Flying Kiwis – February 8
CJ Bott - Leicester City (English Super League)
Happy days as CJ Bott retuned to the starting line-up for Leicester City this week. Her first start since December, when she’d gotten injured early in a 2-2 draw against Brighton. Bit of a different ask on this occasion as Leicester City had to face the might of Manchester City, and sure enough they got popped 2-0 in an expected outcome, but good to see CJB out there scrapping away with the world’s best for ninety minutes again.
Bott’s first involvement was getting burnt by Lauren Hemp down the sideline, though she was still able to hold the England international back by non-legal means (conceding the foul but avoiding a card, a mere three minutes into the match). She also got a talking-to after stepping on Chloe Kelly’s foot soon afterwards. Yep, CJ Bott is back, folks. The ref’s patience ran out soon, when Courtney Nevin did get booked for fouling Kelly. Nine minutes gone. Curiously, Nevin missed selection for the most recent Australia squad... similar to how Bott also got left out of a recent NZ tour (but wasn’t considered for the current one due to her recent injury).
No need to panic because those were CJB’s only two fouls. The next time that Hemp ran at her, she shouldered in and shielded the ball out for a goal kick. A couple times after that, she ensure the ball ended up over the sideline. Bott’s possession stuff was tidy throughout and her energy levels were high. As a team, Leicester were playing to a physical plan that seemed to be limiting Manchester City’s bright spots, with the two sides hitting the sheds without having troubled the scoreboard attendants. Not great for the neutrals but excellent from the Foxes, who then continued on their merry way as the match resumed.
However the pressure did soon begin to grow. Manchester City aren’t really a team to be contained like that and before long Bunny Shaw had the ball in the net for MCY only to be ruled offside. Bott had to hack one off the line after a Filippa Angeldal shot almost squeezed under the keeper. Shaw hit the crossbar before Laura Coombs was denied by a point-blank save (having snuck goalside of CJB for the rebound). LCFC were hanging on by their fingernails but they were still hanging on. Alas, with ten minutes to go Lauren Hemp scored a remarkable backheeled volley to finally break the deadlock. Chloe Kelly then added a second minutes later directly from a corner kick. LCFC got close to a magically defiant point but ended up with nothing but perhaps a boost in pride after a 2-0 defeat.
Up Next: FA Cup fifth round on Sunday at 1am, LCFC vs Birmingham (NZT)
Kees Sims - GAIS (Swedish Allsvenskan)
Here we go with the last major kiwi transfer of the January window, and it was that long anticipated step up from Kees Sims. Having been the starting keeper for Ljungskile in the Swedish third tier for two full seasons whilst still an U20s player, there was always going to be interest. You play well at that age in senior football, even a couple of divisions down, and the vast scouting networks out there are taking notice. Its was simply a matter of when and where.
Sims has gone the extra yard to ensure his visibility by spending both this offseason and his previous one out training with various other clubs, ranging from genuine trial opportunities to more professional development gigs. As far as has been reported, he spent his previous offseason hanging with Lilleström SK (Norwegian top tier), Leicester City (English top tier, at the time), Nottingham Forest (English top tier), and Coventry City (English second tier). This offseason he’s had a go with GAIS (Swedish top tier), Hobro IK (Norwegian second tier), and Örgryte IS (Swedish top tier). Lots of mahi. Lots of exposure.
It was GAIS who won the race. Göteborgs Atlet-och Idrottssällskap, if you want the full name... probs best to just stick to GAIS. Sims has signed a three-year deal which lifts him up to the top division in Sweden, after his new club were promoted in second-place in 2023. Believe it or not, he actually played against GAIS two years ago as they began their rise back up the pyramid. They were the first team he trialled with this current offseason, spending time with them back in December, and GAIS also happens to be a former club of New Zealanders Dan Keat, Craig Henderson, and Steven Old.
There will have been a transfer fee involved here because Sims was still under contract with LSK for two more seasons. That’s pretty much why the old club sold him: they need the money... although they’re also enjoying a deserved pat on the back for taking a punt on a young player who has now progressed to the top flight in the land.
