Season Preview: Wellington Phoenix
The Wellington Phoenix are looking to build on the success of last season which saw the New Zealand team qualify for the finals for the first time in three years. Coach Ernie Merrick has made a handful of new signings that fans will be hoping makes up for the loss of a host of players that have moved on from the club.
The preseason has been a good one for the Nix with 11 wins from 14 matches and a total of 35 goals scored. Most pleasing for Merrick will be that of the four matches against A-League opposition the Nix managed to win three with the only loss coming against Melbourne City in the second round of the FFA Cup.
Membership has been tracking well for the Phoenix this season with numbers well above where they were at this time last year. The club has set a target of 5000 members for the upcoming season hoping that last season’s success will encourage more fans to attend on a regular basis.
Arrivals
Jeffrey Sarpong: The 27 year old Dutchman is a former Ajax and Real Sociedad player and has previously been trialled at Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers. Sarpong has been quick to promise fans goals and will likely play up front with the likes of McGlinchey and Krishna.
Blake Powell: The former Sydney FC striker signed early in the preseason after trialling with the Phoenix during their tour of Fiji. Powell was playing for APIA Leichhardt last season where he was scoring goals at an incredibly high rate.
Troy Danaskos: A very late signing by Merrick, Danaskos was on the radar of a couple of other A-League clubs but said he made the decision to come to Wellington after a personal phone call from Merrick. Danaskos comes from state team Sydney Olympic and will likely play in the left back position for the Nix.
Departures
Nathan Burns: No doubt the biggest departure from the Nix is that of Socceroo Nathan Burns. The club’s leading goalscorer for last season and Johnny Warren Medal winner flourished under Merrick’s guidance which resulted in a recall to the Socceroos for the first time in four years. Burns is now with FC Tokyo in the J-League.
Michael Boxall: The versatile defender was released by the club and has picked up a contract with South African club SuperSport United where he links up with former Nix player Jeremy Brockie.
Tyler Boyd: The speedy youngster had limited game time with the first team last season and has left for Portugal where he has signed with Vitoria S.C.
Kenny Cunningham: The Costa Rican international was another player released by Merrick after two season in Wellington where he scored 8 goals. He has returned home to play with Herediano.
Also released were Josh Brindell-South and Jason Hicks.
The Coach
Ernie Merrick is now in his third season with Wellington and has been instrumental in turning around a club that was going nowhere under Ricki Herbert. Merrick’s pull has managed to lure players to the Nix who want to play under the most successful coach in A-League history. His quick wit and dry sense of humour have made him a hit at the club and you’d be hard pressed to find a fan who has a bad word to say about him. His experience at a club like the Phoenix is valuable for a team still looking for its first title.
Season Expectations
Last season saw the Nix make the finals for the first time in three years, although they failed to make it past the first week going down 2-0 at home to Melbourne City. While the team will obviously feel the huge hole left by Nathan Burns departure, there is no doubt that this team can and should make the finals again this season. Merrick has a healthy balance of youth and experience and he knows how to get the best out of players which is vital. I’m expecting the Nix to finish the regular season in a similar position to last year (4th) and then to hopefully make a run in the playoffs.
Player To Watch
Albert Riera: The Spanish midfielder was named the club’s player of the year in his debut season and since joining the club he would have to be one of the first names that would be put on the starting sheet. Riera has superb passing vision, works hard on defence and very rarely puts in a below par performance.
Three Key Games
Round 1 vs Newcastle Jets (Home)
Everyone knows how important it is to start the season on a positive note. The previous two seasons have seen the Nix record 2-1 losses at home in their opening match. This seasons draw has blessed the Nix with an opening round match against Newcastle who are one of the favourites for the wooden spoon. Anything less than 3 points would be letdown.
Round 4 vs Melbourne Victory (Away)
Wellington’s troubled history in Melbourne is well documented, although last season saw the club pick up a historic 3-2 win over the Victory. Round 4 will see the Nix take on the defending champions and title favourites in Melbourne which will give fans an early chance to see how the lads stack up against the one of the best teams in the league.
Round 27 vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Home)
The draw has again been kind to the Nix, providing them with two home games to wrap up the regular season. Their final match, against the Wanderers, could be vital in determining finals positions.
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