2014/15 Transfer Speculation

Bullion

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Marquee

1.4K

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5.3K

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about 17 years

brumbys wrote:

james dean wrote:

brumbys wrote:

I don't get this assumption that because I player got released by a Championship youth team they're the solution to our midfield options.

The reality is we have enough 'development' options in this space and we need proven quality. Yes he's an All White. Whoop. But let's stop assuming he's genuinely a better player than what we have in Riera, Gorrin, and Lia.

Proven quality like Gorrin, who has never played a senior game of football?? Let's be honest, most of the reason everyone is so excited about this guy is no-one has ever seen him play.

I'd suggest if Merrick (who has seen footage) rates him over Payne then it's a fair assumption.

Guys, it's the All Whites, we're not exactly full of midfield options nor any further forward than we were 4 years ago. We've got to lift the expectations for the Nix and get off the 'young AW available SIGN HIM NOW bus'.

He is an established All White. Most of us can only base our opinions of him on his form for NZ rep sides (u17 to AWs) and he is good player, at least better than 4 of our current midfield and is versatile - more versatile than other midfield options in the team. It's a shame that timing is not great for him because of the amount of players already signed.

May 20, 2014 10:04

RR

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Bossi Insider

11K

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35K

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about 16 years

Bullion wrote:

brumbys wrote:

james dean wrote:

brumbys wrote:

I don't get this assumption that because I player got released by a Championship youth team they're the solution to our midfield options.

The reality is we have enough 'development' options in this space and we need proven quality. Yes he's an All White. Whoop. But let's stop assuming he's genuinely a better player than what we have in Riera, Gorrin, and Lia.

Proven quality like Gorrin, who has never played a senior game of football?? Let's be honest, most of the reason everyone is so excited about this guy is no-one has ever seen him play.

I'd suggest if Merrick (who has seen footage) rates him over Payne then it's a fair assumption.

Guys, it's the All Whites, we're not exactly full of midfield options nor any further forward than we were 4 years ago. We've got to lift the expectations for the Nix and get off the 'young AW available SIGN HIM NOW bus'.

He is an established All White. Most of us can only base our opinions of him on his form for NZ rep sides (u17 to AWs) and he is good player, at least better than 4 of our current midfield and is versatile - more versatile than other midfield options in the team. It's a shame that timing is not great for him because of the amount of players already signed.

Wouldn't be a problem if we had a NYL team, we could have our project players like Rufer & Ridenton as the contracted NYL players and have room for him.

May 20, 2014 10:16

Doloras

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Opinion Privileges revoked

5.2K

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10K

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almost 15 years

james dean wrote:

Think of all the decisions made and the results since Welnix took over. Does that fill you with confidence?

Of course not, but I was one of those stupid people who had bad feelings about the Welnix deal in the first place, as I'm sure you remember. But in this case, it's Merrick whom I consider an authority (in signing players). His record is better than Ricki's on average.

May 20, 2014 10:23

Jeff Vader

Cock

2.7K

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16K

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about 15 years

SurgeQld wrote:

Jeff Vader wrote:

SurgeQld wrote:

I picked up Payne on FM14 and he hasn't really stood out for us.

Well that's just conclusive then....

That was kinda the point... jeezuz we need a sarcasm font on here lol... and as much as it was, it probably is conclusive for some :s

I was being equally sarcastic.... I think you may have missed me ha ha ha ha

May 20, 2014 10:56

Jeff Vader

Cock

2.7K

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16K

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about 15 years

Doloras wrote:

james dean wrote:

Think of all the decisions made and the results since Welnix took over. Does that fill you with confidence?

Of course not, but I was one of those stupid people who had bad feelings about the Welnix deal in the first place, as I'm sure you remember. But in this case, it's Merrick whom I consider an authority (in signing players). His record is better than Ricki's on average.

I'll certainly give you that. You put your colours up early...