LSK head coach Erik Lund Fahlén: “This is a long-term vision for us in the Football Committee and something that I as a coach like to work towards: that young players get the chance to get improve in our environment and then take the next step. Before last year, as you know, Uba Charles went to Lilleström and now another of our players, Kees Sims, has been sold to a club in the top division. This is a good success and we thank GAIS for their cooperation in reaching an agreement. Kees came here as a young 18-year-old and from the first moment he has battled and given everything towards his development. He has really dedicated his life to becoming as good a football player as possible, so it’s great to see him rewarded for this now. We hope for great happiness in Kees’s career and we look forward to following him.”
Sweet as. What’s more is that he’s already played his first game for his new team. Sims got most of the second half of a 3-1 friendly defeat against Sønderjyske, conceding the last two goals – both of which were 1v1s. Mergim Krasniqi was the starting keeper. He’s a 31yo veteran of the Swedish comps who has missed just one league match in the two years that he’s been with the club so we are looking pretty firmly at backup duties for Sims here... but at this level there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Also guess what? Dalton Wilkins was playing for Sonders in the same match. He started at left back and played the first hour. Both fellas have made January moves to top division clubs in Sweden and Denmark respectively, love seeing them already getting amongst things. Even if it was only a friendly.
Up Next: The Svenska Cupen group stage starts soon, with GAIS away to Elfsborg on Monday 19 February at 1am (NZT)
Vic Esson - Rangers FC (Scottish Premier League)
The Vic Esson pre-game warm-up pic? Oh you know what that means. Back in there with the starter’s gloves for the Scottish Cup tie against Dundee United, no matter that the national team had a game two days later on the other side of the world with a squad that she’d been selected for (there are a few of those cases, hence why a couple extra players were brought in for the first match – more on that in the Ferns preview piece from Monday).
Good reps for Esson, who has begun to get more regular appearances again at Rangers since the turn of the year. That’s in large part due to a few extra cup games allowing for more rotation, though she’s been very solid in each of these matches doing nothing to harm her case for further chances. Obviously missing the next two weeks for Ferns duty will be an interruption... but Rangers’ Scottish Cup quarter-final (vs Hibernian) and League Cup grand final (vs Partick Thistle) both aren’t until March so she’ll be back for those.
As for this one, yeah nothing to worry about. Rangers won 9-0, advancing to the next round in a canter. They were up by five at half-time. There’s an almost-eight minute long highlights package in which you literally don’t even see Esson. That’s another very unchallenging clean sheet to add to the 12-0 and 10-0 wins she was a part of last month (the latter was also against Dundee Utd but in the SWPL).
Up Next: Football Ferns action
Meikayla Moore – Glasgow City (Scottish Premier League)
The cup quest continued with ease for Vic Esson and Rangers but Meikayla Moore and Glasgow City had very different emotions. They’ve been looking slick lately but hosting Hibernian proved to be a stumbling task. Not that you’d have guessed it when they took a seventh minute lead via a lovely finish from Lauren Davidson. Problem was, they weren’t able to log another one while they were on top and, in the 34th minute, they got hauled back by an even better goal from Leah Eddie converting on the volley on the end of a long swerving free kick delivery.
From there both sides had trouble breaking up the scrappy, physical nature of the match. Glasgow City edged the chances but were no more successful than Hibs at getting those shots aimed at the right areas. One of Hibernian’s better ones came from a bad pass out from Moore, though the shot ended up being deflected over the top. MM played a perfect pass for an assist last week and this was the opposite of that. But they survived that moment and onwards this tie went into extra time. Again, both sides managed sighters. Again, nothing that threatened the respective goalkeepers. Nothing else for it but to head to penalties.
As you can see, Meikayla Moore scored hers. She went fifth and sent it gently into the bottom corner with her side-foot. Mouse ain’t a rookie from the spot – she even scored a penalty for the Football Ferns in their 2-1 win over the Philippines in 2022. But this shootout never felt good for GC. They missed their second attempt and were on the brink after everyone else converted around that until their keeper saved the fourth Hibs take. Moore went next and scored... but Hibs responded in kind then GC missed and Hibs scored and there ya go. Hibernian advanced to the fifth round. Bugger. Though it does clear the pathway further for Rangers/Esson.
Up Next: Thursday at 9am against Hamilton Accies, then Monday at 5am away to Montrose (NZT)
Ollie Whyte - FC Haka (Finnish Veikkaugsliiga)
For someone who doesn’t even have a proper contract right now, Ollie Whyte sure seems to be playing a lot for FC Haka. He’s started both Liiga Cup games and what’s more is that he set up two goals in a 3-1 win against KuPS in the most recent one. Really nice win in which they were 2-0 up at half-time and only conceded at the very end (in the fourth minute of stoppage time).
