I've emailed the club expressing my dissatisfaction with the membership offering. Doubly the price for very little improvement in what you get (if anything). The little trinkets are useless, a keyring worth $10, some other crappy merch which noone wants. Nothing worth the $240+ pass cost. Even the sky pass to see the games is worthless to me as a sky subscriber. A discount code would have been better. Will be interesting to see if they respond....
Not totally sure but it look's like from the email regarding the memberships that you get 10 weeks access to the a-leagues via a sky pass. Which is utterly useless for those who already pay for sky and have access already. A discount code for the 4 months of the a-league would have been more useful.
Doesn't mention anything about it in the membership email, hopefully they email me a voucher tomorrow sometime. I guess with my digital membership card.
Access to a discounted 10-week Sky Sport Now Pass - to watch all A-League Men's and Women's matches while the 'Nix are in Australia - as a Member-exclusive offer. Note - extra payment required for this offer.
So it will be a discount code off Sky Sport Now, just like they offered last season. I used that on a year long deal, so unless the code is valid into next season, it is worthless for me also.
I've emailed the club expressing my dissatisfaction with the membership offering. Doubly the price for very little improvement in what you get (if anything). The little trinkets are useless, a keyring worth $10, some other crappy merch which noone wants. Nothing worth the $240+ pass cost. Even the sky pass to see the games is worthless to me as a sky subscriber. A discount code would have been better. Will be interesting to see if they respond....
I emailed them as well does seem at times as if they just dont get football fans. Im not expecting a reply based on other attempts to engage them. Not happy about there seemingly being no membership cards other than digital. Wonder what they will do with those people who dont use smart phones.
Personally don’t understand how he is capitan, as I wouldn’t have him in my best 11.. maybe Talay sees his leadership in the club, it will be a bit embarrassing if he gets dropped later in the season, which wouldn’t surprise me
I'm a bit surprised by the call. I understand he's been one of the longest serving players in the club but historically wouldn't have thought he had the temperament for the captains role. Will be happy to be proven wrong though.
I'm a bit surprised by the call. I understand he's been one of the longest serving players in the club but historically wouldn't have thought he had the temperament for the captains role. Will be happy to be proven wrong though.
I mean Durante was a bit of a hot head. The thing I don't understand with it is he's going to be fighting for his place most weeks but Payne, Ball, Sail are all nailed on starters who would be good captains too.
It amuses me that people get upset by these decisions as if they have knowledge of the inner workings of a team on and off the field.
I feel like tho people are more upset about the player's quality rather than his actual leadership because no one can doubt when you see him on the pitch he seems to be quite vocal and a natural leader. But the main issue with Rufer is he may only start half the games not what you want from your captain. But then again who knows maybe Talay doesn't think Pennington or Prso are close to taking his starting spot.
Payne's our senior defender now, and he's going to be working with a set of young players at the back - he needs to focus on organisation and work there.
Bally is heroic, and the fact he finished last season with his knee scaffolded so he could play might be a reason he's not got the armband this year. He might need some game management around it, so he doesn't end up very injured, but you want a captain to be an ever present.
If Rufer gets injured, or dropped, then Oli is there as VC to make the step up. We had similar with Uli last season - but I think Ufuk has picked Rufer as he's pretty consistent, and it allows Ball, Hoops, Payne etc to do their thing as experienced pros.
I think Rufer definitely does have the temperament and strength of character to be a captain. It is the skills he somewhat lacks... But let's be honest, the choice of Sail as VC is perfect as, barring injury, he should be playing every single game this year. So if Rufer gets dropped, Sail will easily deputise. Rufer has shown he is humble and hardworking, doesn't get involved in fights or shenanigans... And is a local boy. I'm very happy with his appointment. I hope his ability to speak with referees means he'll get booked a little bit less... Also it's time to score a goal!! This year he'll get 3. Mark my words!
Rufer's a bit like Ridenton - always looked like he would be decent but never lived up to his potential. I don't even see him as a starter this season, but maybe behind the scene's he's an important influence in the dressing room?
Rufer will start and is a good captain choice... why?
90 games at A League level. Fights to the last minute, is a good professional and knows how to ignore detractors etc which can impact player confidence. A good leader for all our young pros to learn from.
And why does he start... Prso, hardly set the world alight at Newcastle, is not a stand out player demanding inclusion. Pennington, has played Serie C, hardly a high level, and been a good prospect is not the same as being the real deal - needs to earn his spot.
