In: Leo Bertos (Perth Glory - 2 years), Andrew Durante (Newcastle Jets - 2 years), Leilei Gao (MyPa, Finland – 1 year), Troy Hearfield (Newcastle Jets - 2 years), Adam Kwasnik (Central Coast Mariners – 1 year), Jon McKain (Politechnica Timisoara, Romania - 2 years), David Mulligan (Port Vale, England – 2 years), Ben Sigmund (Auckland City, NZ - 1 year).
Out: Ross Aloisi (retired), Royce Brownlie (released), Cleberson (released), Ahmad Elrich (Central Coast Mariners), Felipe (released), Steven O’Dor (released), Steven Old (Macarthur Rams, NSW Premier League), George Paladini (released), Kristian Rees (short-term player, released), Jacob Spoonley (released).
Re-signed: Vince Lia (2 years)
Analysis: The Phoenix have strengthened their line-up with the addition of Joe Marston medallist Andrew Durante as well as Leilei Gao, Adam Kwasnik, Jon McKain, Troy Hearfield and David Mulligan. All of those players have considerable experience either in the A-League or overseas, giving the Phoenix the depth they lacked last year. Those who left the club never made much of a contribution last season, so won't be greatly missed.
Pre-Season: While Wellington missed out on its first piece of silverware by virtue of a penalty shootout, the Pre-Season Cup was a resounding success for the new look Wellington side. Wins against Central Coast and Sydney, where they were 2-0 down at half-time, and a draw against Queensland got the Phoenix into the final, where they were held 0-0 by Melbourne before a Karl Dodd penalty miss cost them their chance.
Improvements: The Phoenix looked a vastly-improved unit across the park, with more depth and more experience. This should see them concede far fewer stupid goals and take the pressure of their strikers a little bit. Durante and McKain should ensure the Phoenix don't have the worst defensive record in the league again this year.
Concerns: The 'second album' blues are the biggest worry for Ricki Herbert. The Phoenix did finish last in their debut season but their enterprising style of play won them plenty of fans on both sides of the Tasman. Herbert's challenge is to keep the energy up around the club in what will be another tough season.
Key player: Daniel: If the Phoenix are going to challenge the big teams this year, they need a consistent season from their Brazilian playmaker. Daniel has the talent, but the Phoenix need more than that from him, they need goals to help out Shane Smeltz, Vaughan Coveny and Kwasnik up front.
Up or down?
It would be nice to see the Phoenix rise up the table and there is no doubt they will be a better team this season. They need to make Westpac Stadium a fortress is they are going to challenge for the title, but they managed just ten points in ten games there last season, with their only two home wins against fellow battlers Perth Glory. Anywhere up to fifth wouldn't surprise, but you'd think the post-season is beyond them.
Adelaide United | Central Coast Mariners | Melbourne Victory | Newcastle Jets
Perth Glory | Queensland Roar | Sydney FC | Wellington Phoenix