May 20, 2014 10:57

Tegal

Head Sleuth

3K

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19K

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over 17 years

energy24.7 wrote:

I would've seriously looked at Payne. He's an upgrade on all those back ups and if he'd strengthen the squad then why wouldn't you look at him? Especially as a non-import.

If it pushes Hicks and Rufer further down pecking order then that's a great result - they're still around to develop but I think in a squad of 23 you can carry players who won't get much game time. Look at that guy who scored for Roar against us. I think that was the only game he played all season.

I do not understand the mentality of "we've got enough players in that position or age group". If he's better than your other options get amongst and strengthen the squad. The others then have to get better or more versatile.

Of course if he pulls out three amazing signings then fair play to him but until then I sceptical it's the right call.

Because then we suffer for depth in other areas of the pitch. If you have over a quarter of your squad on 1-2 position/s on the field, then you will lack in other positions.

He may be better than hicks etc. But the fact is we have them on the books, and we can't release them without giving up cap space (which also weakens us)

May 20, 2014 12:28 · Edited May 20, 2014 12:29

energy24.7

First Team Squad

170

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1.1K

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about 17 years

I'm not so sure we would suffer in other areas. Midfield is arguably where you need most depth anyway and I can't see Payne taking up a spot that would otherwise be used by a worthy defender/striker?

If there was a major injury you go get an injury replacement but as it is I think Payne would only be a signing that would strengthen the first team. And that has to be the aim.

May 20, 2014 14:38

Ryan54

First Team Squad

500

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1.9K

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over 17 years

Tegal wrote:

energy24.7 wrote:

I would've seriously looked at Payne. He's an upgrade on all those back ups and if he'd strengthen the squad then why wouldn't you look at him? Especially as a non-import.

If it pushes Hicks and Rufer further down pecking order then that's a great result - they're still around to develop but I think in a squad of 23 you can carry players who won't get much game time. Look at that guy who scored for Roar against us. I think that was the only game he played all season.

I do not understand the mentality of "we've got enough players in that position or age group". If he's better than your other options get amongst and strengthen the squad. The others then have to get better or more versatile.

Of course if he pulls out three amazing signings then fair play to him but until then I sceptical it's the right call.

Because then we suffer for depth in other areas of the pitch. If you have over a quarter of your squad on 1-2 position/s on the field, then you will lack in other positions.

He may be better than hicks etc. But the fact is we have them on the books, and we can't release them without giving up cap space (which also weakens us)

Right now in midfield we have:

DM: Riera, Muscat, Lia
CM: Hicks (can't defend well enough to be DM at A-league), RIdenton
Wingers: Cunningham, Krishna, Boyd
CAM: Rufer
Who knows: Gorrin

We clearly lack CM/CAM. Tim Payne is apparently a CAM. Right now Gorrin is going to have to play in that attacking midfield role because the other options just aren't good enough. However, I would rather put Gorrin at DM because our defence needs strengthening and Muscat/Lia aren't up to it IMO. If we sign McGlinchey then things look a bit different. We definitely need to sign some more players in Payne's position.

Also how many roster spots do we have left? I know Merrick has said by omission that he won't sign any more defenders. We also know that we want to sign a quality striker. So where else are we going to use the rest of our roster sports? Are we going to just sign strikers and goalkeepers because we can't sign midfielders and defenders?

May 20, 2014 14:58

Ryan54

First Team Squad

500

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1.9K

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over 17 years

I think what the Payne and James debates do show is that we really need a second team in this country. The Phoenix can't take everyone and it is harsh on players who can't get a deal because they don't fit in to a team's plans.

May 20, 2014 15:13

rjmiller

First Team Squad

59

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1.5K

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almost 14 years

Ryan54 wrote:

Right now in midfield we have:

DM: Riera, Muscat, Lia
CM: Hicks (can't defend well enough to be DM at A-league), RIdenton
Wingers: Cunningham, Krishna, Boyd
CAM: Rufer
Who knows: Gorrin

We clearly lack CM/CAM. Tim Payne is apparently a CAM. Right now Gorrin is going to have to play in that attacking midfield role because the other options just aren't good enough. However, I would rather put Gorrin at DM because our defence needs strengthening and Muscat/Lia aren't up to it IMO. If we sign McGlinchey then things look a bit different. We definitely need to sign some more players in Payne's position.

