Mariners Squad - HAL 12 - 2016 - 2017

[Rowdy]

We will be short with Junior being away with the U19's qualifiers & then for the U20's World Cup.

McGing/Ascroft will be needed then.

Have to remember that there's always injuries and suspension's to be considered.

Just dont think we need both of them.
If we need to create a squad spot/free up cap $pace, which one do we keep ???

 

[Coach]

Interesting article by Secret Agent - either he knows nothng or Okon is not being honest! I heard a long interview with Okon this morning (Big Sports Breakfast about 8am) and he was asked, who he would like to bring in, paraphrasing he said nobody, he said he didn't even need Messi or Ronaldo in that what he wants and needs are the players buy in to his philosiphy and to be fit and keen. He was emphatic (as he can be) that the squad is the squad.

 

[dibo]

We will be short with Junior being away with the U19's qualifiers & then for the U20's World Cup.

McGing/Ascroft will be needed then.

Have to remember that there's always injuries and suspension's to be considered.

Just dont think we need both of them.
If we need to create a squad spot/free up cap $pace, which one do we keep ???

I'd keep McGing, because he's one of ours.

 

[Rowdy]

I'd keep McGing, because he's one of ours.

He's originally from Syd, was with the WSW for 2 years prior to joining us.

 

[dibo]

Meh... I knew he was at CCFC. Oh well.

He played a couple of games at DM last year where he looked the goods, but at CB he's lost.

Ascroft has looked OK with ball at feet but decision making needs major work and he's got simple execution errors in his game more frequently than you'd like.

 

[Rowdy]

Agree on all the above, they're both more naturally suited to DM but Harry is slightly better whilst at CB, so I'd actually keep Ascroft.

& not just because of that.

Despite being played out of position and in over his head at RB, with 2 years remaining on his contract I think he will be the one that an overseas club will be interested in, which is why they were both signed in the first place. Develop them -$ell on for a X-fer fee.

And I base that on that 1st game against Melb.City at CC Stadium last season, where Ascroft man-marked and frustrated Aron Mooy (Australia's best player last year) right out of the game, to the point Mooy didnt know how to deal with Harry.

It was Ascroft on the edges of the 18 yrd box dribbling and passing towards the end of that game, after Walmsley had obviously given him licence to try& salvage the game, that really showed me that if given the opportunity at DM for an extended period he may just develop into something.

Junior was given that opportunity, as the departure of Bosnar. .. then Ando created a shuffling of deck chairs with Harry & Jake for most of the season.

Ascroft's aggression (cards) and decision making is what lets him down, but with his height & build he's more in the mould of the likes of a Rostyn Griffiths / Mile Jedinak type than the diminutive Liam 'Junior' Rose, who I think lacks physicality.

 

[Luca Brasi]

Ascroft was signed as a central defender last year.
The Central Coast Mariners have today announced the signing of 20-year old Australian defender Harry Ascroft on a three-year deal. - See more at: http://www.ccmariners.com.au/articl...chuhh4splj91b13f0dp7k95c#sthash.KBiObUJ9.dpuf
McGing was a DM who TW unsuccessfully tried to convert into a CB.
Both have contracts until end of 17/18, I still think Ascroft has some value, playing next to Faty in a stronger defensive structure and some different coaching may improve his performances.
I thought D'Cunha was a CB.

 

[Rowdy]

McGing was a DM who TW unsuccessfully tried to convert into a CB.
I still think Ascroft has some value, playing next to Faty in a stronger defensive structure and some different coaching may improve his performances.

Agree

I thought D'Cunha was a CB.

If so then, if were going to sign another CB - we need experience NOT Youth.

We've got that covered a plenty.

 

[Luca Brasi]

Knowing our budget and the youth philosophy of PO then I am not expecting any experienced players to come in this season.

 

[localpom]

I'd keep both Ascroft and McGing. To me, it's a no brainer. The squad must have some room to move and they wouldn't be on much coin. Ascroft also scored 3 goals last season. That's his competitive spirit. I always remember him doing a decent job on Mooy.
Keen to see us bring in another player or two though.

 

[Big Al]

I don't see the love for either. They should go.

McGing started out promising but has become sloppy and is miles behind Monty, Tav and Rose. Berry is coming in over him as well. Is a shit CB not really his fault and plays a spot we don't need.

Ashcroft is a better CB than McGing but wasn't what was advertised.

Don't forget those two contributed massively to the worst defence ever.