Both of Whyte’s assists were for Elias Mastokangas, and again it was Whyte the centre-forward that we got to see. More than a bit of false nine about how he operated, as you’d expect from a natural midfielder. He was replaced after 66 minute by Riku Sjoroos - who is also on trial, as was starting midfielder Juho Kilo. They’re working through their options. And so far Whyte has been making a very convincing point for himself.
Up Next: Friday at 1.45am against SJK in Liiga Cup matchweek three (NZT)
George Stanger – Ayr United / Alex Greive - Dundee United (Scottish Championship)
We had ourselves a Flying Kiwis head to head in Scotland this week, folks. George Stanger’s Ayr United up against Alex Greive’s Dundee United. Both of them starting, GS in central defence and AG as a right winger so they were almost in direct proximity... possibly as much proximity as they’ve ever known, since neither of them have overlapped in the various NZ squads before. Stanger hasn’t been involved with the senior side and Greive never actually played for any of the youth teams.
How’d this one turn out? Well this is how it ended...
A red card in stoppage time for George Stanger. The first yellow had been for shoving a fella around who’d slid in very dangerously on Stanger. Retaliation doesn’t get rewarded... but also that could easily have been a red for the Dundee lad had GS’s leg been placed slightly differently. Let along the nasty injury threat. The second yellow came in stoppage time as Ayr were chasing a late goal, seemingly for dissent after being called for a pressure-releasing free kick. Funny thing is, he seemed shocked to be called back for a red after turning his back when the yellow came out. Surely he remembered being cautioned the first time lol. Heat of the moment. But yeah he’ll now miss the next game through suspension.
Pity about that. Otherwise, Jamie Murphy had given the underdogs of Ayr a spectacular lead in only the second minute as he scored a direct free kick from out on the sideline. With a bit of sharper finishing they’d have scored again soon afterwards... though you could say the same about Dundee who immediately hit them on the break. Dundee Utd huffed and puffed. Ayr had a punt with some long-rangers. Alex Greive went close to winning a penalty as he charged into the area at pace but the ref ruled there not to have been any contact (replays are inconclusive). Still 1-0 to Ayr United as Greive was subbed off after the hour. Then Tony Watt grabbed a goal and an assist (Ross Docherty with the second goal) and Dundee United took the biscuits
The 2-1 win keeps Dundee United first, extending their lead to four points thanks to Raith Rovers not having a game – Raith Rovers have been plummeting lately, having lost five games in a row across all competitions, so that’s all extremely positive for the Dundee United promotion quest. Guess who Dundee United plays next? Raith Rovers. Meanwhile Ayr United are fairly comfortable in the mid-table.
Up in the Premiership, we’re still waiting for that Callan Elliot debut at Motherwell. He was directly onto the bench for the first game after he arrived but hasn’t been in the two matchday squads since. Gotta wait his turn, it seems. As for James McGarry, there was weird news this week with 75yo Neil Warnock hired as his new manager at Aberdeen. Warnock’s a cult hero for his many years of service in the English leagues, though McGarry’s not been able to show what he can do just yet as he’s currently out with another hamstring injury. Not the same injury that he suffered earlier on in the season, also not nearly as severe. Fingers crossed he’ll be back in another week or two as was initially forecast.
Barry Robson, then-manager of Aberdeen on 23 Jan: “We gave [McGarry] a good three or four months rehab but he’s hurt a totally different part of his hamstring. I never rush players back after injury so it’s frustrating as he’s just got used to the intensity of our game. We built him up to what I’m looking for and everyone could see he’s a good player. But it’s been difficult for him being back then out again as he just needs more games.”
Up Next: Saturday 17 February, Raith Rovers vs Dundee United (NZT)
Chris Wood - Nottingham Forest (English Premier League)
It wasn’t immediately clear last week when Chris Wood was subbed off at half-time against Arsenal. That sub had come out of the blue given how he’d played every minute under Nuno Espirito Santo up until that point... but also it marked the return of previous incumbent number nine Taiwo Awoniyi so perhaps they’d just wanted more pace on the counter. Nope, now we know otherwise. Turns out that Woodsy was feeling his hamstring.
