U Turning
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austin10 wrote:

Feverish wrote:

 I'm getting the feeling you think we need a new coach?

I just want to see the Nix win lots of games and make a grand final....if Rickie can do that then thats fine with me.
However there seems to be a groundswell of opinion that thinks he can't.....and I'm starting to think that too!

Exactly. Ricky had no option to carry his core squad though to this year, They guts it out last year really well. He had the salary cap to work within to add more pieces for his brand of football. If it works, and they kickon from here, fantastic. However it has to be last chance saloon. The Nix support, buzz, call it what you want is dying though total fraustration of no accountability. A real football club would make the change quickly if we don't go close to making grand final. I think the development of NZ players is a great idea, but honestly, the people out there who used to come to games that attracted 10-15 thousand, don't give a stuff about that. They just want the Phoenix to reach and win a GF. And smart import midfield signings will help them achieve that. Plus get the buzz back. While it was better last sunday, they looked like a side with its 2 top midfield players missing.

 

Still Believin'
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One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.

When we get a new coach it will definitely increase the financial pressure on the club, especially if Ricki is still hanging around in a DoF role.

I suspect this DoF role (if it happens) might be part time to allow Ricki to spend time on the All Whites. The new coach might also be someone relatively junior from within the Australian system who is happy to have Ricki looking over his shoulder just to get a crack at A-League.

The bottom line is the Sack Ricki brigade might need to have realistic expectations about who is going to replace him.



Marquee
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about 17 years

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?

Cock
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james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?

Their stated need to break even. As an example, if Ricki was worth $50k and the best you get for a replacement is $150k, that's more bums on seats...
Phoenix Academy
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Jeff Vader wrote:

Trueblue wrote:

Junior82 wrote:

I thought that was what most people are expecting. 

Will he move to the DoF position or leave the club altogether.

He signed a 2 year deal, with the option of a further 2 years on "football related matters". I'm of the opinion that it is time for a change. Six seasons is an eternity in football, unless you get results like Sir Alex. He will soon be the longest serving coach in A-League history, passing Ernie Merrick.

Yes a change of manager could back fire but we won't know unless we try. And no I don't have someone to suggest as a replacement, it isn't my job to find a replacement. It would be up to the club to find someone they felt could provide the style of football they wish to play.

Rather than a director of football, I wonder if Ricki could be on the board and consult on the football related matters? I'm not sure we are big enough to warrent a director role, especially when we were advertising for someone to manage the FSE around the country.

 

Auckland City's Catalan coach Ramon Tribulietx is on record saying ACFC needs to be a professional club which of course flies in the face of the reality of NZ's domestic national league. I can only read this as a desire to manage something more than a part-time local team so how about he take over from Ricki?

You can go for a reduced version of the Barcelona possession style under him and ACFC can return to being a no-nonsense decent national league outfit.

If Ramon applies for it, the import quota should be told to him in the application so he knows heading into it :)


To be fair, I think he plays too much of a possession game that invariably goes more laterally than forward. Can he change from his tactics? The other Premiership teams have figured it out, can't the A League too?

I would wholeheartedly endorse him as an assistant. I have heard his tactical analysis is up there with the best which perhaps the Phoenix may be light on.

 

Good point, Ramon would probably make a good tactician alongside an experienced A League coach. It would be a step up to the professionalism he craves and a release for ACFC from its pale version of Barca's tika taka style which you rightly observe JV tends to go more laterally than forward.

Trialist
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http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/cockerill-opinion-display/Evolution-of-the-Kiwis/56621

Interesting read 

Legend
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A good perspective.  

And a nice sentence that sums up some of the angst that gets posted on this forum when we don't win:

"Personally, I've never been one for making coaches heroes, or villains, with nothing in-between. A good performance, or a good result, is the product of a multitude of factors. Sadly, in the internet age, there is a bloodlust for blame. If something goes wrong, someone has to pay."

*Cue Steve-O and his stats...*
Starting XI
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Junior82 wrote:

A good perspective.  

And a nice sentence that sums up some of the angst that gets posted on this forum when we don't win:

"Personally, I've never been one for making coaches heroes, or villains, with nothing in-between. A good performance, or a good result, is the product of a multitude of factors. Sadly, in the internet age, there is a bloodlust for blame. If something goes wrong, someone has to pay."