Also how many roster spots do we have left? I know Merrick has said by omission that he won't sign any more defenders. We also know that we want to sign a quality striker. So where else are we going to use the rest of our roster sports? Are we going to just sign strikers and goalkeepers because we can't sign midfielders and defenders?

We know Ernie is looking for an attacking midfielder and is likely to be spending a bit on him. We could do with a genuine backup as well (maybe Gorrin as backup?) but have you ever seen Payne play as an attacking mid? I haven't but he doesn't really look like that sort of player to me. Ernie also said he would probably be after another defender. It wouldn't hurt to give him a trial (when the players are actually back, now isn't the time) but I feel people are generally overreacting to this, and also doing it off an indirect quote from a journalist.

I would be more interested in James than Payne, although if that is related to off-field issues we are not aware of I can understand not going for him either.

May 20, 2014 15:29 · Edited May 20, 2014 15:30

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

Ryan54 wrote:

Tegal wrote:

energy24.7 wrote:

I would've seriously looked at Payne. He's an upgrade on all those back ups and if he'd strengthen the squad then why wouldn't you look at him? Especially as a non-import.

If it pushes Hicks and Rufer further down pecking order then that's a great result - they're still around to develop but I think in a squad of 23 you can carry players who won't get much game time. Look at that guy who scored for Roar against us. I think that was the only game he played all season.

I do not understand the mentality of "we've got enough players in that position or age group". If he's better than your other options get amongst and strengthen the squad. The others then have to get better or more versatile.

Of course if he pulls out three amazing signings then fair play to him but until then I sceptical it's the right call.

Because then we suffer for depth in other areas of the pitch. If you have over a quarter of your squad on 1-2 position/s on the field, then you will lack in other positions.

He may be better than hicks etc. But the fact is we have them on the books, and we can't release them without giving up cap space (which also weakens us)

Right now in midfield we have:

DM: Riera, Muscat, Lia
CM: Hicks (can't defend well enough to be DM at A-league), RIdenton
Wingers: Cunningham, Krishna, Boyd
CAM: Rufer
Who knows: Gorrin

We clearly lack CM/CAM. Tim Payne is apparently a CAM. Right now Gorrin is going to have to play in that attacking midfield role because the other options just aren't good enough. However, I would rather put Gorrin at DM because our defence needs strengthening and Muscat/Lia aren't up to it IMO. If we sign McGlinchey then things look a bit different. We definitely need to sign some more players in Payne's position.

Also how many roster spots do we have left? I know Merrick has said by omission that he won't sign any more defenders. We also know that we want to sign a quality striker. So where else are we going to use the rest of our roster sports? Are we going to just sign strikers and goalkeepers because we can't sign midfielders and defenders?

Lia might have been played more as DM but I think he's looked a lot better when he's been played in more of a CM role

May 20, 2014 15:30

LG

Legend

5.9K

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24K

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about 17 years

Lets not forget, Fenton is really a midfielder, move him back their.

May 20, 2014 15:38

rjmiller

First Team Squad

59

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1.5K

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almost 14 years

Lonegunmen wrote:

Lets not forget, Fenton is really a midfielder, move him back their.

Definitely something to consider.

May 20, 2014 15:40

hepatitis

Starting XI

290

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4.7K

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over 17 years

Surely we are going for a lot better quality player than Payne !!!

A young man who played in the reserves or u21s in a championship side and didnt get a look in for their first team.

Happens to be picked in midfield for All Whites - big deal

I dont get the fuss over him

May 20, 2014 16:13

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

hepatitis wrote:

Surely we are going for a lot better quality player than Payne !!!

A young man who played in the reserves or u21s in a championship side and didnt get a look in for their first team.

