2017/18 Squad Thread

[The Camel]

What other centre backs would people rate having here? Id be happy with Baro but when you consider we have one foreign spot on someone not Chinese it makes it a bit harder

With Boogs game having signicantly deteriorated and the other two CB's being very young I think it would have to be the likes of Baro or someone similar from overseas (Like the Dutch fella at Sydney FC) or if Aussie then Spiranovic is the only experienced Aussie CB that I could think of other than maybe Curtis Good on loan to rebuild his career but he still isn;t that experienced. Whilst I don't mind Tratt as a player he is not what we need right now.

[MFKS]

Whilst you ignore the fact he was one of their top players in the weeks leading up to and including the finals. Get off your high horse.

You brought up that he started in a grand final to big note him
I put a comment in on that

You said nothing about the weeks before so don't move the goal posts now

[Wilso8948]

You brought up that he started in a grand final to big note him
I put a comment in on that

You said nothing about the weeks before so don't move the goal posts now

Oh of course. You're right. There's absolutely no reason why he'd get picked to start in a grandfinal. Are you saying you don't rate him? Surely you see he shits on what we have.

[plague]

If you read back what I wrote I said it would be a win to sign an aussie no.10 because it solves an issue without taking a visa spot. Provided that no.10 is decent enough which I believe Nichols is. This is the part you and I disagree on. Will I be disappointed if we sign a visa no.10? no. But in my opinion Nichols should certainly be looked at as an option.

Oh I get what you're asking.

I just 'assumed' that with the Kanta deal our club must be keen on getting a marquee(s?).
I'd just be throwing all our scouting behind securing the best possible player for, what is, surely one of the most important positions on the field.

Nicholls is no where near the standard required at that position to win the comp.

I'd argue he played his best football as a essentially squaddie at the roar.

Playing next to Dimas and Nico and WSW made him an afterthought for opposition teams to worry about.

I just don't see how he'd fit into a Merrick style team either.

But we agree he's got a proper punchable face yeah?

[borat]

Attachment 1442

Have I missed anyone?

From this its clear to see we need a number 10, another centre back, a winger to replace Hoole, a defensive midfielder and someone to play along side ROD.

Milligan is signing for Al Shabab so we can rule him out, If were going down the Australian path for a CDM Paartalu is available, Andy Rose is a name from left field who is out of contract.

Nathan Burns could easily fill the winger spot but I think he is to good to be wasted out wide in the A-league, him and ROD uptop could be a lethal pairing.

Central Defender wise who here would be opposed to having Taylor Regan as a back up defender? He has had a good season with adelaide, and may not demand a huge part of the cap

Which then potentially leaves us with having an international player to fill the winger spot, Marquee wise Im not to sure who is available.
FBK could again be considered.

Which leaves us with a potential starting 11 looking like this

Attachment 1443

Burns is really only effective upfront, and considering we are well stocked there I don't think he is value for money on the wages he would demand.

I am happy to back Merrick to recruit a foreign #10 from outside the HAL. Burns, FBK, Nichols and even Carrusca are not up to this position or worth the marquee $$$ we will throw at it. Merrick has a pretty good record in foreign recruitment so providing we have enough $$$ I am happy for this to be an unknown player. The only current #10 in the HAL that would be worth going after is Martinez imo.

To fill the wide attacking position, vacated by Hoole, there are a few Australian players worth looking at imo. Am ruling out your Burns/Kruse type players because they are just not realistic. Will be in the cap but a good salary you would think.

First player I would go for, who I think is realistic, is Mitch Duke. His contract is finishing at Shimzu, has just had a baby and got married over Xmas. Lawrie went to his wedding. Would be a goal threat out wide without needing to be a striker.

Another realistic option, and dare I say it, but maybe go back to Mark Bridge if he is fit. Played out wide and not as a striker I think he still has something to offer, if not for the stupid money Jones wanted to sign him for

My fallback, if all fails, if Mitch Austin. I don't think he is as bad a player as people make out and might flourish in a team where he has less pressure to get a starting role.