*Cue Steve-O and his stats...*


Agree with 87.7 % of that
Opinion Privileges revoked
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 "Against Central Coast Mariners, there were seven Kiwis in the starting eleven. Only twice before (against Perth Glory and Adelaide United during the 2008-09 season), have the Phoenix fielded the same percentage of homegrown talent."

Wow, we're more honest coalface Kiwi than ACFC now.

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Seeing as this has become the coaching speculation thread I'll put mine out there.

Next season, Luciano Trani (Head Coach), Chris Greenacre (Assistant), Ritchie Herbert (DoF spending a lot more time with the academy yoof).

Have nothing to back this up with. Just a guess.

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Great article...best bit for me was

"For far too long football lovers in NZ have blithely accepted mediocrity. Its a culture that has allowed players, coaches and administrators to escape responsibility"

I think this debate about the future direction of the Phoenix is fantastic and I congratulate Gareth for kicking it off. There are lots of passionate people supporting the game in this country and they all should feel free to have their say.....and the debate already has had results. The style of play, at times, against CCM was a step in the right direction.

Whether Ricki is part of the future is a big part of the debate also. But one thing is certain the stakes have been raised. Many many Nix fans have signaled that they won't accept mediocrity anymore. Ricki and quite a few of the players have come into this season in cruise mode IMO. Only 3 wins so far this season is totally unexceptible. If this debate provides the kick up the arse they needed then its served its purpose.

First Team Squad
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austin10 wrote:

Great article...best bit for me was

"For far too long football lovers in NZ have blithely accepted mediocrity. Its a culture that has allowed players, coaches and administrators to escape responsibility"

I think this debate about the future direction of the Phoenix is fantastic and I congratulate Gareth for kicking it off. There are lots of passionate people supporting the game in this country and they all should feel free to have their say.....and the debate already has had results. The style of play, at times, against CCM was a step in the right direction.

Whether Ricki is part of the future is a big part of the debate also. But one thing is certain the stakes have been raised. Many many Nix fans have signaled that they won't accept mediocrity anymore. Ricki and quite a few of the players have come into this season in cruise mode IMO. Only 3 wins so far this season is totally unexceptible. If this debate provides the kick up the arse they needed then its served its purpose.



"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way . . ."


Legend
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over 15 years


Edmond Wells or Charles Dikkens?

Trialist
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Exactly. When the kings and Knights were around I expected mediocre. But the Phoenix are also high quality team. Every home game I am confident of coming away with 3 points. And away games nicking a draw. But to just turn up and have the club surviving financially a priority while highly important is not acceptable. 

While building a high performance club takes time. To say the club is in a restructuring phase is just an excuse for losing. Ricky and the board need to realize that the fans still expect the team to compete week in week out. 

Phoenix Academy
0
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470
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over 11 years

Doloras wrote:

 "Against Central Coast Mariners, there were seven Kiwis in the starting eleven. Only twice before (against Perth Glory and Adelaide United during the 2008-09 season), have the Phoenix fielded the same percentage of homegrown talent."

Wow, we're more honest coalface Kiwi than ACFC now.

Verdaderamente?

Tegal Fan Club Member #1.5
200
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Mike is hopefully on to something.... HHHHMMMm chooses words carefully ... I have often written on the win ugly or play with style and what gets crowds .... only at the start of this season were some posters willing to openly discuss the Nix playing style... most still hostile, maybe because I am an outsider ....  but the confidence that you could criticise football or the playing style and not be attacking football to me seemed to be the key issue... my guess is countless years of negative mainstream press [as in Australia] developed almost a siege defence to any criticism...

I feel for you guys as I see the media in general give you little support and you don't have an SBS to help... 

Facts are and they are important is the Nix by a long way rate the lowest of A-League teams .... your crowd average is the lowest by a similar margin to the ratings http://www.ultimatealeague.com/records.php?type=att  ... [BTW do not have NZ rating to add to the Australian ratings which would improve your ratings]... Frank L will retire sometime in the next three years.... Frank has been the biggest supporter of  NZ team in the A-League ..... why do I mention this well Australia lost a spot in the Asian Champions league one of the reasons we only have 9 teams ... Football is on a growth path in Australia that nothing can stop with A-League FTA TV and WCQ on FTA as well .... the derbies in Australia are growing ....  at some point in the future the question of whether its worth having a NZ team in the A-League will be asked those that support you [there are many] need football and stats they can argue with... 

