The Nix Fix: So long Sarpong
So Long Sarpong
Wellington Phoenix and Jeffrey Sarpong have officially parted ways.
It has been confirmed that the under performing dutch striker has returned the Netherlands after what can be best described as a frustrating few months with the Nix. The initial idea with Sarpong’s signing was to transform the attacking winger into a goal scorer to help fill the scoring gap left by Nathan Burns. However with zero goals to his name and only 10 shots at goal it’s obvious that the former Ajax and Real Sociedad player was not living up to expectations.
I have no problems with his release as I was never really sold on him as a goal scorer in the first place. Every match he looked uninterested until the ball was in his vicinity and appeared lazy and even unfit at points. Although he made the occasional good play it was nowhere near good enough for a player expected to come in and perform at a high level. Injuries did play a part in his lack of performance but for the money spent, the Nix should have expected a lot better.
Sarpong didn’t help his cause when in his first interview on New Zealand soil he promised fans “Lots of goals”. Obviously his mouth was writing cheques his feet couldn’t cash.
Christchurch Collapse
It was another disappointing performance last weekend for the Nix, this time in Christchurch as one of the home games the team has decided to take to other parts of New Zealand.
The club weren’t happy with the crowd figure of just over 8,500 but for an underperforming team in a city that has always been a rugby stronghold the figure is not that bad. The fact that local hero Ben Sigmund was ruled out of the match wouldn’t have and the retiring centre back would’ve been distraught too miss his final chance to play in Phoenix colours in his home town. He did still play a major role in the build up to the match, promoting the game around the city and visiting local schools.
The match itself was painful to watch. After dominating large chunks of the first half the Nix went into the sheds at halftime tied 0-0. Most in the stands were hopeful of a win at that stage. However the second half was all CCM as star import Luis Garcia came on the pitch and had immediate effect, scoring with a back heel after Glen Moss couldn’t control the ball and then setting up the Mariners’ second all within the space of three minutes. The Mariners would add a third in the 85th minute before the Nix managed to grab a consolation goal in stoppage time courtesy of Blake Powell.
The result extends the Nix winless streak to eight and they now find themselves way down in eighth position on the ladder, ten points away from the top six.
New Signing
Since the departure of Sarpong the Nix have announced the signing of Alex Jones on a loan deal from Birmingham City until the end of the season. Jones has been playing reserve and under-21 football at Birmingham and according to Ernie Merrick had been on the Phoenix radar for some time.
Expecting Jones to arrive and start banging goals in immediately is pretty unrealistic but the fans certainly wouldn’t be apposed to it. Hopefully he finds his feet quickly and adapts to the A-League in time to make a positive impact at the Nix.
Looking Ahead
This weekend the Nix play host to Perth in another instalment of the “prestigious” distance derby. As poor as the Nix season has been they still have the chance to pick up some silverware as the newly created Long Distance Derby Cup was created this season to be played for between the two sides.
While the team couldn’t care less about the meaningless trophy, they desperately will be wanting to get back to winning ways. With a number of players due back from suspension and injury plus the addition of new signing Jones, hopefully they can get the three points and avoid slipping further down the ladder.
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