Other recruitment options.....I think we pass on Nichols. His form last season was dire so unless we are desperate then I reckon it's a no.

Wayne Brown will fill a starting position and it will be 8/6 or the attacking right role.

Back up DM to replace Poljak. I doubt it will be a star and imo we are nailed on to sign Vince Lia. Been coached by Ernie previously at the Victory and Nix and seems to be leaving Wellington. Another option maybe worth pursuing imo is getting Mitch Oxborrow back.

CB to replace Mullen - Would love this to be Jacob Tratt considering Merrick gave him his first start in the HAL as a senior player. Another option is Poscoliero, who seems to be Perth bound.

[Wilso8948]

Oh I get what you're asking.

I just 'assumed' that with the Kanta deal our club must be keen on getting a marquee(s?).
I'd just be throwing all our scouting behind securing the best possible player for, what is, surely one of the most important positions on the field.

Nicholls is no where near the standard required at that position to win the comp.

I'd argue he played his best football as a essentially squaddie at the roar.

Playing next to Dimas and Nico and WSW made him an afterthought for opposition teams to worry about.

I just don't see how he'd fit into a Merrick style team either.

But we agree he's got a proper punchable face yeah?

Of course. He's got a headbuttable face and a voice to match. I'd also love for us to invest heavily in this position but I suppose I'm being realistic. He is in my opinion a genuine upgrade on all we have. I realise Martinez made a big difference to that side however they really made the finals on the back of a shit season and no recognised striker (A touch of form from Santalab). Something that we would kill for and I feel Nichols had a large role in whenever they played well. I'd even suggest recruiting him and still throwing big money at a foreign marquee 10. Maybe play with one holding mid rather than two however I can't see Brown or Uga being good enough for this role.

[borat]

Of course. He's got a headbuttable face and a voice to match. I'd also love for us to invest heavily in this position but I suppose I'm being realistic. He is in my opinion a genuine upgrade on all we have. I realise Martinez made a big difference to that side however they really made the finals on the back of a shit season and no recognised striker (A touch of form from Santalab). Something that we would kill for and I feel Nichols had a large role in whenever they played well. I'd even suggest recruiting him and still throwing big money at a foreign marquee 10. Maybe play with one holding mid rather than two however I can't see Brown or Uga being good enough for this role.

Nichols maybe an option as a wide attacking player but won't be a #10. I reckon he is off to chase a pay cheque in SE Asia imo.

Brown or Uga will be good enough if Merrick changes the formation. Which may be why Kanta was resigned.

[white city]

I agree the best option at #10 is to look at a foreign marquee. Ninkovic/Castro type, although our record in bringing in foreigners is really poor, every other club does this better than us.

i also believe alot of money needs to spent on a CB. (Aussie marquee-Spiranovic) or any of the current crop on the fringes overseas. we are weak here and the younger ones need a good leader which boogs just isnt currently!

i like all your other options, in regards to wide areas beside Bridge(No thanks).

i think Brown should be played in the 6/8 role partnering Uga.

one think i would really like to see is Kokko and ODonovan partner up. Kokko can really hold the ball up well and could be a good foil to let Roy loose.

[MFKS]

Nichols maybe an option as a wide attacking player but won't be a #10. I reckon he is off to chase a pay cheque in SE Asia imo.

Brown or Uga will be good enough if Merrick changes the formation. Which may be why Kanta was resigned.

Bitch Nicols isn't an option under Merrick

Ernie likes to get balls forward quickly

Bitch Nicols likes 400 touches

He be much more suited to GVE than anyone

Bitch Nicols will not be here so move on

[The Camel]

Burns is really only effective upfront, and considering we are well stocked there I don't think he is value for money on the wages he would demand.

I am happy to back Merrick to recruit a foreign #10 from outside the HAL. Burns, FBK, Nichols and even Carrusca are not up to this position or worth the marquee $$$ we will throw at it. Merrick has a pretty good record in foreign recruitment so providing we have enough $$$ I am happy for this to be an unknown player. The only current #10 in the HAL that would be worth going after is Martinez imo.