However that you are starting to question the style of play and question this in numbers is a very welcome and pleasing ... as it shows that football has grown in that you can criticise play and that does not attack football... 

I see a lot of our old coach LM in RH ... LM played a similar style to RH and so did we ..... I hope for his sake RH can change things time will tell ... but Fergie at PG has so anything is possible... 

Now for the good part .... its only been two maybe three maybe five years ... when football folk in Australia starting talking the way you guys are now... I do think it has a lot to do with mainstream media .... and as I said when I look at media in NZ you get the idea that most people in power positions are in the employment of NZRU... 

Good luck with the debate .... I hope you guys are still around for years ... how you overcome the lack of media I have no idea ...

Also and I know I am repeating myself .... but research in Australia by all major sporting codes is that the comfort of people when watching a sporting event is very important ... the ROF is poorly protected from the weather  [OK easy to say] but a rectangular stadium with a roof and my guess shared with the SRU side is very important moving forward ... 



Starting XI
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almost 12 years

james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?


NZF paying a chunk of his salary would be a factor. Officially he's subcontracted to NZF by the nix so if Welnix want a new coach my guess is their wage bill will go up hugely. Actually makes me wonder whether this was ever a factor in keeping Ricki on at any point.

Starting XI
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Gareth was there tonight and I'm sure would have been impressed.

Legend
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I saw him as we were filing out of Aisle 23.


He was smiling (at Jo I think).


This is encouraging.


Starting XI
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Colvinator wrote:

Gareth was there tonight and I'm sure would have been impressed.


I'm a huge fan of Gareth's match day involvement. No matter how much silly shit he spins in the media in future, as long as he keeps staying connected on matchdays I think he'll remain popular. Last week in the fever zone he and his wife were having a great time, each of them really chatting quite a lot to everyone around them and clearly enjoying themselves. Onya Gaz.

First Team Squad
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Fitzy wrote:

james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?


NZF paying a chunk of his salary would be a factor. Officially he's subcontracted to NZF by the nix so if Welnix want a new coach my guess is their wage bill will go up hugely. Actually makes me wonder whether this was ever a factor in keeping Ricki on at any point.


I wonder how much money will play in the coach succession thing. Welnix could be in for a bit of a shock if they go to the international market to find a coach....wasn't Van't Chip at Heart on $750,000 AUD last season.? Morrison said that many options were on the table including appointing an assistant under Ricki next year who would be groomed to take over as head coach the following year. That certainly would be the cheapest option. They could get someone like Emblem, who would be cheap plus a chunk of Ricki's salary would still be paid by NZF.
How well that would go down with the "sack Ricki" crowd would be interesting. I think there is an opinion out there that when Ricki goes we will go to the market and pick up a senior coach. The names that were banded around when Sydney sacked Crook were the usual suspects.....Merrick, Bleiberg, Farina, Mulvey etc. IMO its highly likely we will go for the "coach lite" option..... because of the cost. 
I personally would love to see Miron "rent a quote" Beiberg coach the Nix. Not only because he is a good coach.( GC played some nice football, they made 3rd in his first year plus they were excellent at youth development) but also because NZ has never seen such a flambouyant personality in sports management. He would be our jose mourhino. He would generate acres of press coverage(good and bad)....and being a minority sport struggling for press coverage that could only be good for football.
Opinion Privileges revoked
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austin10 wrote:
I personally would love to see Miron "rent a quote" Beiberg coach the Nix. Not only because he is a good coach.( GC played some nice football, they made 3rd in his first year plus they were excellent at youth development) but also because NZ has never seen such a flambouyant personality in sports management.


John Dybvig.
First Team Squad
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about 16 years

 Bleiberg would surely result in the wooden spoon. With the squad GCU had in their first season they perhaps should have won the league (they did after all, say they would!), and the NYL team was Mulvey's work, not Bleiberg's.

In any case is Greenacre not being groomed to take over?

First Team Squad
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SC03 wrote:

 Bleiberg would surely result in the wooden spoon. With the squad GCU had in their first season they perhaps should have won the league (they did after all, say they would!), and the NYL team was Mulvey's work, not Bleiberg's.

In any case is Greenacre not being groomed to take over?

Last time I heard Greenacre interviewed on this subject he admitted the coaching side of things is turning out to be a huge learning curve...bigger than he expected. When asked about head coach he replied..."years away mate". Greenacre looks after the Academy and after watching them against TW(they were a disorganised rabble beaten 0-4)  you realised he has a long long way to be head coach of anything. IMO Greenacre should do his time as head coach of a ASB Premiership side for a few years before he even thinks of taking over an A-League side.