I love Posco and was coming along well but was trying to hard and getting caught out of position. He is not a RB and won't suit the Socceroos style of wing backs. He should definitely be first reserve at CB.

Storms recovery may mean we need back up at RB although I thought Alderson was an option.

Shame the CB from SFC youth just got a full contract could have been an option.

Also would that also mean PO doesn't see Monty as a CB? Hope so

 

[Wombat]

Some really good thought provoking debate going on.

For mine, we don't need a RB. Harry can't play there but Posco can and Storm, if taught the basics, could become a super player......make him watch videos of Pedj who was a far better player even though he doesn't have half the talent of Storm.

Monty is wasted at CB and is a bit short. Also he is our most important outlet from defence to attack while also being the chief mongrel in midfield.

Regarding McGing and Ascroft, I'd keep them both. Ascroft is the better defender but like Dibo said his mistake level needs improving. They boy is good on the ball and can finish. I think he is a very useful cover.
McGing is not a centre back but his experience there may help us there in a real pinch. He is useful cover in the centre for when Monty and Tavares are suspended. He will develop into a decent size unit over the next couple of years.
They are both on small money, I'd imagine.

We do need a Number 10. Powell is a good striker but he appears keen to play the role and I feel the club want to play him there and bring in a specialist 10 in Jan ( complete supposition on my behalf).

So I'm while I'd love a 10 I'd be even happier with a starting CB to play alongside Faty.

I'm very excited that our defenders are going to be well drilled by Paul and his assistant.

 

[Coach]

Did some investigation. D'cunha is the real deal plays either RB or CB. He is definitely an Okon favourite. I
I suspect they are worried about Storm whether he will be healthy or not. I'll almost guarantee that Monty does not play CB. So they need cover at RB and right CB.
McGing and Ashcroft will be in the cross hairs. By all accounts Adelson will be fine at RB or RM.
I think Okon will look for another experienced CB. A no.10 of substance maybe outside our budget so better to go with what we have.
When he says we will dominate, I suspect it will be high tempo, high Press, Neiil and Storm will be on their bikes, Fab won't play 90mins and Monty could be collateral damage. Playing against us will be a nightmare as, unlike last year, the opposition won't get any peace.
Taking all that into account your CB"s need to be very good - let's hope.
There is goals in Roy pain, Fab and powell my guess is he will want to incease their opportunities.
They will have to be fit!

 

[midfielder]

I take heart at a comment Ange made pertaining to Okon.

He said words to the effect, he is used to getting teams ready for international matches with players he gets for maybe two days. Give him five weeks with a squad and he have a decent game plan in place.

 

[midfielder]

It appears Paul takes the view that a side must have a strong defence at the base of a team.... in many ways the way he played as a player as well...

I am actually getting excited that we will be competitive and play a decent style.

 

[Wombat]

Did some investigation. D'cunha is the real deal plays either RB or CB. He is definitely an Okon favourite. I
I suspect they are worried about Storm whether he will be healthy or not. I'll almost guarantee that Monty does not play CB. So they need cover at RB and right CB.
McGing and Ashcroft will be in the cross hairs. By all accounts Adelson will be fine at RB or RM.
I think Okon will look for another experienced CB. A no.10 of substance maybe outside our budget so better to go with what we have.
When he says we will dominate, I suspect it will be high tempo, high Press, Neiil and Storm will be on their bikes, Fab won't play 90mins and Monty could be collateral damage. Playing against us will be a nightmare as, unlike last year, the opposition won't get any peace.
Taking all that into account your CB"s need to be very good - let's hope.
There is goals in Roy pain, Fab and powell my guess is he will want to incease their opportunities.
They will have to be fit!

My question is why was he cut by the drive bys?

 

[pjennings]

My question is why was he cut by the drive bys?

He probably didn't get the chance at WSW. He was out for 7 months with a stress fracture of the spine and only came back in December. By that stage Poppa had his side and he really didn't have much a chance. Okon obviously rates him as he has picked him in his youth teams but he has did miss a heap of time with injury last season.

 

[midfielder]

My question is why was he cut by the drive bys?

Why did the Drive Bys cut Mooy.... they seem to cut two thirds of the team each year.

 

[pjennings]

I would really love to see Okon talking to Tony Vidmar about some of the up and coming youngsters still at school. Get them involved at the IFS from year 9, really push their development and hopefully CCM pick up the cream of the crop.

 

[Forum Phoenix]

My question is why was he cut by the drive bys?

Who don't they cut?

My son knows Alessi. Don't think WSW is an easy camp or survive and flourish in.