Appiah without the pace
6.4K
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19K
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over 16 years

"I do think it is the biggest-ever signing out of New Zealand: Marseilles are massive - it's like someone going to England and signing for Arsenal," Hobson said. "It's a big jump, but I guess they wouldn't sign him if they didn't think he could play."

It's understood the Wellington Phoenix were waiting in the wings if the Marseille deal fell through. Olympique Marseille have won the French national title nine times and the European Champions League in 1993, and play in a 60,031 capacity stadium.


Lolz

Legend
2.3K
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17K
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almost 17 years

Great first reply.

Marquee
260
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5K
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over 16 years

Great move for him! I can see why he didn't bother coming to the Phoenix for a trial.  

Weird comparison with Arsenal, however.

valeo
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Legend
4.6K
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18K
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almost 17 years

Huge for nz football. Great stuff,even though I was hoping he'd be at the nix.

Marquee
970
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6.5K
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over 11 years
Luis Garcia wrote:

Great move for him! I can see why he didn't bother coming to the Phoenix for a trial.  

Weird comparison with Arsenal, however.

Possibly Hobson means that it's not the very top French outfit, e.g. PSG/Lyon, that he's gone to but one very near near it, vis a vis Arsenal not being Man U or Chelsea but very near same level. However they are the best supported team in France in terms of attendance. And in terms of crowd passion, arguably. If Tuiloma can get into the first team he could go on to do extremely well. Hopefully that crook Tapie no longer has any influence there.

Marquee
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6.4K
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over 14 years

Wonder when TV will furnish an apology to Jeff Vader?

tradition and history
1.5K
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9.9K
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almost 17 years
Buffon II wrote:

Great first reply.



Did you not swear that he had signed for LA?
TV
On probation
250
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4.2K
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over 13 years
sthn.jeff wrote:

Wonder when TV will furnish an apology to Jeff Vader?


If you read and im sure you can i said i didnt believe agentorange. I simply asked JV to confirm what he heard at Birko so beat it
Hows about you apologise for saying i talked bollocks about FSE when hello! theres only gulley left from basalaj solomons rowe biss. Its a failure so eat your hat!!!
Legend
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17K
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almost 17 years
Leggy wrote:
Buffon II wrote:

Great first reply.



Did you not swear that he had signed for LA?

Was on an academy contract not a pro contract. This is a pro contract.
First Team Squad
450
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1.1K
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over 11 years

Wow!

This is enormous....and shows how far and fast NZ youth football is moving. OM are giants. They regularly play CL and will be this season. They have made four CL and Europe cup finals, nine times French champions and are rated 18 in the world for earnings. They regularly play at home to 60,000 crowds and normally average around 50,000 for home games. The club has the biggest supporter base in France.


I was fortunate to get to a home game at the Velodrome......amazing atmosphere. Hugely passionate fans. The chanting made my hair stand.... check out Youtube   "aux armes OM"  The fans chant back and forth end to end. Imagine YF in full voice and x10,000. Alex Ferguesson described the Veledrome as a special place in Europe.


If Tuiloma makes a go of it he will have a great time. Its a wonderful vibrant interesting city but a bit rough around the edges. The city lives and breaths their football club. In the streets it seems like every second person is wearing a OM shirt. OM currently are short of money...which probably explains why they are out looking  for cheap talent. They have been a selling club for quite a while. In recent years they have sold Nasri, Ribery, Ben Arfa, Remy, Auxpulcita(to Chelsea)

Well done Bill and good luck!!!!

TV
On probation
250
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4.2K
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over 13 years

He'll be playing for under 19 side for next two seasons no doubt

Cock
2.7K
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16K
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over 14 years

I think Tuiloma is a nice package. He has a lovely touch and sees the game a head. He does lack a bit of....I'm not sure what it is exactly but I guess he is a very quite footballer, I think he needs a bit more passion/enthusiasm. It's almost like he is content to sit in the groove of the game rather than step up and take control when it needs it and impress himself on the game. I base that on 3 times I have seen him so I could be wrong but that would be my only criticism. Otherwise I hope he does well

Legend
2.3K
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17K
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almost 17 years

Understand what you mean JV. That will probably change in a professional environment though, right?