As for Beiberg I only threw his name in there for entertainment value( so many NZ sports coaches are boring as batshit...(.Dyvbig the exception).....though Miron has a long, succesful coaching record in the Queensland Premiership.

Marquee
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over 12 years

Emblen would be my guess...

Cock
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If Greenacre was going to do an apprenticeship as you suggest, why do it with a Premiership side when he could possibly hook up with a club back home that would have more established structures?


Unless of course he has decided to make NZ his permanent home but I know nothing about that

Cock
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Emblem appears to be the obvious

I was always disappointed that Dybvig got the ass from basketball in this country. I think its because he was the big brash American with the basketball pedigree and little 'ole NZ found that just too much. He was very informed but also entertaining. Him and Tom Hyde were the best commentary team around when they did the TV3 Rheineck Basketball League broadcasts. McKean left the New Plymouth team about the same time and I wonder if Bomber threw his hands up in the air with the administration of the sport in NZ too.

Still Believin'
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james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?



Based on this: Show A-League coaches the money

18 months old but I seriously doubt Welnix gave him much of a pay-rise when they took over.

I'm also pretty sure that the new coaches in the picture aren't on less money than Ricki based on this. Popovic didn't quit Crystal Palace for $200k a year. Arnold stayed at CCM but only after being seriously courted by Sydney. Ange will be on mega-bucks at Victory. Maybe Mulvey is on the same level at Brisbane? If Van Egmond, Kosmina and Aloisi were aware of what their predecessors were earning they'll be on good money too.

Still Believin'
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austin10 wrote:

Fitzy wrote:

james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?


NZF paying a chunk of his salary would be a factor. Officially he's subcontracted to NZF by the nix so if Welnix want a new coach my guess is their wage bill will go up hugely. Actually makes me wonder whether this was ever a factor in keeping Ricki on at any point.


I wonder how much money will play in the coach succession thing. Welnix could be in for a bit of a shock if they go to the international market to find a coach....wasn't Van't Chip at Heart on $750,000 AUD last season.? Morrison said that many options were on the table including appointing an assistant under Ricki next year who would be groomed to take over as head coach the following year. That certainly would be the cheapest option. They could get someone like Emblem, who would be cheap plus a chunk of Ricki's salary would still be paid by NZF.
How well that would go down with the "sack Ricki" crowd would be interesting. I think there is an opinion out there that when Ricki goes we will go to the market and pick up a senior coach. The names that were banded around when Sydney sacked Crook were the usual suspects.....Merrick, Bleiberg, Farina, Mulvey etc. IMO its highly likely we will go for the "coach lite" option..... because of the cost. 


Money will be a huge factor. Welnix just won't lay out $300-400k a season to get even a top Aussie coach, let alone the money required for a foreign one. It's just not their M.O. I reckon they'll go for someone within the Aussie system (maybe a current assistant coach or someone from within their AIS set-up) or someone like Emblen. Either way it will be with Ricki looming large in the background.

I consider myself agnostic about whether Ricki should stay or go, but I think a lot of the Sack Ricki brigade just haven't thought aspects of this through. I'd probably put decent money on Ricki's replacement not being a big name at all and Welnix again pumping the "financial sustainability" and "build from within" messages.

I also think that - regardless of opinions about Ricki's abilities and whether or not he has been "successful" - we have been relatively spoiled with the coaching stability we've had at the Phoenix. Yes, it may be time for change but I'm not looking forward to the Nix finally jumping on that coaching merry-go-round - once you get on that fucking thing you'll never get off.


First Team Squad
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terminator_x wrote:

austin10 wrote:

Fitzy wrote:

james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?


NZF paying a chunk of his salary would be a factor. Officially he's subcontracted to NZF by the nix so if Welnix want a new coach my guess is their wage bill will go up hugely. Actually makes me wonder whether this was ever a factor in keeping Ricki on at any point.