Happens to be picked in midfield for All Whites - big deal

I dont get the fuss over him

We only have one import slot left. Hard to get decent Aussies to come here. He's looked decent for the AWs and U23s. Can we actually expect to get a better non-import player than Payne? I get the argument that we don't need another young midfielder (I don't particularly agree with it though) but I don't get how we can think we should be aiming for a better player. Who?

May 20, 2014 16:19

Tegal

Head Sleuth

3K

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19K

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over 17 years

It'd be McGlinchey or an import to replace sulknandez I imagine.

I'd be disappointed if it were Payne

May 20, 2014 16:21 · Edited May 20, 2014 16:22

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

Tegal wrote:

It'd be McGlinchey or an import to replace sulknandez I imagine.

I'd be disappointed if it were Payne

The club stated that there is a 20% chance of getting WeeMac. So if it is an import, then our striker needs to be a kiwi or Aussie, and a better player than Payne (in general terms, obviously a different position). Again, are there actually that many likely options that fit that bill? Not trying to be negative but are there realistic options that are better? I personally haven't heard any. And if the club is trying to get WeeMac why not give Payne a trial to keep him on the burner while the deal is hashed out. If it falls through then you can give Payne a better look.

May 20, 2014 16:30

Ryan54

First Team Squad

500

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1.9K

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over 17 years

rjmiller wrote:

We know Ernie is looking for an attacking midfielder and is likely to be spending a bit on him. We could do with a genuine backup as well (maybe Gorrin as backup?) but have you ever seen Payne play as an attacking mid? I haven't but he doesn't really look like that sort of player to me. Ernie also said he would probably be after another defender. It wouldn't hurt to give him a trial (when the players are actually back, now isn't the time) but I feel people are generally overreacting to this, and also doing it off an indirect quote from a journalist.

I would be more interested in James than Payne, although if that is related to off-field issues we are not aware of I can understand not going for him either.

I have never seen Payne play, I have just heard he is an attacking player. I also haven't said we should sign Payne, I have just pointed out the consequences if we don't.

We have one import spot left and are looking for two players: an attacking midfielder and a striker. It currently seems unlikely that we will be able to sign an Australian or New Zealander to fill either role. McGlinchey is a 20% as mentioned and no one else's name has even come up. If we use our import spot on an attacking midfielder then Brockie will most probably be our striker for next season. That is the reality here. If we use our import spot on a striker then our midfield is going to lack a lot of quality.

It seems like a lot of people have said we can't sign James, we can't sign Payne, we can't sign Killen, we can't sign Fallon, we can't have Brockie as our striker next season.. Maybe, those people are correct on the individuals mentioned. However, we have to sign some players and whoever we sign probably isn't going to be a world beater. That's the reality of where the club is now. I think some fans are being overly picky when we have put ourselves into a bad position squad wise.

May 20, 2014 17:07 · Edited May 20, 2014 17:16

one_eyed_nik

WeeNix

130

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810

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almost 17 years

Really hope the possibility of Mcglinchey is higher than 20% #weemac4nix

May 20, 2014 17:49

Mainland FC

Marquee

4.5K

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6.8K

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about 14 years

hepatitis wrote:

Surely we are going for a lot better quality player than Payne !!!

A young man who played in the reserves or u21s in a championship side and didnt get a look in for their first team.

Happens to be picked in midfield for All Whites - big deal. I dont get the fuss over him

Ditto. Jeremy Christie was also picked for the All Whites in what, probably the most important AW game this year?

May 20, 2014 18:39

Bullion

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Marquee

1.4K

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5.3K

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about 17 years

Because first choice Tim Payne was injured

May 20, 2014 19:27

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

I remember a lot of people saying WTF about Christie playing for the AWs and making gags about it, but none of that about Payne playing for the AWs ever. I don't think that's a fair comparison at all.