To fill the wide attacking position, vacated by Hoole, there are a few Australian players worth looking at imo. Am ruling out your Burns/Kruse type players because they are just not realistic. Will be in the cap but a good salary you would think.

First player I would go for, who I think is realistic, is Mitch Duke. His contract is finishing at Shimzu, has just had a baby and got married over Xmas. Lawrie went to his wedding. Would be a goal threat out wide without needing to be a striker.

Another realistic option, and dare I say it, but maybe go back to Mark Bridge if he is fit. Played out wide and not as a striker I think he still has something to offer, if not for the stupid money Jones wanted to sign him for

My fallback, if all fails, if Mitch Austin. I don't think he is as bad a player as people make out and might flourish in a team where he has less pressure to get a starting role.

Other recruitment options.....I think we pass on Nichols. His form last season was dire so unless we are desperate then I reckon it's a no.

Wayne Brown will fill a starting position and it will be 8/6 or the attacking right role.

Back up DM to replace Poljak. I doubt it will be a star and imo we are nailed on to sign Vince Lia. Been coached by Ernie previously at the Victory and Nix and seems to be leaving Wellington. Another option maybe worth pursuing imo is getting Mitch Oxborrow back.

CB to replace Mullen - Would love this to be Jacob Tratt considering Merrick gave him his first start in the HAL as a senior player. Another option is Poscoliero, who seems to be Perth bound.

The remaining squad positions for the CB, DM, Wide and No. 10 roles HAVE to be better than what we currently have or we will come bottom 3. If we were to sign more back up players for these positions then we are ****ed. If we sign Tratt and Lia in those positions then we are not trying.

Antonis is the bloke I would be going after strongly. With Milligan signing for a new club in the M.E. Antonis is the next best off contract/available Aussie midfielder. He was outstanding for WSW at the back end of the year and he is still under contract with PAOK.

Martinez also has his loan ended and we could try and pinch him off WSW but I would not mind us actually doing some foreign scouting

[borat]

I agree the best option at #10 is to look at a foreign marquee. Ninkovic/Castro type, although our record in bringing in foreigners is really poor, every other club does this better than us.

i also believe alot of money needs to spent on a CB. (Aussie marquee-Spiranovic) or any of the current crop on the fringes overseas. we are weak here and the younger ones need a good leader which boogs just isnt currently!

i like all your other options, in regards to wide areas beside Bridge(No thanks).

i think Brown should be played in the 6/8 role partnering Uga.

one think i would really like to see is Kokko and ODonovan partner up. Kokko can really hold the ball up well and could be a good foil to let Roy loose.

Merrick has form in recruiting foreign players. We have never had a Manager with the ability to do that. I am willing to back Merrick on this.

I think if we are realistic on recruitment, this club shops in the bargain basement bin. Bar the marquee, all our recruitment will need to be unfancied oprions with hopefully a point to prove.

I will bet now we don't sign one player from the supposed list in the Herald.

Been thinking that away to utilise the players we have is to play 433

--------------O'Donnovan-------------Kokko

----------------------------Marquee #10

-------------Uga---------------------------------Brown
--------------------------------New #6

Georgievski---New CB--------Boogs-------------Hoff

--------------------------------Duncan

Res
New GK
Koutroumbis
Kanta
Nabbout
Petratos

[plague]

although our record in bringing in foreigners is really poor, every other club does this better than us.

This is a very good point but as stated earlier by someone very clever and smart that Merrick does actually have a decent track record for finding a good foreign #10 (and more so being able to utilise their strengths).

Maybe Ernie should wait til the Gypo is checking his mentions and sneak out and sign one when he's not looking.

[plague]

Oh and by the way anyone wanting Baro here is having a larf.
Bloke is way too cultured for us.

The superfans on here will be into him from day one for being to aloof and not sticking a boot in derp derp derp.

Will be like those morons and Man U chasing Pique out of town.


