People would have said the same about Marco and Kosta too.... Where are they now?
Contracted Players - Return of the Long Pins
No, that is different. Both players had obvious natural class and pace. I don't see that in Hicks and Caira and relistically I don't belive Ernie did. He saw players that he thought could do a job for him but why give them two years. I also dont mind that the young players like Boyd, Ridenton and Rufer have three year deals as if they come off we will reap the rewards.
No, that is different. Both players had obvious natural class and pace. I don't see that in Hicks and Caira and relistically I don't belive Ernie did. He saw players that he thought could do a job for him but why give them two years. I also dont mind that the young players like Boyd, Ridenton and Rufer have three year deals as if they come off we will reap the rewards.
Caira dropped out of the team, not because of the performances but because Ernie had to adapt his tactics. We had to strengthen the defence behind Kenny because he isn't in a normal position for him. Manny provides much more cover defensively. 
No, that is different. Both players had obvious natural class and pace. I don't see that in Hicks and Caira and relistically I don't belive Ernie did. He saw players that he thought could do a job for him but why give them two years. I also dont mind that the young players like Boyd, Ridenton and Rufer have three year deals as if they come off we will reap the rewards.
Caira dropped out of the team, not because of the performances but because Ernie had to adapt his tactics. We had to strengthen the defence behind Kenny because he isn't in a normal position for him. Manny provides much more cover defensively. RR is there anyone in our squad you don't think is worth resigning?
RR is there anyone in our squad you don't think is worth resigning?
Gone:Shermy - we are playing a CB at RB, instead of the fullback cover we signed. Think that indicates he isn't up to it.
Adams - don't see the point in having a 4th CB next season. He would be better off playing games with Tee Dubs for a season before replacing Siggy.
Leo - squad filler under Merrick, not getting any younger. Not sure what extending his deal another season provides.
Depends:
Ifill - would re-sign if he get his NZ passport and come down to impact bench player wages. Fitness depending also.
Lia - probably still on Terry money, so would need a pay cut. We need better but still a capable squad player.
Too early to make a call on Krishna.
We be happy if we re-signed Boxall & Waffles. If Ernie decided to not too, I wont be up in arms tho. Riera is the only must sign we have uncontracted for next season.
I think I am in agreement with that.
RR is there anyone in our squad you don't think is worth resigning?
Gone:Shermy - we are playing a CB at RB, instead of the fullback cover we signed. Think that indicates he isn't up to it.
Adams - don't see the point in having a 4th CB next season. He would be better off playing games with Tee Dubs for a season before replacing Siggy.
Leo - squad filler under Merrick, not getting any younger. Not sure what extending his deal another season provides.
Depends:
Ifill - would re-sign if he get his NZ passport and come down to impact bench player wages. Fitness depending also.
Lia - probably still on Terry money, so would need a pay cut. We need better but still a capable squad player.
Too early to make a call on Krishna.
We be happy if we re-signed Boxall & Waffles. If Ernie decided to not too, I wont be up in arms tho. Riera is the only must sign we have uncontracted for next season.
That's a pretty good summation. I'd disagree in that I'd be a bit unhappy if we lost Boxall & Stein. Boxall has real potential as a CB and we're going to need that sooner rather than later with Siggy getting on. Stein is really starting to click with what Ernie is trying to do, and given some of the stuff I've been reading about his relationship with younger players (e.g. Boyd) you need to have a couple of seasoned pros off the field to help some of the younger guys come through - particularly if Ifill doesn't make it into next season. So in summary I'd put all three (incl Riera) in the should re-sign soon camp.
Boxall & Riera sign 1 year extensions, now 16/23 spots filled and 2 import slots available.
Updated:
Milos LUJIC (2 week contract)
Luke ADAMS (u21, +1)
Leo BERTOS (+1)
Josh BRINDELL-SOUTH (u21)
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Roy KRISHNA (f)*
Vince LIA
EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:
Michael BOXALL
Tyler BOYD (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Reece CAIRA
Kenny CUNNINGHAM (f)
Andrew DURANTE
Louis FENTON (u21)
Carlos HERNANDEZ (f)
Jason HICKS
Lewis ITALIANO
Glen MOSS
Albert RIERA (f)
Ben SIGMUND
EXPIRES END OF 2015/16:
Manny MUSCAT
Matthew RIDENTON (u21)
Alex RUFER (u21)
* Injury cover for Paul Ifill
http://tvnz.co.nz/football-news/phoenix-extend-riera-and-boxall-contracts-5800388
Great news - very happy to have these two on for longer.
"The change of coach seems to have done me a world of good."
+1 !!
+1 !!
If you are one of the guys whose contract expires at the end of this year, you would start to worry seeing others signed and you are not one of them (not withstanding others who are in negotiation)
It is quite noticeable how many of the players are talking Ernie up in the media. Obviously they're not going to say anything bad about him, but the number of them who come out with him as the reason for playing better, or enjoying the season more is interesting.
Now let's get Stein on the books for next year, and I'll be happy to let the rest sit for a month or two.
Happy with both of those. I feel one more year is about right for player and club. Both are promising but need more game time to show what they can do. When can Riera get an NZ passport?
