Wellington Phoenix 2013/2014 Season Preview

Wellington Phoenix fans should feel a sense of rejuvenation in their club. The 2013/2014 season brings for them a fresh start across all areas of the club, and this could finally be the Nix' year.

Last season: 10th

They’ll win the league because...

...new coach, new sponsorship, new players, new year. The Phoenix have a rather young side but with that comes a complete turnaround for the club which should revitalise the older players and lead to an athletic season under new coach Ernie Merrick. 

They'll be cellar dwellers because...

...of injuries. With a number of players sidelined at the beginning of the season it has certainly put the Phoenix on the back foot. Louis Fenton's injury in particular is a major problem for Wellington. Further, the young 'Nix side could lack the experience needed to take it all the way and, should the more experienced players succumb to injury, life could be difficult for Merrick's young men.

Talk around the water cooler…look smart in front of your colleagues with this valuable piece of information.

The Phoenix have two new signings this year that are both from Costa Rico. Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham are new to the Phoenix with Carlos helping Kenny take the final step into coming and playing for the Phoenix.

Gone are the days of Sony backing the Phoenix; this year and for the next three years they will be sponsored by telco Huawei. 

The off-season brought…

...injured players. Even after losing their latest preseason game to Auckland the Phoenix have yet to unleash their full potential. With Kenny Cunningham, Carlos Hernandez, Paul Ifil, Louis Fenton (shoulder) and Lewis Italiano (ankle) all currently sitting it out this gives an indication as to how much the team dynamic will change when they come back to play in the first A-League game. With a successful preseason otherwise it shows the team holds great potential. 

Key player…

...Andrew Durante. While key personnel for the Phoenix this year include players new and old, with such a young side the team will rely on Andrew Durante to hold them together. He brings valuable experience to help guide the new players and breathes Wellington Phoenix. In regards to new singings, Carlos Hernandez will also play a vital role in the team. Assuming he is match fit for game one, he'll help pump some new blood into a side desperate for silverware. 

One to watch…

...Jeremy Brockie. This is his season. He has found his feet within A-league after years of improving dramatically. He is now in the peak of his career and you can expect to see good things from him if he continues in his current form. 

Full squad list...

1. Glen MOSS, 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Reece CAIRA, 4. Luke ADAMS 5.Michael BOXALL, 6. Josh BRINDELL-SOUTH, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Kenny CUNNINGHAM, 10. Stein HUYSEGEMS, 11. Jeremy BROCKIE, 12. Tyler BOYD, 14. Alex RUFER, 16. Louis FENTON, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Carlos HERNANDEZ, 20. Lewis ITALIANO, 22. Andrew DURANTE