WPM 2022/23 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination
But it’s fun that it’s just us in here…
Nah seriously walking all over the place mostly with Piney and Ifill in the ears….
And someone in the AWs said he doesn’t dribble. We saw him do it to good effect before his injury and I hope we see it again.
As much as I would love this, you gotta wonder what 2 years of hardly playing has done to him. The mindset to be a pro footballer may not be there anymore.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill confirms they're in talks with Callan Elliot and his agent at the moment, and he's the next player they hope to get across the line. Rest of the retention decisions will be made once there's more clarity over the coaching situation.
— Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) March 28, 2023
As much as I would love this, you gotta wonder what 2 years of hardly playing has done to him. The mindset to be a pro footballer may not be there anymore.
Also, their playing styles are too similar. They both worked well combining with devlin but never look comfortable playing with each other.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill confirms they're in talks with Callan Elliot and his agent at the moment, and he's the next player they hope to get across the line. Rest of the retention decisions will be made once there's more clarity over the coaching situation.
— Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) March 28, 2023
As for Rufer I am so happy he has resigned. He is 26 yet still seems to be developing nicely. He has come back much stronger from the ACL injury and seems to have much more confidence in his ability - more goals to come I reckon. I think in 3 years time he will be a very good midfielder for this league (if not one of the best similar to Clayton) if he continues to improve.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill confirms they're in talks with Callan Elliot and his agent at the moment, and he's the next player they hope to get across the line. Rest of the retention decisions will be made once there's more clarity over the coaching situation.
— Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) March 28, 2023
As for Rufer I am so happy he has resigned. He is 26 yet still seems to be developing nicely. He has come back much stronger from the ACL injury and seems to have much more confidence in his ability - more goals to come I reckon. I think in 3 years time he will be a very good midfielder for this league (if not one of the best similar to Clayton) if he continues to improve.
Another season with the Nix for Elliott (age 23, 41 ALM games) likely wouldn't hurt. But yeah would be surprised if he signed for more than 1 year, so could leave on a free if he had another good season 23/24.
But then I guess the counter agrument is Alex Greive who's also gone to St Mirren and done well, but straight from NZ Domestic footy.
As much as I would love this, you gotta wonder what 2 years of hardly playing has done to him. The mindset to be a pro footballer may not be there anymore.
As much as I would love this, you gotta wonder what 2 years of hardly playing has done to him. The mindset to be a pro footballer may not be there anymore.
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Fits the new import profile too. Young, a leader, hasn’t quite had the opportunity to prove himself fully (spending his pro career in the German 4th, 3rd and 2nd tiers).
He also spent 5 years in the Wolfsburg youth set up alongside one Oskar Zawada. They weren’t always in the same youth team (switching between u17, u19 and the senior 2nd team) but played 18 games together. Condé managed to assist Oskar once too.
Just having fun messing around with speculation, but I reckon this guy would make a great pick up.
As much as I would love this, you gotta wonder what 2 years of hardly playing has done to him. The mindset to be a pro footballer may not be there anymore.
I didn't realise he's still only 28...
Thinking something like this might look good for next season.
![](/rails/active_storage/blobs/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBa2tJIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--d60daa47a1019994292d27f9f18d3e4fa3356873/5C2FC18A-F1F5-4C9A-AD39-D6025D5FDDF4.jpeg)
Kraev hasn’t been great in the second half of the season, but putting him in the middle and letting him pull the strings could potentially bring him back to his best.
Zawada’s been elite and I think we might be able to better supply him if we had some proper wingers flanking him.
Gets a lot more difficult if we can’t pick up a local CM like Thurgate, D’Arrigo or De Silva.
Definitely need some defensive reinforcements too, Pijnaker would be my top choice but if he’s the guy that didn’t want to move to Wellington then Kyle Adams will be a free agent too. Honestly wouldn’t be against replacing Wootton either but I think he’s still decent enough.
Idk, just feeling a bit dejected after another embarrassing loss and feel like a shake up could inject some life back into the team.
I rate Margush but want Paulsen to get a chance first. Doubt Margush would wanna come play second fiddle again.
I rate Margush but want Paulsen to get a chance first. Doubt Margush would wanna come play second fiddle again.
Hopefully we are looking at either better options than Margush to challenge Paulsen for the #1 spot. Not that Aleague keepers have ever been brilliant, I often felt Margush was shaky and looked small. 6'2'' feels a little short for a keeper.
I rate Margush but want Paulsen to get a chance first. Doubt Margush would wanna come play second fiddle again.
Hopefully we are looking at either better options than Margush to challenge Paulsen for the #1 spot. Not Aleague keepers have ever been brilliant, I often felt Margush was shaky and looked small. 6'2'' feels a little short for a keeper.
Same height as Glen Moss, but I get what you mean and agree
He is also only 20, so might stretch a bit yet.
Commentary on the weekend said he is joining another AL club, all they would say was 'going South'.
Not sure if I’m serious or not…
Not sure if I’m serious or not…
He is also only 20, so might stretch a bit yet.
taller than jason batty. but really not a good height for a keeper. line positioning and acceleration becomes more important
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Other than that, hopefully we can get Kiwis like Max Mata, McCowatt, Pijnaker and maybe Woud over the line too. Defense is an issue, so I'd also try and replace Wootton. It's a sad irony that one of the only players to sign on a long-term deal isn't performing!