Lewis arguably does deserve to start, but if he plays like he did at the Olympics, then he should be on the bench by wk 3/4.
Rufer has a good passing range, uses his body well to draw fouls and is committed to the end. The only thing he really doesn't offer is goals.
I think you've been watching the wrong rufer. Yeah he has heart, but he is reckless, tireless maybe, but its usually running in the wrong direction, passing a long ball - yeah he can kick the ball a long way, but it never finds a team mate. He's an ok a-league player and yes he's been at the club for ever, but much like Fenton, no-one is banging on the door to buy him either. Being captain requires leadership, which he may have, but for the last few seasons he has been a bench player with little to no chance to impact a game. The team may love him and he's probably a nix man for ever, but he's not the kind of player that is gonna lift a team with his onfield skills or presence. Sail I can see being a true leader, a real voice at the back. I would have rather Ball received the arm band - at least you know he's gonna start most games and work his ass off for the team.
Rufer will start and is a good captain choice... why?
90 games at A League level. Fights to the last minute, is a good professional and knows how to ignore detractors etc which can impact player confidence. A good leader for all our young pros to learn from.
And why does he start... Prso, hardly set the world alight at Newcastle, is not a stand out player demanding inclusion. Pennington, has played Serie C, hardly a high level, and been a good prospect is not the same as being the real deal - needs to earn his spot.
Lewis arguably does deserve to start, but if he plays like he did at the Olympics, then he should be on the bench by wk 3/4.
Rufer has a good passing range, uses his body well to draw fouls and is committed to the end. The only thing he really doesn't offer is goals.
Gotta remember that Devlin never impressed at Sydney and looked god awful in his first Nix preseason but ended up far surpassing Rufer, entirely possible that either or both of Pennington and Prso could do the same.
So Talay has decided that he feels Rufer is the best to fill the job, yet the self entitled experts on here question his decision. Think i will trust Talay on this he has obviously seen something that he thinks will work for the team. Great we have Kiwis in the top jobs and does it really matter if Rufer dosnt start every game. Think he is a good choice to lead the club and i wish him the best of luck.
Is it possible that Rufer ends up CLUB captain while Sail ends up TEAM captain?
These two roles are common in the UK with the Club captain often being recognised for his commitment/leadership over the years but is acknowledged that he will not be a starter, so a team captain is chosen to lead the team on the field week in, week out
I am happy to go by Talay's judgement. During his time he has not consistently played the "Scapegoats" something that dogged previous coaches. I rate him highly, he had us third in the league then Covid struck and we were handicapped having to move to Aussie to play our games. If he thinks Rufer is the best choice for Captain then I am OK with it.
Fee. $269 for me and another $99 for each of the two Grandchildren. $467 for possibly 7 games + 2 in Covidland. Assuming Covid behaves. If not, this could all end up down the toilet. A pretty big ask. As I already have Sky Sports, I get no benefit from the "Special Deal" so that's a waste of time. I bet I am not the only fan in this position. What scares me even more, if we really had a full 16+ game season, how much would we have been ripped? I agree with digital cards. NOT every fan is into that. Quite a few core fans are not into the latest smart phones. Bring back the plastic.
Now for Rufer. Unless during the last 8 months he has undergone some serious self discipline courses, I cannot see this working. As a leading candidate for at least 1 yellow per game and often looking like a one tackle away from a red card per game performance, he may well be suspended. The boy is prone to rash from behind tackles, niggly interplay when he gets pressured and is most certainly on the A League match officials radar. After last season, they were just waiting for him to show his true colours and book him. He was lucky to get as many games as he got last season. Not much point in having a Captain who may well spend a fair bit of time on the side line. Still, being Captain, he is guaranteed at least a start in most games. Lots of passing backwards guaranteed. $467 to see that. Cool.
Rufer can pass. Was perhaps our best long passer of the ball, a season or so back. Switches the ball well and was a big weapon with aerial balls in behind the defense for Sotirio and others early on. Remember some of the recklessness was coach’s instructions! If Uffie thinks he’s the man, I’m happy. We’re something of an underdog team this year, with something to prove. Happy for the captain to be the same. As long we put in good performances I guess! It will be the slow start or otherwise that will bother me. As Niche Cache said, if we don’t leave ourselves so much to catch up perhaps we can have a better end to the season.