Have we ever had a roster this full this early?
Piney reckons that Huysegems will be re-signed soon also.
That really doesn't leave a lot of positions/cap space to be filled.
Ernie obviously believes that he can get a lot more out of this squad. Either that or he has now realised that expectations in Wellington aren't actually that high.
Happy with both of those. I feel one more year is about right for player and club. Both are promising but need more game time to show what they can do. When can Riera get an NZ passport?
Leo has one of those contracts "with an option of another year". I'm wondering whether that has a number of games played clause and could be why he isn't even making the bench. Last games bench was quite unbalanced.
Piney reckons that Huysegems will be re-signed soon also.
That really doesn't leave a lot of positions/cap space to be filled.
Ernie obviously believes that he can get a lot more out of this squad. Either that or he has now realised that expectations in Wellington aren't actually that high.
He still has Leo and Lia contracts to play with. Plus Fenton to come back and Ifill, or Ifill replacement. Compared to what we have had on the park recently that is potentially three significant improvements to the starting side.
I am assuming the Leo and Lia salaries combined would give you scope for one significantly stronger buy, plus a cheaper development player. Out of that lot you could get a strong striker (Ifill replacement), Fenton doing his bit from FB and one other strong player, say a Lia upgrade.
Do we get an import spot next year if Krishna qualifies as a local and we decided to keep him? Not sure if that question got sorted in other posts.
Leo has one of those contracts "with an option of another year". I'm wondering whether that has a number of games played clause and could be why he isn't even making the bench. Last games bench was quite unbalanced.
Yeh could be that. Disappointing if it is for someone who has been such a servant for club and country.
No, that is different. Both players had obvious natural class and pace. I don't see that in Hicks and Caira and relistically I don't belive Ernie did. He saw players that he thought could do a job for him but why give them two years. I also dont mind that the young players like Boyd, Ridenton and Rufer have three year deals as if they come off we will reap the rewards.
Caira dropped out of the team, not because of the performances but because Ernie had to adapt his tactics. We had to strengthen the defence behind Kenny because he isn't in a normal position for him. Manny provides much more cover defensively. Ok, so basically you are saying he was not good enough and therefore we had to put our most versatile player in the worst of his three positions.
That's the consequence of being versatile AP.
lets sell brockie to asia.
Would expect Stein, Lia and Ifill (if he can get over his injury) to be the only ones re-signed. Leo isn't even making the bench this season under Ernie. Adams is behind Boxall in the pecking order.
There's a real conservatism to our recruitment/retention. The results have shown this isn't a high quality group so not sure why we're desperate to keep them all on. The isuue for me is that performances from the guys over 30 tend to see only go on one direction so where is the improvement going to come from? I'd think very carefully before resigning waffles even though hes going well at the moment because we have to leave SOME room to move in the transfer market
And I think that is the key to next season and either being on the edge of the six or top three with a chance of winning this competition.
Waffles and as much as I hate to say it Ifill. Both imports and both on nice wages. I have seen to much of Waffles over the last year and a half to be sold on a couple of games with a few goals. Ifill has been our best ever player but he is unfortunately not the player he was and it is time to look else where if we are to move to the next level.
I have no problem signing Waffles....he is thriving under the Ernie regime and will get even better IMO. Would not sign Ifill....sorry Paul, unless he comes in as a cheap kiwi. Would not have signed Carlos for another year. Have no problem with Riera.
IMO we are short of 2 or 3 quality players. The kids will be better next year but the game against CCM showed that we really lack that X factor in overcoming teams that are well set up. At best we are a solid mid table side capable of occasionally upsetting a top side be with the squad we have we are far far from even dreaming of top 4. To be top 4 you need a group of players who can stamp their authority and dominate a game.....currently we have patches were we can compete, but we rarely dominate.
I have no problem signing Waffles....he is thriving under the Ernie regime and will get even better IMO. Would not sign Ifill....sorry Paul, unless he comes in as a cheap kiwi. Would not have signed Carlos for another year. Have no problem with Riera.
IMO we are short of 2 or 3 quality players. The kids will be better next year but the game against CCM showed that we really lack that X factor in overcoming teams that are well set up. At best we are a solid mid table side capable of occasionally upsetting a top side be with the squad we have we are far far from even dreaming of top 4. To be top 4 you need a group of players who can stamp their authority and dominate a game.....currently we have patches were we can compete, but we rarely dominate.
There is always an assumption players are going to improve, but what improvement is left in him? He'll be 32, he's not going to get quicker stronger or faster. He's more likely to go in the opposite direction.
And while he's had some good games recently is he actually the type of player you say we need in the second bit? I think he's solid and I'd keep him over Hernandez but that's not an option now
Lia definitely goes, if we can't find anyone better than him to play for us we really shouldn't bother putting a team in (I mean Riera was a semi-pro in Spain and he's a far better player), and I don't see how you can give Ifil a contract whether as a local or as an import until you see him play - it's a sad end but for the good of the side we need to be a bit more ruthless.