May 20, 2014 20:43

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

As an import attacking mid option where did we end up on Freddy Adu? Still unattached. Fallen a long way from his hyped up youth (rumours about why that might be are out there but it's not like he's rumoured to be a crackhead or anything) but got experience at a good level. I know he was suggested on here before, but how do people feel about him now Carlos has gone? I think he'd probably be a good pickup but I'll admit it's been a long time since I've seen him play and I'm basing that on reputation only.

May 20, 2014 21:18

Feverish

Legend

2.2K

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16K

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over 17 years

ConanTroutman wrote:

As an import attacking mid option where did we end up on Freddy Adu? Still unattached. Fallen a long way from his hyped up youth (rumours about why that might be are out there but it's not like he's rumoured to be a crackhead or anything) but got experience at a good level. I know he was suggested on here before, but how do people feel about him now Carlos has gone? I think he'd probably be a good pickup but I'll admit it's been a long time since I've seen him play and I'm basing that on reputation only.

Adu likes to be beside the seaside!

May 20, 2014 21:38

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

Feverish wrote:

ConanTroutman wrote:

As an import attacking mid option where did we end up on Freddy Adu? Still unattached. Fallen a long way from his hyped up youth (rumours about why that might be are out there but it's not like he's rumoured to be a crackhead or anything) but got experience at a good level. I know he was suggested on here before, but how do people feel about him now Carlos has gone? I think he'd probably be a good pickup but I'll admit it's been a long time since I've seen him play and I'm basing that on reputation only.

Adu likes to be beside the seaside!

Well that's the chant sorted. Sign him up.

May 20, 2014 21:46

Mainland FC

Marquee

4.5K

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6.8K

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about 14 years

Mainland FC wrote:

kwlap wrote:

Brown and Mitchell. Yes please

James Brown still had the right attitude and work rate, and if I recall, scored a few last season. I'd say make him an offer.
Knowing our luck, he'll probably go to Melbourne Heart instead.

Jeez, I should have kept my own big mouth shut:
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/heart-sign-talented-trio/90573

May 20, 2014 22:29 · Edited May 20, 2014 22:29

james dean

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Marquee

2.1K

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8.2K

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over 17 years

hepatitis wrote:

Surely we are going for a lot better quality player than Payne !!!

A young man who played in the reserves or u21s in a championship side and didnt get a look in for their first team.

Happens to be picked in midfield for All Whites - big deal

I dont get the fuss over him

Like our big off season recruit??

The reason why I've always favoured kiwis is:

- you can only sign 5 foreigners

- kiwis are foreigners in both Asia and A-League so you're more likely to keep hold of them and they have less options so noty as much salary pressure

- we apparently have to overpay to get Aussies to Wellington

- we're a NZ club and that's important for the club identity

I personally find it surprising that when you have a guy available who is going to start for the national team you can't find a place for him at the Phoenix. There may be reasons for why he isn't being picked up, but to me, they have to be pretty good reasons. The idea that we already have other up and coming players in his position is an explanation, but when those players aren't as good as him then that is a failure of recruitment strategy. It was always likely he would be available at the end of his time at Blackburn, if so why didn't we sign Hicks on a one year deal, see how he goes and then he could be replaced by Payne if he was available and the deal could be worked out?

There is a lot of confidence in Welnix to work out the off field stuff, but I personally haven't seen a lot of really great decision making or strategic thinking when it comes to running the club I'm not saying it's an easy job, but there definitely have been some odd decisions. Here's a short list - not all of these are wrong decisions but they do to me indicate a lack of clear direction and some of them are quite odd:

- signing Hernandez under Herbert when it was clear Herbert wouldn't be round the following season rather than leaving that cap + overseas spot available for an incoming manager

- giving Hicks a 2 year deal straight off

- not replacing Riera when injured

- a 2 year deal for Krishna and then not playing him at the end of the season

- re-signing Vince Lia, especially for another 2 years

- signing Gorrin as foreign player when he's so inexperienced

- re-singing Italiano when you have both Williams and Spoonley available, both who seem more than adequate as backup and are NZers

- choosing not to sign a RB and converting Fenton

Anyway, enough from me on our current recruitment. I think we still need 3-4 starters to really improve on last year, a fullback, midfield playmaker, a wide player (I think we're crying out for some width) and a central striker.