He’d go on to miss Forest’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth entirely, not even on the bench, and he’s not going to be around for a wee while. Gaffer Nuno’s confirmed that Wood suffered a minor tear to that hamstring and is set to miss up to two months as a result. On the one hand, it was awesome what a key player he was proving to be under the new manager. On the other hand, there was always a niggling worry that he was playing too much and that a muscle injury was only just around the corner. Lo and behold, that’s what’s happened.
NES: “Unfortunately Chris is not available. He is out. He is going to be out for some time. Hopefully not a long time, but let’s see. It is a hamstring. He felt uncomfortable so we did a scan and there is a minor injury there. We are frustrated but this happens. He was a doubt for Sunday’s game and he is going to be out for some time. It is part of the job. We are not here to always feel sorry for ourselves. We know more than anyone we have problems, but with problems we will find solutions.”
That’s... not good. Wood was in such sharp form but not it’s back to the physio table. Also we’re roughly six weeks away from the next All Whites fixtures so it’s looking like The Woodsman will probably not be getting his head to head with Mohamed Salah and Egypt. We’ll see. Maybe he’ll make a quicker recovery than anticipated.
And since we’re talking about injured All Whites, know that Matt Garbett’s shoulder injury from last week is expected to keep him out for around a month. So he’ll probably be back for that national team tour, barring setbacks. NAC Breda drew 0-0 against De Graafshchap without him.
Up Next: Recovery mode activated
Ria Percival – Crystal Palace (English Championship)
Finally it was time for Crystal Palace to give Ria Percival a start after three games off the bench (and one where she was rested entirely). They’ve been cautiously integrating her. Now apparently she’s good to go because she logged a full match at right back – the same position she’s played in each of her other appearances for them.
Crystal Palace were up against Southampton away, and their very first chance came from Percy getting up the wing and chipping a cross deep towards where Issy Atkinson could unleash a volley (which was blocked). Atkinson went on to give Palace a 21st minute lead with a fine finish across the keeper. Southampton’s only decent effort in the first half came from a Palace giveaway, which they survived and then doubled the lead just before the break through Elise Hughes tapping in on the rebound.
The rebound from a Ria Percival shot off the woodwork. So very nearly a goal in her first start. It was Percy’s excellent give-and-go that sparked the move and sent her charging into the area but her shot came back off the post with the keeper beaten. Luckily Hughes was there to polish it off. The Saints were more dangerous in the second spell, eventually getting one back through Lucia Kendall (75’) to make it interesting. But Palace held on for the 2-1 win.
Moving onwards to the rest of the Championship and here’s something...
The old ‘as voted by you’ ones do need to be taken with a grain of salt, sort of like how the Wellington Phoenix keep winning A-League awards thanks to excellent tactical fan voting. But yeah there ya go. Acknowledgement for Katie Kitching and her fine recent form, right before she flew out to join the Football Ferns in Samoa for Olympic Qualifying.
Her last game prior to travelling wasn’t great though. Kitch only played the first half and that might have been due to her impending travel schedule though it could also have been a reshuffle caused by the first half red card to Louise Griffiths – awarded for dragging an opponent back by the ponytail. That card came in the 35th minute. Sunderland made it through to half-time then made a triple-change including Kitching. The Black Cats still had a couple of very good chances even with ten women – thwarted by the goalkeeper – before Madison Perry scored a 77th minute winner for opponents Reading, 1-0 the final score. A win and Sunderland would be outright first, instead they remain second with three other teams within two points of them – Crystal Palace being one of those teams.
Elsewhere London City lost 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers, with Grace Neville playing the full thing at right back. Paige Satchell remains out injured. The Lionesses have since sacked their manager so that’s something new for Neville to return to after Ferns duty. No Olivia Page in the squad for Sheffield United as they had a 5-2 win over Durham. Sheffield United have been in the news for several unfortunate reasons lately and this past week was no different. That’s a tough situation in which to begin your professional career, though Page is doing well having featured in several cup games.
And then also there was Jacqui Hand at Lewes. Like Kitching, Hand is also in the squad for the Football Ferns stuff and also only played the first half of her match. Neville is in that squad too and played the full ninety so make what you will of that. Hand had looked super dangerous last week but this time they were up against league-leaders Charlton, who had about three shots on target within the first seven or eight minutes. Had to be careful with it. Hand lined up on the right wing.