I wonder how much money will play in the coach succession thing. Welnix could be in for a bit of a shock if they go to the international market to find a coach....wasn't Van't Chip at Heart on $750,000 AUD last season.? Morrison said that many options were on the table including appointing an assistant under Ricki next year who would be groomed to take over as head coach the following year. That certainly would be the cheapest option. They could get someone like Emblem, who would be cheap plus a chunk of Ricki's salary would still be paid by NZF.
How well that would go down with the "sack Ricki" crowd would be interesting. I think there is an opinion out there that when Ricki goes we will go to the market and pick up a senior coach. The names that were banded around when Sydney sacked Crook were the usual suspects.....Merrick, Bleiberg, Farina, Mulvey etc. IMO its highly likely we will go for the "coach lite" option..... because of the cost. 



Money will be a huge factor. Welnix just won't lay out $300-400k a season to get even a top Aussie coach, let alone the money required for a foreign one. It's just not their M.O. I reckon they'll go for someone within the Aussie system (maybe a current assistant coach or someone from within their AIS set-up) or someone like Emblen. Either way it will be with Ricki looming large in the background.

I consider myself agnostic about whether Ricki should stay or go, but I think a lot of the Sack Ricki brigade just haven't thought aspects of this through. I'd probably put decent money on Ricki's replacement not being a big name at all and Welnix again pumping the "financial sustainability" and "build from within" messages.

I also think that - regardless of opinions about Ricki's abilities and whether or not he has been "successful" - we have been relatively spoiled with the coaching stability we've had at the Phoenix. Yes, it may be time for change but I'm not looking forward to the Nix finally jumping on that coaching merry-go-round - once you get on that fucking thing you'll never get off.


I agree with an awful lot of this. I would just say though that Ricki has had 5 years to deliver something and currently that something has not been delivered and whilst I wouldn't say Ricki out!  I would be open to a progressive takeover by someone else, for no other reason than to implant a fresh perspective and impetus to the club

Cock
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16K
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over 14 years

terminator_x wrote:

austin10 wrote:

Fitzy wrote:

james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?


NZF paying a chunk of his salary would be a factor. Officially he's subcontracted to NZF by the nix so if Welnix want a new coach my guess is their wage bill will go up hugely. Actually makes me wonder whether this was ever a factor in keeping Ricki on at any point.


I wonder how much money will play in the coach succession thing. Welnix could be in for a bit of a shock if they go to the international market to find a coach....wasn't Van't Chip at Heart on $750,000 AUD last season.? Morrison said that many options were on the table including appointing an assistant under Ricki next year who would be groomed to take over as head coach the following year. That certainly would be the cheapest option. They could get someone like Emblem, who would be cheap plus a chunk of Ricki's salary would still be paid by NZF.
How well that would go down with the "sack Ricki" crowd would be interesting. I think there is an opinion out there that when Ricki goes we will go to the market and pick up a senior coach. The names that were banded around when Sydney sacked Crook were the usual suspects.....Merrick, Bleiberg, Farina, Mulvey etc. IMO its highly likely we will go for the "coach lite" option..... because of the cost. 


Money will be a huge factor. Welnix just won't lay out $300-400k a season to get even a top Aussie coach, let alone the money required for a foreign one. It's just not their M.O. I reckon they'll go for someone within the Aussie system (maybe a current assistant coach or someone from within their AIS set-up) or someone like Emblen. Either way it will be with Ricki looming large in the background.

I consider myself agnostic about whether Ricki should stay or go, but I think a lot of the Sack Ricki brigade just haven't thought aspects of this through. I'd probably put decent money on Ricki's replacement not being a big name at all and Welnix again pumping the "financial sustainability" and "build from within" messages.

I also think that - regardless of opinions about Ricki's abilities and whether or not he has been "successful" - we have been relatively spoiled with the coaching stability we've had at the Phoenix. Yes, it may be time for change but I'm not looking forward to the Nix finally jumping on that coaching merry-go-round - once you get on that fucking thing you'll never get off.


this. And when the replacement is underwhelming and does not perform, they'll wish Ricki was coaching.


Anyway, isn't Ryan Nelsen coaching this ship?

Moar stars
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almost 12 years

He coaches the All Whites.

Cock
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over 14 years

Oh right, my bad. I thought Ricki was Ryan's hand puppet in general

Opinion Privileges revoked
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Jeff Vader wrote:

Oh right, my bad. I thought Ricki was Ryan's hand puppet in general



Yeah, I read that fanfic.

