That's a good question

Last time I saw him was about 3 1/2 years ago, when we beat Australia (Yes, really, and there was no open-topped bus parade or knighthoods for the feat either!) in the Oceania Nations Cup.

Basically, he's a holding midfielder who was one of the pioneering kiwi's to go to the States (Degree from Stanford) where he made a very good living with the LA Galaxy. Back then, he was one of the top players in a League-winning side (I think). 4-5 or so years ago he even had a fortnight at Manchester United on a sort of not-really-a-trial training thing. It's hard tell how good he is or was simply because I haven't seen him play enough. I thought he was pretty poor when he played for NZ, and Ivan Vicelich (Roda JC) was generally a much better defensive midfielder.

Some of that may be the quality and formation of the team around him - hey, we're s**t and we know we are - but being outperformed by Harry Ngata (Cultured, energetic midfielder, but never got past the Aussie league) and Chris "You're going home in a Jackson Ambulance" Jackson (A sort of midfield Gary Holt with a brutal streak, ditto), you're probably pretty ordinary. To be fair, Jacko and Hazza just about burst with pride when they pulled the Fern on, but s**t so should Elliott.

I've noticed off and on that the Columbus fans don't think a hell of a lot of him and to be honest it's a surprise that he's left the States. If he was going to "do" the Premier League I would have expected him to do it 5 years ago. Now he's pushing 32 and (I may be unfair) possibly here more for the OE than the football.

The gem in the NZ crown is Ryan Nelsen. Great fullback and by Christ can he pass ( I TOLD you lot we shouold sign him last year!)! After that, probably Ivan would be next on the list. Elliott has by and large been replaced by younger and arguably better players since.

Posted By: Iwan Husarmi, Jan 4, 20:03:57