Cock
2.7K
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16K
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over 14 years

Agree Buffon. He is still a young lad so he will find that in a pro environment as he develops more.

RR
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Bossi Insider
9.2K
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33K
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over 15 years

Really hope things work out for him but being signed to an academy doesn't mean you will make it as a pro.

The way the A-League seems to be trending, players who leave after a couple seasons seem to be doing better than ones that leave before making it as a first team regular. Have to wonder if a couple of seasons with the Phoenix might have been better for him. But I really hope I have to eat humble pie here.

TV
On probation
250
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4.2K
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over 13 years

Really hope things work out for him but being signed to an academy doesn't mean you will make it as a pro.

The way the A-League seems to be trending, players who leave after a couple seasons seem to be doing better than ones that leave before making it as a first team regular. Have to wonder if a couple of seasons with the Phoenix might have been better for him. But I really hope I have to eat humble pie here.


This. Would rather he went to nix and got his hands on RB
Cock
2.7K
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16K
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over 14 years

I thought Tuiloma was a left footer. He's been left flank for Birkenhead in the games I've seen him play

TV
On probation
250
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4.2K
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over 13 years
Jeff Vader wrote:

I thought Tuiloma was a left footer. He's been left flank for Birkenhead in the games I've seen him play


Can kick with both feet JV just like we both agree a young pro footballer should. RB for NZU17's, LB/CB for NZU20's. 
Starting XI
1.5K
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4.9K
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over 15 years

Great news - be interesting to know how he was scouted by Marseilles. Maybe they saw him at the u-20's?

Maybe someone like Christian Karembeu the former French international from New Caledonia had some involvement since I know he keeps in touch with football down here in Oceania and has a bit of a scouting network himself (former scout for Arsenal, now on the staff at Olympiakos in Greece, one of his former clubs).

Starting XI
1.5K
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4.9K
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over 15 years

Searching the net, the news is breaking on French football sites based mainly on the Stuff.co.nz report:

Found some comment that Marseille's sporting director, Jose Anigo was here in NZ on holiday recently - may be a joke? Who knows!

http://forum.lephoceen.fr/threads/47512-Mercato-2013-Rumeurs-et-suggestions/page445

"Our new recruit : Anigo went 2 weeks in New Zealand for the holidays and brought us back a souvenir with him."

"Notre nouvelle recrue : Anigo est parti 2 semaines en nouvelle Zélande pour les vacances et nous a ramenés un souvenir avec lui."

http://www.footballclubdemarseille.fr/breves/mercato-lom-recrute-un-joueur-du-bout-du-monde.html

 Reste à savoir si ce jeune défenseur est destiné à évoluer en CFA2 ou comme quatrième défenseur central chez les pros. Une recrue surprise sauf si comme Miranda avant lui, le transfert est démenti par l’OM…

 "Question is whether the young defender is destined to evolve in CFA2 or as fourth central defender in the pros. A surprise recruit unless as with the Miranda rookie before him, the transfer is denied by  OM ...

"CFA2" is the fifth tier of French football and reserve sides of pro clubs compete in it with amateur teams: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Championnat_de_France_amateur_2

http://www.footballsupps.com/ligue1/olympique-de-marseille-t73-12720.html

D'après la presse Anglaise c'est déjà fait ! Il s'agit du jeune Bill Tuiloma originaire de Nouvelle Zélande. Il est considéré comme un crack au potentiel énorme avec des qualités rares chez un défenseur. Il peut jouer de partout en défense même s'il est DC de métier.

According to the British press it is already done! It is the young Bill Tuiloma from New Zealand. He is considered a potentially huge talent with rare qualities in a defender.He can play anywhere in defense even if CB is his strength.

First Team Squad
450
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1.1K
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over 11 years

Officially announced on the OM website.....Bill Tuiloma signed for two years. Trainee at reserve grade level. Arrives tomorrow for a medical and official signing. 

Ferk me.....never thought that would happen.

Well done Bill and all the best of luck.

