Ok i would love to see you guys do well just as we did in 2006 but this looks like its going to be quite brutal. Italy? Paraguay? Slovakia? Good God have mercy on you. I really want you guys to go through but I really strugle to see that happening. sorry


What do you think about the FourFourTwo article Barnsley Kiwis Set for World Cup?
AROUND a decade ago, five young New Zealand footballers were battling the elements in South Yorkshire and learning their trade at Barnsley.

Have your say.

why doesn't Rickie entice Fallon to play for the Phoenix? He could cut it at A-league level and wouldn't be on that much $$$, so i don't see why not. maybe Herbert could make a triple swoop and snap up Wood/Fallon/Killen ( the latter on a pay-as-you-play contract). It's a bit of a gamble because they could end up like fellow internationals but deadbeats at club level ala Mulligan and Christie?

Edited by cool_cat2007: 17/5/2010 09:47:21 PM

I agree Cool Cat. Would be great even if they just got Fallon for next season as NZ would still be on a high from the All Whites qualification with the obvious link to him.

Cool Cat Chris Wood is no chance, he's already a star of NZ football, having broken through at Championship football this season, infact, he's good enough that he could make the Socceroo squad, given our weakened striking stocks. His prospects with WBA are bright.

Fallon has certainly drifted a bit in England I feel - He's played ALOT of football there, his whole career thus far, but often been a sub aswell as starting player and his relatively poor goals/games ratio reflects this 'somewhat.' But being in his late 20s he's in the prime of his career now and may still see a chance at breaking through proper in England, especially now Plymouth have been relegated. Then again, with his side relegated, that could open up the door for a long awaited return to his homeland and he'd be a bit of a draw too, given he's the goal scoring hero who sent them to the WC!

Killen has been talked of by Phoenix before as a Marquee option and he'd be a good one for them at that too. But he's just made the move to 'borough and like Fallon he's still in his prime and may feel he has prospects/goals he can achieve in Europe, especially now he's linked up with Gordon Strachan's ambitious side - who will be strong promotion challengers this forthcoming season.

Fallon would be an ace pick up, it's just a matter of what his contract status with Plymouth is. And I think you underestimate the wage factor Cool Cat - It's quite possible that he 'may' require a marquee level wage, and again, if Killen is out of the question, then the Phoenix having Fallon as their Marquee would not be such a bad thing IMHO.

Edited by GloryPerth: 17/5/2010 10:28:30 PM

Yeah Wood is too good for the A-league.
He has an amazing amount of potential and still young. Killen would probably see the A-league as too much of a step down. Though I'd love to see him here. Fallon is slightly more realistic still a toughy.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

cool cat you have no fucking idea do you ?

Chris Wood plays in the EPL. Like he would want to ditch that and come play in Australia...... LOL

do some fucking research before you post.

As Fozz said "if NZ can get a point the competition will be a success for them and if they managed to get two they won the world cup"

Bobby, he hardly featured in match day squads, so with WBA strengthening to retain their position in the premier league, he could be one of the casualties. playing in the a-league will help his development (maybe on a loan deal), and hopefully he can scrape a few goals together. looking at his scoring record, i thought he was a midfielder.

i know you guys aren't used to having a somewhat promising youngster and do get a bit excited, so try to keep your expectations at a reasonable level.

and Gloryperth i disagree that Wood would be a contender for any national team, other than NZ.

Wood has been tearing up the reserves, he's scored plenty for them, scoring a hattrick in a game a couple of weeks before the end of the season. Huge potential who has only recently turned 18, Di Matteo also sings his praises.

I still can't believe how young this guy really is.

Put it this way Cool_Cat if he did come down here A League clubs would wet themselves to have him play for them but he would never come because it would only hinder his development in the long run.

Why would he come down to play in the A League to develop when he is in the 1st team squad at a Premier League club? He will get some games next season for sure but may be loaned out to a Championship side at some stage to I would think.

Remember this kid had his Premier League début at 17, so he is more than 'somewhat promising'



Edited by Teza: 18/5/2010 12:23:56 p.m.

True that:) if we can get a point or at least have some close fought games then I think it will be a success. A win or 2 points then its party time.

All teams go to win but realisticlly for us it is probably about finding out where we stand in relation to other sides & gaining some respect

he's turning 19 this year

tearing up the reserves is one thing, but playing first team is another thing altogether. we've had youngsters who excelled at reserves level, but still fail to win a contract. change of management, direction etc could place his position in jeopardy.

it's very much touch and go as to whether he will be a regular for WBA. one of our top prospects had to move on loan to Japan, and that was even when he was a regular the season previous, made his debut at 18 and played against Bayern Munich.

Your forgetting he already has a 3 year contract at WBA

:oops: :oops: He wasn't saying Wood doesn't have a contract. All he's saying is that we've had players who excel at reserve level but don't make that step up.