A-League Season 5 - Wellington Phoenix, It Begins

Wellington has lost some key players and still holds a tenuous place in the league. New Zealand could qualify for the World Cup in South Africa next year. Seven players from Wellington Phoenix could figure in South Africa. It will be good for New Zealand football, Wellington Phoenix and the A-League if that happens.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Diego from Adelaide United will add some quality and experience in the midfield, while Leo Bertos, Brazilian Daniel and Tim Brown are capable at times. Marco Rojas won a Yellow Fever scholarship worth $5000 that allowed him to train with the Phoenix for a week, and then got signed up on a two year deal.

A Football Story Predictions
Will miss out on the finals, just.

FAN CULTURE
Supporter group Yellow Fever will be fearless and shirtless and singing “same old Aussies always cheating” all season.

Key Signing: Paul Ifill, the 29 year-old joined from Championship club Crystal Palace agreeing to a two-year deal with the Phoenix. Ifill, who has also represented Millwall and Sheffield United, will partner Chris Greenacre in attack.

Key Player: Diego from Adelaide United will add some class in midfield


Something interesting: Could be kicked out of the League not appreciated by all in or out of the country.

Coach Quote: “Hey Bro, can you get me woollen jumper, it’s freezing here”

Fact: Seven of their players could be involved at the World Cup in South Africa if New Zealand qualifies.

Thought: I don’t buy into this xenophobic stuff, they should stay in the League, adds a different colour to the A-League pallet.

Current Squad: Costa BARBAROUSES, Leo BERTOS, Tim BROWN, Daniel CORTES, Reece CROWTHER (gk), Diego, Andrew DURANTE (c), Michael FERRANTE, Chris GREENACRE, Troy HEARFIELD, Paul IFILL, Vince LIA, Tony LOCHHEAD, Jon MCKAIN, David MULLIGAN, Manny MUSCAT, Mark PASTON (gk) and Benjamin SIGMUND.

Re-signed: Tim Brown (2 years), Manny Muscat (1 year), Mark Paston (1 year), Tony Lochhead (2 years), Michael Ferrante (1 year), Daniel Cortes (2 years). Ben Sigmund (2 years),

In: Reece Crowther (Queens Park Rangers, England - 1 year), Chris Greenacre (Tranmere Rovers, England - 2 years), Paul Ifill (Crystal Palace, England - 2 years), Marco Rojas (Hamilton Wanderers - 2 years), Diego Walsh (Adelaide United - 2 years)

Out: Jeremy Christie (released), Vaughan Coveny (retired), Karl Dodd (released), Greg Draper (released), Richard Johnson (retired), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United).

Wellington Phoenix Media

Official:

http://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/

Fan Forums:

http://www.yellowfever.co.nz/

Radio

Radio Network (Wellington) 1035AM

Sunday, 9 August 2009
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle
Local kick-off 3.00pm
Referee: Chris Beath

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 1233 ABC Newcastle, The Radio Network ( Wellington ) 1035AM. To purchase tickets visit www.ProTicket.com.au

Newcastle Jets: Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Angelo COSTANZO, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON (c), 9. Sasho PETROVSKI, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 13. Shaun ONTONG, 15. Sean ROONEY, 16. Jason HOFFMAN, 19. Jason NAIDOVSKI, 21. Brodie MOOY, 20. Neil YOUNG (gk), 22. Kaz PATAFTA

Unavailable: 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (knee – 1 week), 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI (knee – 2 weeks), 10. Donny DE GROOT (knee – indefinite), 12. Jobe WHEELHOUSE (ankle – indefinite), 18. Marko JESIC (knee – indefinite)

Wellington Phoenix : 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT , 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN. 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES. *four to be omitted