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
Yellow cards come with the position, especially in Uffie's formation. Under Uffie:
Devlin = 224 mins Matti = 228 mins Lewis = 294 mins Rufer = 304 mins (1 every 237 mins career cuz of the Rudan season with 11 yellows)
He has only had 2 Red cards, one of which was that travesty at Macarthur last season. Not sure where this belief that he is a card magnet comes from tbh.
Fee. $269 for me and another $99 for each of the two Grandchildren. $467 for possibly 7 games + 2 in Covidland. Assuming Covid behaves. If not, this could all end up down the toilet. A pretty big ask. As I already have Sky Sports, I get no benefit from the "Special Deal" so that's a waste of time. I bet I am not the only fan in this position. What scares me even more, if we really had a full 16+ game season, how much would we have been ripped? I agree with digital cards. NOT every fan is into that. Quite a few core fans are not into the latest smart phones. Bring back the plastic.
Now for Rufer. Unless during the last 8 months he has undergone some serious self discipline courses, I cannot see this working. As a leading candidate for at least 1 yellow per game and often looking like a one tackle away from a red card per game performance, he may well be suspended. The boy is prone to rash from behind tackles, niggly interplay when he gets pressured and is most certainly on the A League match officials radar. After last season, they were just waiting for him to show his true colours and book him. He was lucky to get as many games as he got last season. Not much point in having a Captain who may well spend a fair bit of time on the side line. Still, being Captain, he is guaranteed at least a start in most games. Lots of passing backwards guaranteed. $467 to see that. Cool.
The cards are cool, but I'm more sad about no scarves.
We're not renewing at $100 extra per person for just 7 games. That's 3 memberships gone. Silly move by the club.
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
Yellow cards come with the position, especially in Uffie's formation. Under Uffie:
Devlin = 224 mins Matti = 228 mins Lewis = 294 mins Rufer = 304 mins (1 every 237 mins career cuz of the Rudan season with 11 yellows)
He has only had 2 Red cards, one of which was that travesty at Macarthur last season. Not sure where this belief that he is a card magnet comes from tbh.
If you watch his tackling, there have been more than a few instances where he has warranted a card yellow or red and he's been lucky not to get them. But last season he was certainly on the radar. I do agree that red he got was a ridiculous call but that was because he was on that radar. We need a hard man to put in a shift but he needs to use his brain rather than his feet.
you only need to look at the first tackle attempt he made in game 1, massive sliding tackle that missed everything. Honestly I thought he was a kid on a slip 'n' slide. then he gets a yellow for an elbow to the back. His technique is horrid most of the times, he's often late and studs up.
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
Yellow cards come with the position, especially in Uffie's formation. Under Uffie:
Devlin = 224 mins Matti = 228 mins Lewis = 294 mins Rufer = 304 mins (1 every 237 mins career cuz of the Rudan season with 11 yellows)
He has only had 2 Red cards, one of which was that travesty at Macarthur last season. Not sure where this belief that he is a card magnet comes from tbh.
If you watch his tackling, there have been more than a few instances where he has warranted a card yellow or red and he's been lucky not to get them. But last season he was certainly on the radar. I do agree that red he got was a ridiculous call but that was because he was on that radar. We need a hard man to put in a shift but he needs to use his brain rather than his feet.
That’s true. Top quality DMs such as A Riera and Kante rarely go into the book except by choice. But we don’t have one of them currently. Cammy was combative as a feature of his play, which accounted for some of his cards. That and he had that NSW constant communication with the ref going on! The other feature that those top players have is their mobility and anticipation imo. They’re never going to have a problem because the can get into position or recover faster than the opposition. Rufer is no slouch, but isn’t Cammy levels of mobile. Also was a CF for awhile as a younger player! Anyway, perhaps the C is to make him take a bit more responsibility and to push him to the next level. It’s for the performances Uffie wants from him, perhaps? Still we’ll see how it goes we’re a bit down in the mids and central defense, but if we can put away our chances we can get some ugly points and leave ourselves with a chance. We’ve got Uffie and as he said the team has been playing this formation for 3 seasons, so they know what to do. Enjoyed the feeling of vindication of the team coming right lad couple of seasons, but wouldn’t mind some earlier vindication this season. Let’s be honest though, we’re currently up against it in terms of money spent on squad overall, though we absolutely can get results.