Those Jets fans deserve Boogaard and all that he brings.
Let them eat cake.

[borat]

The remaining squad positions for the CB, DM, Wide and No. 10 roles HAVE to be better than what we currently have or we will come bottom 3. If we were to sign more back up players for these positions then we are ****ed. If we sign Tratt and Lia in those positions then we are not trying.

Antonis is the bloke I would be going after strongly. With Milligan signing for a new club in the M.E. Antonis is the next best off contract/available Aussie midfielder. He was outstanding for WSW at the back end of the year and he is still under contract with PAOK.

Martinez also has his loan ended and we could try and pinch him off WSW but I would not mind us actually doing some foreign scouting

How much do you want to bet we don't sign Antonis? Willing to give you decent odds as well.

I am just being realistic. This club will never sign stars from other clubs and has and will always will recruit on potential. We need to find the diamonds in the rough.

Tratt was x10000 better than any of our CB's this season for the record.

Not a fan of Lia myself,but judging by Merrick's comments on recruiting "experienced heads", and that most coaches poach from their previous club, if you look at the Nix off contract then he is the one that stands out as most likely to come to Newcastle.

[MFKS]

The remaining squad positions for the CB, DM, Wide and No. 10 roles HAVE to be better than what we currently have or we will come bottom 3. If we were to sign more back up players for these positions then we are ****ed.

Hate to break it to you but we probably going to finish bottom 3 anyway
Merrick ain't a miracle worker like Jesus Christ

He doesn't have much scope to overhaul our squad fully
We also behind the 8 ball as any competent Aussie player is already under contract for next season already

[The Camel]

How much do you want to bet we don't sign Antonis? Willing to give you decent odds as well.

I am just being realistic. This club will never sign stars from other clubs and has and will always will recruit on potential. We need to find the diamonds in the rough.

Tratt was x10000 better than any of our CB's this season for the record.

Not a fan of Lia myself,but judging by Merrick's comments on recruiting "experienced heads", and that most coaches poach from their previous club, if you look at the Nix off contract then he is the one that stands out as most likely to come to Newcastle.

I am going off the quotes that says we have $$$ to spend and we have an experienced coach who can possibly recruit them. If we sign Lia and have Uga and Brown as our only starting Midfielders (Kanta and Lia are not starting midfielders for NPL let alone A League) then we will get hammered every week.

Also you say Tratt was heaps better than our CB's, that is a massive call seeing he played RB all year. He played ok in that position but it is not a role in the side that we need to fill. He may be a natural CB but he has pretty much zero A League experience playing there.

[The Camel]

Hate to break it to you but we probably going to finish bottom 3 anyway
Merrick ain't a miracle worker like Jesus Christ

He doesn't have much scope to overhaul our squad fully
We also behind the 8 ball as any competent Aussie player is already under contract for next season already

I would say that Antonis (who is available on loan) and Spiranovic are more than competent Aussies who will improve us immesely

[Bon]

Hate to break it to you but we probably going to finish bottom 3 anyway
Merrick ain't a miracle worker like Jesus Christ

He doesn't have much scope to overhaul our squad fully
We also behind the 8 ball as any competent Aussie player is already under contract for next season already

Aren't you supposed to be backing him, loving the stability, giving him a chance, giving him the time to build his own squad, etc etc?
Or was that only Jones?

[borat]

I am going off the quotes that says we have $$$ to spend and we have an experienced coach who can possibly recruit them. If we sign Lia and have Uga and Brown as our only starting Midfielders (Kanta and Lia are not starting midfielders for NPL let alone A League) then we will get hammered every week.

Also you say Tratt was heaps better than our CB's, that is a massive call seeing he played RB all year. He played ok in that position but it is not a role in the side that we need to fill. He may be a natural CB but he has pretty much zero A League experience playing there.

Tratt was CB for SFC NYL week in and out. He is a CB who can play RB not the other way around

[Jeterpool]

Those Jets fans deserve Boogaard and all that he brings.

Can I guess that he brings penalties, red cards and mongrel?