro women who're under 20 might not have the confidence to speak up for themselves (remember Marco Rojas' dad getting involved though!)
Most of the women are over 18, so well old enough to be making their own deicsions. Parent getting involved in any team is when issues start arising. Plus it's usuaklly complaints along the lines of "my girl should be starting ahead of ......" or "why is ....... playing in this position, she's a better xxxxx". All complete bollocks and something the cluib should most definately be ignoring. If the parents dont like it then they can take their kids and go play in a semi-pro league and qatch their daughters get treated with less respect and have access to wose facilities. It seems to me that the women's game is a little behind in how/what being a pro looks like. It's not all hugs and cuddles, it's actually hard work with hard decision having to be made. An yes we all remember Marco's dad getting involved, look how that ended, marco and Dad thought he was better than he was and should be starting, ignoring the fact he'd been introduced the the top team and had been injured for a loooong time so there was no evidence to justify his starting spot, shipped him off to Melbourne citing better facilities - which was probably accurate at the time.
This is a lot of non-sense. Parents of those player are the reason why a 18 year old plays pro football. They function as sponsor, manager, mentors and helping them navigate life in general. They must have done something right? Even top players talk to their agents or parent about issues, money etc.
There's no credible evidence to support your scare mongering. So Chloe Knott left. Who really cares. There's so many positives based on the teams performance this season compared to the previous two.
There's no credible evidence to support your scare mongering. So Chloe Knott left. Who really cares. There's so many positives based on the teams performance this season compared to the previous two.
"Evidence"? This isn't a court of law. If the players say there's a problem, by definition there's a problem, whether it be because Temple is a bad coach or because he's a good coach and the players don't respect his ways. And from what I hear the parents of the players say there is a problem, but they're not going to go public and ruin their daughters' careers. The proof of the pudding is that since Chloe Knott left the team's performances have cratered drastically.
I'll just have to repost that article that says that this stuff always comes out anyway, often after an expensive review, so best to have a proper inquiry early.
There's no credible evidence to support your scare mongering. So Chloe Knott left. Who really cares. There's so many positives based on the teams performance this season compared to the previous two.
"Evidence"? This isn't a court of law. If the players say there's a problem, by definition there's a problem, whether it be because Temple is a bad coach or because he's a good coach and the players don't respect his ways. And from what I hear the parents of the players say there is a problem, but they're not going to go public and ruin their daughters' careers. The proof of the pudding is that since Chloe Knott left the team's performances have cratered drastically.
I'll just have to repost that article that says that this stuff always comes out anyway, often after an expensive review, so best to have a proper inquiry early.
some players said something (well one did and she left) during her leaving statements - which said very little, players that had travelled to be here said that the environment was incredible even better than where they had been before. I dont recall any other players coming out in support of the vague claims that were made.
Please show me one parent of a high performing footballer who doesn't complain about the coaches.
Honestly - they all think their kids are super stars and are never given the credit, opportunities that the deserve etc etc. Boys or Girl football, makes no difference.
I just have to keep repeating what the article said: it might be nothing at all. But we don't know because a proper inquiry hasn't taken place. Better a quick check now than an expensive review and having to fire/pay people out in 6 months time, surely?