On the OM site there was a comment that Liverpool and Man U were also interested but there were issues with getting Bill a UK working visa. Obviously no prob's in France

'The Scoop'
30
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6.4K
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over 15 years

Am I the only one who still thinks this deal might not happen? No word from the club at all or even confirmation from the player.


Just sounds like Birkenhead DOF is just confirming what was said on here a few weeks ago and since it has gone quiet... 

First Team Squad
59
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1.5K
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over 13 years
playwithFire wrote:

Am I the only one who still thinks this deal might not happen? No word from the club at all or even confirmation from the player.


Just sounds like Birkenhead DOF is just confirming what was said on here a few weeks ago and since it has gone quiet... 


It's not exactly a high profile signing. Her is supposed to arrive in France on Monday/Tuesday for a medical and to sign a two year "probationary" contract. So hasn't signed yet, but sounds quite likely.

http://www.foot01.com/equipe/marseille/l-om-confirme-l-arrivee-de-tuiloma,119471

Good on him, great opportunity, Paul Hobson is sounding ridiculous though.

Trialist
1
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100
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about 11 years

Great stuff! Look forward to following his progress

Legend
3.6K
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15K
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almost 17 years
2ndBest wrote:

"I do think it is the biggest-ever signing out of New Zealand: Marseilles are massive - it's like someone going to England and signing for Arsenal," Hobson said. "It's a big jump, but I guess they wouldn't sign him if they didn't think he could play."

It's understood the Wellington Phoenix were waiting in the wings if the Marseille deal fell through. Olympique Marseille have won the French national title nine times and the European Champions League in 1993, and play in a 60,031 capacity stadium.


Lolz


Arsenal have won the english national title 13 times.
WeeNix
43
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640
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over 12 years

There is an interview on marseille web site with him.........


Phoenix Academy
24
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240
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over 14 years
First Team Squad
2
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1.8K
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about 14 years


i speak french and tuiloma said that he was already on trial in marseilles last may before the u20 w and that he liked the facilities and the temperature in marseilles

Appiah without the pace
6.4K
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19K
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over 16 years
abris wrote:


i speak french and tuiloma said that he was already on trial in marseilles last may before the u20 w and that he liked the facilities and the temperature in marseilles

So that is why he didn't want to come train with the Phoenix. Marco been in his ear.

Seb
WeeNix
6
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520
·
almost 11 years

What are his chances of breaking into the squad for the big qualifying game now considering we don't really have many (if any) options at left back?

TV
On probation
250
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4.2K
·
over 13 years
Seb wrote:

What are his chances of breaking into the squad for the big qualifying game now considering we don't really have many (if any) options at left back?


Bit too early for that. Only going to be with OM youth side. Despite not having clubs I'm sure Herbert will go with Hogg, Rowe or Lochhead. Roux at RB is much more likely I'd say
Marquee
1.3K
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5.3K
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over 16 years
TV wrote:
Seb wrote:

What are his chances of breaking into the squad for the big qualifying game now considering we don't really have many (if any) options at left back?


Bit too early for that. Only going to be with OM youth side. Despite not having clubs I'm sure Herbert will go with Hogg, Rowe or Lochhead. Roux at RB is much more likely I'd say

Tim Payne has gotten games for AWs at a similar age and also at a similar club situation. Would not be surprised if Ricki brings him in for one of the international windows.
First Team Squad
450
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1.1K
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over 11 years

I'm really rapt that we have a kiwi playing for Olympic Marseille. I've supported this team for ages and spent quite a bit of time in this region. Its a fantastic vibrant city. The town lives and breaths its football club.

I hope Bill does well but I can't help think that 18 he is very young and inexperienced for this level. IMO he would have been better first to spend a year at a team like the Phoenix.....that way he would gain some experience living and working as a pro footballer. As it is he is an amateur coming into a high pressure professional environment. At 18 most Europeans players already have experience of the rigors of high intensity training. Bill comes from a background at Birkenhead of training a few times a week. Some locals call the OM training camp "the mill" because of the high intensity way it grinds up players.