Despite the early chances allowed, Lewes kept things sturdy and every now and then created something of their own. Hand did her defensive work diligently and was able to skip past a few tackles going back the other way. And, against the run of play, it was Lewes who led 1-0 at the break when Aimee Claypole’s 43rd minute strike snuck inside the near post for her first senior goal (in her second Championship appearance). That was when Hand took her bow... and Lewes being Lewes they let it slip without her thanks to another late concession. Charlton tied things up via Tegan McGowan on 80’. That makes it three consecutive draws and those a super valuable points but they’ll definitely rue this if they can’t avoid relegation...
Drew 1-1 with Durham conceding in the 90+4th minute
Drew 2-2 with Reading conceding in the 90+4th minute
Drew 1-1 with Charlton conceding in the 80th minute
Jacqui Hand was not on the pitch for any of those late goals. She’s also not going to be on the pitch for their next match against Sunderland although the international break should spare her any other absences. In fairness, this Charlton draw was still last place getting a point from first place so can’t complain too much.
Up Next: It’s an FA Cup weekend, with Chelsea vs Crystal Palace at 3am on Monday (NZT)
Tyler Bindon - Reading (English League One)
Although he was named amongst the possible candidates in the Reading FC firesale during the January transfer window, Tyler Bindon didn’t join the exodus – which actually didn’t end up being as substantial as it had been rumoured it might. The only fellas they sold for fees were Tom Holmes (to Luton Town), Tom McIntyre (to Portsmouth) and Nelson Abbey (to Olympiakos)... and Holmes was loaned back to Reading for the rest of the campaign. But guess what those three all have in common? They’re all central defenders, just like Bindon.
They’ve obviously cleared some of their financial woes because midfielder Charlie Savage has begun starting games again – having previously been stuck doing impact sub things as they neared a clause in his contract that would have given him a wage boost with one further start. They also cleared the CB deck which basically thrust Bindon back into the first eleven in a more key role than he’s known yet. He can always leave in the summer if things are still dire... but at 19 years old this is a rare opportunity, especially for a foreign player, and anyway there’s relegation to avoid before anything else.
Last week it was mentioned how Bindon had responded well to his sudden boost in responsibility. This week he was even more impressive. First game of the week, they faced Oxford United away. Des Buckingham’s team. They fell behind due to a Mark Harris goal on 34’ but Reading clung on from there, rarely creating much outside of hopeful nudges towards their isolated striker yet they limited the others at the same time. Tyler Bindon doing what he had to do at the back. Then they subbed on Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan who almost immediately burst up the left wing and set up an own goal leveller on 76’. Oxford tried to retaliate but they’d left it too late. Reading with a valuable point on the road against a possible promotion contender.
The Reading Chronicle: “Tyler Bindon - A real coming-of-age performance for the 19-year-old, who took on a much more senior level among his defensive peers and commanded the back line.”
Then they upped it three days later by beating Stevenage 1-0 away in some atrocious weather. As other games around England were getting postponed for waterlogged pitches (as happened to Max Crocombe’s Burton Albion), Reading cracked on with it, again with an own goal in their favour (45’) making the difference. This time they kept a clean sheet too. Had to scrap for it in the latter stages but Stevenage only had two shots on target for all of their bluster. Bindon was sharp once again, playing as the RCB on this occasion which was a return to his usual spot after he’d filled in at LCB against Oxford Utd.
The Reading Chronicle: “Tyler Bindon - Backing up his imperious performance against Oxford on Saturday, the teenager was in excellent form again at the Lamex. Won everything in the air and stayed on his feet in and around the box. Stepping into Tom Holmes' shoes seamlessly.”
This was only Reading’s second away victory of the season and, incredibly, those three points now lift them out of the relegation zone despite the four-point deduction that they’ve been given. Long way to go yet and Port Vale do have two games in hand so can’t get carried away here. But for all the chaos that this club has been going through, from the finances to the transfers and beyond, they’re somehow still giving themselves a chance. If they do manage to stay in League One then Tyler Bindon is going to have a lot to do with it.
What else did we have in the EFL ranks this week? Well, Plymouth Argyle are out of the FA Cup after losing 4-1 to Leeds in extra time of their replay. Ben Waine only got subbed on for the last half of extras. He threw himself about but, in some horrendous weather, the team around him ran out of steam as Leeds ran in a few late goals. Waine earlier got 15 minutes in their 1-0 win vs Swansea. He’s chipping away. Hasn’t been iced out under the new manager or anything. Plymouth are on track to remain in the Championship division as well, importantly.