May 20, 2014 23:16

Joey Johns

WeeNix

400

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960

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about 11 years

fuck it, lets put a cheeky bid in for milito.

May 21, 2014 02:01

Big Pete 65

Starting XI

1.6K

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4.9K

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about 16 years

ConanTroutman wrote:

Phoenix not interested in Payne

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/10057663/Phoenix-not-interested-in-sidelined-Tim-Payne

Guess that means Joe Cole it is then

Maybe not as left-field as people think considering Ernie has been spending time at West Ham with Big Sam recently attending their trainings and matches.

Could be Big Sam has given Ernie tips on some players the Hammers know of...

May 21, 2014 02:32

LG

Legend

5.9K

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24K

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about 17 years

And how to change a club known for cultured football into a club that specializes in Route One. Small Sam knows how to.

May 21, 2014 02:37

Jeff Vader

Cock

2.7K

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16K

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about 15 years

james dean wrote:

Like our big off season recruit??

The reason why I've always favoured kiwis is:

- you can only sign 5 foreigners

- kiwis are foreigners in both Asia and A-League so you're more likely to keep hold of them and they have less options so noty as much salary pressure

- we apparently have to overpay to get Aussies to Wellington

- we're a NZ club and that's important for the club identity

I personally find it surprising that when you have a guy available who is going to start for the national team you can't find a place for him at the Phoenix. There may be reasons for why he isn't being picked up, but to me, they have to be pretty good reasons. The idea that we already have other up and coming players in his position is an explanation, but when those players aren't as good as him then that is a failure of recruitment strategy. It was always likely he would be available at the end of his time at Blackburn, if so why didn't we sign Hicks on a one year deal, see how he goes and then he could be replaced by Payne if he was available and the deal could be worked out?

There is a lot of confidence in Welnix to work out the off field stuff, but I personally haven't seen a lot of really great decision making or strategic thinking when it comes to running the club I'm not saying it's an easy job, but there definitely have been some odd decisions. Here's a short list - not all of these are wrong decisions but they do to me indicate a lack of clear direction and some of them are quite odd:

- signing Hernandez under Herbert when it was clear Herbert wouldn't be round the following season rather than leaving that cap + overseas spot available for an incoming manager

- giving Hicks a 2 year deal straight off

- not replacing Riera when injured

- a 2 year deal for Krishna and then not playing him at the end of the season

- re-signing Vince Lia, especially for another 2 years

- signing Gorrin as foreign player when he's so inexperienced

- re-singing Italiano when you have both Williams and Spoonley available, both who seem more than adequate as backup and are NZers

- choosing not to sign a RB and converting Fenton

Anyway, enough from me on our current recruitment. I think we still need 3-4 starters to really improve on last year, a fullback, midfield playmaker, a wide player (I think we're crying out for some width) and a central striker.

So much this. I admit I got a bit hot for Matt Thompson last year when it was rumoured he was trialling but when you consider we signed Rufer and gave him 20mins, he would have actually benefitted from playing ASBP 90mins week in week out (plus a winter stint in State League) and Thompson would have played more than 20 min when our midfield got bare. I accept that Rufer is in the name of youth development however but how many mins are people giving him this year? He would most likely be the last cab on the rank in terms of our midfield options at the moment.

I have only listened to part of the pod but its pretty much echoed here. Kiwis are a gold mine for us because they are limited in options in AFC. Payne has been a consistent performer when he has played for the AWs and I don't recall anyone saying he played bad. Most accounts are he is hardworking with a good attitude and the AW squad guys could confirm that ala Term Xs reference to Chris James. He is in the country, off contract, is a Kiwi so you get him in for 2 weeks for a trial and see for yourself. You don't do that because you really don't like what he brings or you have a massive ace up your sleeve you are about to pull out which makes looking at Payne pointless. As Smithy/EG said, why come out and pin your colours to the mast early when you don't hurt yourself by having him in for 2 weeks and you also find out how further along you are with WeeMac (which is a 20% chance?)