(Seriously: a friend showed me a blog of cricket slash-fic once. You haven't lived until you've read tales of McCullum/Vettori forbidden dressing room shenanigans.)
Cock
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It could be a hell of a lot worse with perspective. We could be the shambles that is the Black Caps. Even with Terry's shit, we remained stable across the football 'cattle'

Woof Woof
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terminator_x wrote:

austin10 wrote:

Fitzy wrote:

james dean wrote:

terminator_x wrote:

One thing to remember is that Ricki is very probably the cheapest coach in the A-League, which is something that no doubt appeals greatly to Welnix.


Based on what exactly?


NZF paying a chunk of his salary would be a factor. Officially he's subcontracted to NZF by the nix so if Welnix want a new coach my guess is their wage bill will go up hugely. Actually makes me wonder whether this was ever a factor in keeping Ricki on at any point.


I wonder how much money will play in the coach succession thing. Welnix could be in for a bit of a shock if they go to the international market to find a coach....wasn't Van't Chip at Heart on $750,000 AUD last season.? Morrison said that many options were on the table including appointing an assistant under Ricki next year who would be groomed to take over as head coach the following year. That certainly would be the cheapest option. They could get someone like Emblem, who would be cheap plus a chunk of Ricki's salary would still be paid by NZF.
How well that would go down with the "sack Ricki" crowd would be interesting. I think there is an opinion out there that when Ricki goes we will go to the market and pick up a senior coach. The names that were banded around when Sydney sacked Crook were the usual suspects.....Merrick, Bleiberg, Farina, Mulvey etc. IMO its highly likely we will go for the "coach lite" option..... because of the cost. 


Money will be a huge factor. Welnix just won't lay out $300-400k a season to get even a top Aussie coach, let alone the money required for a foreign one. It's just not their M.O. I reckon they'll go for someone within the Aussie system (maybe a current assistant coach or someone from within their AIS set-up) or someone like Emblen. Either way it will be with Ricki looming large in the background.

I consider myself agnostic about whether Ricki should stay or go, but I think a lot of the Sack Ricki brigade just haven't thought aspects of this through. I'd probably put decent money on Ricki's replacement not being a big name at all and Welnix again pumping the "financial sustainability" and "build from within" messages.

I also think that - regardless of opinions about Ricki's abilities and whether or not he has been "successful" - we have been relatively spoiled with the coaching stability we've had at the Phoenix. Yes, it may be time for change but I'm not looking forward to the Nix finally jumping on that coaching merry-go-round - once you get on that fucking thing you'll never get off.



Very thoughtful Termy - reminds me a little bit of the Philadelphia Eagles fans who for years were agitating getting rid of Donovan McNabb for 'failing to deliver' (a Superbowl win effectively), and once they finally did, look where they sank to. Change, especially for its own sake, is not necessarily a good thing. And it often can be for the worse.
Opinion Privileges revoked
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9.7K
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over 14 years

Reminds me, personally of the "GET RID OF TIM BROWN, HE DOES NOTHING" crowd... and look what we have instead in midfield. Not that Manny and Vinnie aren't doing their best, but...

RR
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Bossi Insider
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33K
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over 15 years

Ricki's Nix coaching record - 145 games, 53 wins, 33 draws 59 losses.

If the aim is to make the top 6 each season, yeah he will do the job. I know ambition is a dirty word, but surely we should at least try for better?

There is no guarantee that changing coach would turn us into title contenders, it could just as easily backfire and put us back fighting to avoid the wooden spoon. But keeping Ricki for a few more seasons just feels like we are willing to accept mediocrity because it is safer.

First Team Squad
320
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1.4K
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over 16 years

Ricki's Nix coaching record - 145 games, 53 wins, 33 draws 59 losses.

If the aim is to make the top 6 each season, yeah he will do the job. I know ambition is a dirty word, but surely we should at least try for better?

There is no guarantee that changing coach would turn us into title contenders, it could just as easily backfire and put us back fighting to avoid the wooden spoon. But keeping Ricki for a few more seasons just feels like we are willing to accept mediocrity because it is safer.



I don't think the new owners are prepared to accept mediocrity. Something's gotta give, and I suspect it will be Ricki's job as head coach, probably at the end of this season.
Tegal
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Head Sleuth
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19K
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almost 17 years

Doloras wrote:

Reminds me, personally of the "GET RID OF TIM BROWN, HE DOES NOTHING" crowd... and look what we have instead in midfield. Not that Manny and Vinnie aren't doing their best, but...

Um, I prefer Sanchez to brown. I happen to still think we are better off without Tim brown ;)

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