Up Next: Reading vs Charlton at 4am on Sunday (NZT)
Jay Herdman - Vancouver Whitecaps (American Major League Soccer)
Fresh from being a part of the extended squad that travelled to Spain for preseason activities, now NZ U20s standout Jay Herdman is on the brink of a possible first team debut after being given a short-term contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of their Concacaf Champions Cup round one fixture against Tigres UANL of Mexico. Fellow VW academy player Jeevan Badwal has also been given the same honour.
Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster: “This is a great opportunity for Jeevan and Jay. Our second team is an extension of our first team, providing a clear pathway for all of our players such as Ali Ahmed, who started his career in MLS NEXT Pro and has gone on to play with the Canadian men's national team. We look forward to seeing Jeevan, Jay, and all of our young players continue to progress in their development.”
This is what we like to see. Herdman was excellent at the last U20 World Cup and seemed to be continuing that form with the Whitecaps reserves until a serious knee injury curtailed his momentum. But he’s picked up where he left off. The Whitecaps seem to do the short-term deal thing regularly throughout the season as a way to get their youngsters involved in a way that allows them to still drop back to the reserves for consistent games. This is the first time Herdman’s been summoned but you can bet it won’t be the last.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the Champions League of North and Central America. They used to have a group stage but they’ve dumped that now in favour of two-legged knockouts. Multiple New Zealanders could be involved in the 2024 edition. The Whitecaps are there as Canadian champs. Cavalry FC also qualified through the Canadian Premier League so Myer Bevan, their top scorer, will get a crack against Orlando City. Also, if you want to count him then Tyler Boyd (ex-All White) transferred to Nashville SC and they’re up against Moca of the Dominican Republic. Previous kiwis to have played in this competition: Duncan Oughton, Jake Gleeson, Andrew Boyens, Dan Keat, Bill Tuiloma, Tommy Smith, Deklan Wynne
Up Next: Thursday at 4pm, VW vs Tigres in the Champions Cup first round (NZT)
Tommy Smith – Milton Keynes Dons (English League Two)
MK Dons no more. Nope, Smithy’s instead joining the A-League brigade and joining up with Clayton Lewis at Macarthur FC. The Dons have cancelled his contract by mutual agreement to allow the 33yo to play out the remainder of the Australian season. No real surprise when you consider that he’s not played a game for MKD since 5 December 2023. He won his spot there on trial during the preseason and was initially a very common sight at the back for the club but he fell out of favour after they changed managed in October – only 3 of his 13 games this term came after that switcharoo. It had to be done.
If for some reason you’re wondering about current A-League connections to Milton-Keynes Dons then here’s an excerpt from the MK Citizen: “Former Dons boss Mark Jackson is currently managing in the A-League, in charge of Central Coast Mariners, with the reigning champions currently sat in second spot, behind Wellington Phoenix who boast ex-Dons defender Scott Wootton amongst their ranks. Jay O'Shea, who also played for Dons, now plies his trade for Brisbane Roar, who sit ninth.”
Up Next: It’s no longer a Flying Kiwis matter but Melbourne Victory vs Macarthur is on Saturday at 7.30pm (NZT)
Joey Champness - Adanaspor (Turkish First League)
Haven’t heard from JOWIC in ages, though there was a mention of him in our Substack email a few editions ago (always heaps of kiwi footy in those – be sure to sign up), the gist being that he’d been injured since the November international window (seemingly hurt whilst away with the All Whites) and that his Turkish club Adanaspor weren’t really sure if he would be back for the second half of the season.
Now it turns out that he won’t. It’s since been reported in Turkey that he has indeed been given an early release. The Turkish Football Federation website says that his contract was terminated on 29 January. So... yeah. Joe Champness is a free agent. You’d imagine the A-League should be as enticing for him as it’s proved for Marco Rojas and Tommy Smith with mid-season moves but we’ll let things play out in their own time.
Up Next: Who knows?
Get amongst our Patreon or a Paid Substack if you appreciate the yarns and want to support what we do – and many thanks to those who already support, we couldn’t do this without ya
Also helps to whack an ad, make a cheeky donation, and to tell all your mates about TNC
Keep cool but care