I can accept that Chris James is talented and Ernie may have been told to pass him by because he is a bit of a nutbar but Payne? I just do not understand what boxes he does not tick for us. The only thing being 'we have players there already' but those players and the depth they bring gets exposed very quickly and he would be an upgrade. So much strangeness around it.

May 21, 2014 08:52 · Edited May 21, 2014 08:53

brumbys

Marquee

1.7K

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8.2K

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almost 17 years

Given how early into the off-season it is Payne isn't the kind of signing you aspire to. If we were running out of time and needed another midfielder to fill out the squad, it's a no brainer. No harm sitting on this for now...

May 21, 2014 08:59

Ryan54

First Team Squad

500

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1.9K

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over 17 years

brumbys wrote:

Given how early into the off-season it is Payne isn't the kind of signing you aspire to. If we were running out of time and needed another midfielder to fill out the squad, it's a no brainer. No harm sitting on this for now...

But they aren't sitting on anything. They expressly ruled him out with no trial offered.

The comments on New Zealand players are correct. The more we have the stronger identity we have and they will be cheaper than other players of the same ability.

May 21, 2014 11:01

ConanTroutman

Marquee

5.3K

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9.5K

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almost 13 years

brumbys wrote:

Given how early into the off-season it is Payne isn't the kind of signing you aspire to. If we were running out of time and needed another midfielder to fill out the squad, it's a no brainer. No harm sitting on this for now...

except he could pick up another contract somewhere else and we could miss out

May 21, 2014 11:02

rjmiller

First Team Squad

59

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1.5K

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almost 14 years

As an aside how do people know the Phoenix is not at all interested in Payne? Is it just the Sam Worthington article or is there a more direct quote? You can't give him a trial right at the moment because the players are all away.

May 21, 2014 11:24

2ndBest

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Appiah without the pace

6.8K

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19K

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about 17 years

He was asked in a radio interview whether he had heard from the Phoenix. His answer was no.

May 21, 2014 11:37

Ryan

Marquee

7.8K

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9.7K

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almost 14 years

brumbys wrote:

Given how early into the off-season it is Payne isn't the kind of signing you aspire to. If we were running out of time and needed another midfielder to fill out the squad, it's a no brainer. No harm sitting on this for now...

Eernie has said that he wants a full squad signed for the start of preseason - therefore we need to make big signings in the next couple of weeks.

May 21, 2014 12:09

Bluemagic

Blue Cod

93

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760

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over 14 years

So that's it then - Fallon (now released by Crawley) and Payne (ditto Blackburn) to the Phoenix. neither takes an import slot, both have experience in the UK, both would attract interest from Phoenix supporters.

May 21, 2014 13:03

reg22

Starting XI

1.8K

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4.1K

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over 17 years

Jeff Vader wrote:

I too am disappointed that they are not interested in Payne. The reasons given baffle me because Payne is better than the players listed (Hicks, Ridenton, and Rufer). The guy is in the country, preseason starts the Monday after the AW game. Ask him in for a 2 week trial and see what he does. At the very least, after two weeks and he is still not the guy they want, then no harm, no foul. Its not like Payne comes with a rep of being hard work (in fact quite the opposite) and could probably had for little and be an upgrade. At the very least, they will get to see what he can do in that environment.

There has to be more to this....

payne is also versatile, having played on either flank, up front or as an attacking mid.

am i wrong in saying that he only really played as a holding midfielder when he played for new zealand u20s and the full team?

May 21, 2014 13:20

C-Diddy

Chant Savant

2.5K

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12K

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over 17 years

Bluemagic wrote:

So that's it then - Fallon (now released by Crawley) and Payne (ditto Blackburn) to the Phoenix. neither takes an import slot, both have experience in the UK, both would attract interest from Phoenix supporters.

This post is LOLtastic!

May 21, 2014 13:30