.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
Last Season
6th.
They'll Win The League Because...
...of their unknown and unpredictable quality. The Phoenix's home form is outstanding, only two matches last season when playing in front of their faithful Yellow Fever. With the likes of Paul Ifill continuing to terrorise defences as well as the off-season signings of Dani Sanchez, Lucas Pantelis, Jimmy Downey and Nick Tsattalios there is no shortage of goal scorers at the club.
Ricki Herbert is a fantastic coach who's footballing knowledge and understanding is phenomenal - so if anyone will help the Phoenix win the league, it will be him.
They'll Be Cellar Dwellers Because...
...they quite simply do not have enough players at the club. Currently operating three players under the minimun 20 player limit of the A-League, it's hard to see what the Phoenix's plan B will be. With Manny Muscat, Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund all being named in the top five most carded players last season, the discipline level at the club needs to be changed quickly unless the club want to be fielding players out of position.
Phoenix's home form might have been brilliant last season but on the road they really struggled. I can see the same happening again this season and for this reason, they will occupy 10th spot on the ladder.
 |
| Credit: Pete Nowakowski |
Wellington Phoenix are the only side in the world who ply their trade outside their country's confederation. With New Zealand part of the Oceania Confederation and Australian in the Asian Confederation, it has caused much controversy after former head of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Mohammed Bin Hammam stated that due to AFC criteria the Wellington team must move to Australia or disband by 2011. However in 2008 FIFA President Sepp Blatter replied:
"If Wellington will go on play on in Australian League, then as long as Australian league wants to have them and Wellington wants to stay and both associations are happy, then FIFA will give them our blessing.The Confederation can not interfere with that".
The Extended Off-Season Brought...
....a lot of players leaving the club and not many coming in. With ten players leaving the club including both their goalkeepers and five starting players it's hard to look past the poor ability to retain players.
The club was also put in the spotlight as former owner Tony Serepisos declared his severe lack of funds to continue supporting the club. The Phoenix are now owned by seven businessmen from Wellington, led by Rob Morrison. It is still unknown if these men double as superheros wearing capes to work each day after they undeniably saved the club from the brink of collapse.
Key Player...
...Paul Ifill. Without this man up front scoring goals for fun, the club wouldn't have finished as strongly as they did last season. A player who is always my first purchase on Fantasy Football, Ifill has the ability to change a game with his strong right foot, his skill in taking on defenders and his fantastic passing game.
One To Watch...
...Nick Tsattalios. After unsuccessful spells with Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets, the 21 year old has been thrown a third opportunity to play at the top level of Australian football. The versatile left footed player can play on either wing or in the back line. His point-point crosses and fearless nature when going in for tackles are two of the major qualities Ricki Herbert wanted when he signed Tsattalios.
Full Squad List
1. Mark PASTON, 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 6. Tim BROWN (VC), 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Lucas PANTELIS, 11. Daniel, 13. Nikos TSATTALIOS, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 15. Jimmy DOWNEY, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Tony WARNER, 21. Dani SANCHEZ, 22. Andrew DURANTE (C)