One other point, I know what they're trying to do with the "play x games, you get a renewal" deals. But there are plenty of reasons why someone would play a certain number of matches one year but you don't want to re-sign them for the next season. I'm not convinced it's a great idea for players other than fringe players - you want the coach to have the freedom to choose who he likes without thought of triggering these clauses
I think there likely is quite a bit of room under the cap. I would rather have a solid base and look to add a couple of proven quality players and a couple of speculative gambles than replace half the squad. Real issue is the number of imports and where we are going to get those quality players from.
There's a real conservatism to our recruitment/retention. The results have shown this isn't a high quality group so not sure why we're desperate to keep them all on. The isuue for me is that performances from the guys over 30 tend to see only go on one direction so where is the improvement going to come from? I'd think very carefully before resigning waffles even though hes going well at the moment because we have to leave SOME room to move in the transfer market
We aren't the only non-top 2 team that are re-signing players.
Think that is a wider problem/issue with a salary and number of player capped league. It makes recruitment very difficult, and if you get it wrong it can blow up big time. If you get a new player in, and for whatever reason he doesn't perform to your expected level, it's really hard to fixed that (look at Emerton for example). You can't just go out and buy another one. So in a way you can see why a lot of players get re-signed. Retain the adequate/good ones, and let go of others in the hope you can upgrade on them.
There's a real conservatism to our recruitment/retention. The results have shown this isn't a high quality group so not sure why we're desperate to keep them all on. The isuue for me is that performances from the guys over 30 tend to see only go on one direction so where is the improvement going to come from? I'd think very carefully before resigning waffles even though hes going well at the moment because we have to leave SOME room to move in the transfer market
We aren't the only non-top 2 team that are re-signing players.
Think that is a wider problem/issue with a salary and number of player capped league. It makes recruitment very difficult, and if you get it wrong it can blow up big time. If you get a new player in, and for whatever reason he doesn't perform to your expected level, it's really hard to fixed that (look at Emerton for example). You can't just go out and buy another one. So in a way you can see why a lot of players get re-signed. Retain the adequate/good ones, and let go of others in the hope you can upgrade on them.
We are one of the better teams at creating chances this season. With the limited import slots left, IMHO, our recruitment should be looking at getting better quality in the attacking third, preferably someone with pace that can stretch opposition teams a bit.
We are one of the better teams at creating chances this season. With the limited import slots left, IMHO, our recruitment should be looking at getting better quality in the attacking third, preferably someone with pace that can stretch opposition teams a bit.
I quite agree with that, but would also argue that Merrick will spend more time fiddling with the front line we have than signing up new people.
He will eventually need to make a decision on Brockie, as both Cunningham and Huysegems (and even Boyd) have already scored this season from the chances presented to them.
We are one of the better teams at creating chances this season. With the limited import slots left, IMHO, our recruitment should be looking at getting better quality in the attacking third, preferably someone with pace that can stretch opposition teams a bit.
I quite agree with that, but would also argue that Merrick will spend more time fiddling with the front line we have than signing up new people.
He will eventually need to make a decision on Brockie, as both Cunningham and Huysegems (and even Boyd) have already scored this season from the chances presented to them.
Well Brockie has scored this season, twice, just not in a while and in the process has missed a couple of sitters. Also hasn't really created much and I have been a little disappointed with the pressure he has put on defenders. At the start of the second half in recent games he should know he only has a few minutes left and should be running his ass off. He looks very low on confidence and imo should be benched and given a run for the reserves so he can work his way back into the starting lineup.
There's a real conservatism to our recruitment/retention. The results have shown this isn't a high quality group so not sure why we're desperate to keep them all on. The isuue for me is that performances from the guys over 30 tend to see only go on one direction so where is the improvement going to come from? I'd think very carefully before resigning waffles even though hes going well at the moment because we have to leave SOME room to move in the transfer market
We aren't the only non-top 2 team that are re-signing players.
Think that is a wider problem/issue with a salary and number of player capped league. It makes recruitment very difficult, and if you get it wrong it can blow up big time. If you get a new player in, and for whatever reason he doesn't perform to your expected level, it's really hard to fixed that (look at Emerton for example). You can't just go out and buy another one. So in a way you can see why a lot of players get re-signed. Retain the adequate/good ones, and let go of others in the hope you can upgrade on them.
This is all fair but we have to find some improvement from somewhere. If we can get another Ifill then sure, we may be ok. But this squad is a bottom half side and it does feel like we could take a few more chances to try and improve, especially on players where you're pretty sure you've seen the best they can offer
One other point, recruitment can be a really effective marketing tool. Shouldn't underestimate that fans want to dream and nothing gets hopes up more than new signings!
Jason Pine @pineyzb
20 y/o striker Hamish Watson has signed a pro contract with @WgtnPhoenixFC for the rest of the #aleague season
20 y/o striker Hamish Watson has signed a pro contract with @WgtnPhoenixFC for the rest of the #aleague season
Wow. Didnt even know he was being considered. Good on him. I hope he pushes hard for bench time
Well done Hamish. We're stoked for you.
Well done to Hamish, thing I'm interested in is isn't he a sub for Team Wellington and not a regular starter for them?