 He also will have to cope with the culture shock of being by himself in a different language and culture. There is not a lot of English spoken in that region of France. Looking at the reserve roster the players look like they are all French or African. Its quite likely that none of his team mates will speak English. Its a big jump for a quietly spoken kid from the burbs of Auckland.

So for Bill it will be very much sink or swim. The expectations of him will be enormous. He has the physical talents to get there but like Rojas a lot will depend on his mental strength. If he does make it then the world will be at his feet. If he gets to be a regular in the first team he will be treated like a god in Marseille. He could play CL football. The club is also a selling club....they develop and sell. Top players like Ribery, Nasri, Ben arfa, Remy have all come through OM. If Bill does well there it could be the gateway to bigger things.

Good luck Bill.....hope to see you run out in OM colours one day.

TV
On probation
250
·
4.2K
·
over 13 years
austin10 wrote:

I'm really rapt that we have a kiwi playing for Olympic Marseille. I've supported this team for ages and spent quite a bit of time in this region. Its a fantastic vibrant city. The town lives and breaths its football club.

I hope Bill does well but I can't help think that 18 he is very young and inexperienced for this level. IMO he would have been better first to spend a year at a team like the Phoenix.....that way he would gain some experience living and working as a pro footballer. As it is he is an amateur coming into a high pressure professional environment. At 18 most Europeans players already have experience of the rigors of high intensity training. Bill comes from a background at Birkenhead of training a few times a week. Some locals call the OM training camp "the mill" because of the high intensity way it grinds up players.

 He also will have to cope with the culture shock of being by himself in a different language and culture. There is not a lot of English spoken in that region of France. Looking at the reserve roster the players look like they are all French or African. Its quite likely that none of his team mates will speak English. Its a big jump for a quietly spoken kid from the burbs of Auckland.

So for Bill it will be very much sink or swim. The expectations of him will be enormous. He has the physical talents to get there but like Rojas a lot will depend on his mental strength. If he does make it then the world will be at his feet. If he gets to be a regular in the first team he will be treated like a god in Marseille. He could play CL football. The club is also a selling club....they develop and sell. Top players like Ribery, Nasri, Ben arfa, Remy have all come through OM. If Bill does well there it could be the gateway to bigger things.

Good luck Bill.....hope to see you run out in OM colours one day.


He spent time with la galaxy im sure he will be fine with the training and its only U19 level 
First Team Squad
450
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1.1K
·
over 11 years

LOL....Bills already got 5000 views of his Youtube clips....even though they are only old U17 WC and dodgy footage of him playing in a paddock when he was at Lincoln Academy.

Still he has a bit to catch up Rojas.....his combined Youtube viewership is over 100,000.....must be his Mum!!!!

Appiah without the pace
6.4K
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19K
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over 16 years
paulm wrote:
2ndBest wrote:

"I do think it is the biggest-ever signing out of New Zealand: Marseilles are massive - it's like someone going to England and signing for Arsenal," Hobson said. "It's a big jump, but I guess they wouldn't sign him if they didn't think he could play."

It's understood the Wellington Phoenix were waiting in the wings if the Marseille deal fell through. Olympique Marseille have won the French national title nine times and the European Champions League in 1993, and play in a 60,031 capacity stadium.


Lolz


Arsenal have won the english national title 13 times.

Few more details here.  
Good luck to him. Should be a good opportunity for him.  
Although sounds like it more like signing for Arsenal U21 side.
Phoenix Academy
43
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500
·
almost 12 years

But have Arsenal won the European Cup..

Liverpool - 5 (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005)
Manchester United - 3 (1968, 1999, 2008)
Nottingham Forest - 2 (1979, 1980)
Aston Villa - 1 (1982)
Chelsea (2012)


 

Groundskeeper Willie
700
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7.5K
·
about 16 years


If a kiwi signed for arsenal at u21 level I think it would be a pretty big deal. Would even catch more attention than Tuiloma's signing. The mainstream media here love the EPL.
Appiah without the pace
6.4K
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19K
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over 16 years

The point I was trying to make is that, while it's great news, it's not as big of a move as some are suggesting.

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