Football Season Guide

With their A-League future on the line Phoenix start third consecutive season with a new manager, with this probably the last campaign in which the Kiwis could claim extension of their presence in this competition. They badly need vastly improved audience numbers and play-off presence, goals which could be achieved only by winning matches. Mark Rudan is experienced boss and as he has worked with many U21 and U23 squads in recent years Phoenix are expected to be hub for young talents this season. This will be needed as currently the Kiwis have the smallest squad in the A-League after 12 players left and only 6 new ones were signed so far. That said just recently the A-League changed their transfer rules allowing players under 21 to join other A-League teams on loan and immediately 6-7 high-profile names were linked with possible switch to Phoenix for the season, which if it happens will give the team depth. As many as seven regular starters from last season left, Rudan released all Serbian and Croatian players his predecessor brought, but it must be said that that few signings Phoenix made were quality ones. New Polish goalkeeper and Polish holding midfielder bring European experience with them, while the proven A-League striker David Williams joins Krishna and Burns up front, with the trio one of the best forward lines in the entire division and likely to bring lots of goals. The main issues at the minute are in midfield where Phoenix have exactly 4 natural midfielders. Two of them youngsters Rufer and Singh are expected to have breakthrough year as regular starters. The main hope for creative spark lies in Nichols, who is one of the most talented Australian-born playmakers, but he must stay fit if Phoenix are to challenge for a top six finish. Things got better in midfield even before the season starts with Phoenix adding two more players in that area. Burgess is young Australian attacking midfielder that will be providing cover for Nichols, while Spaniard Mendi comes from La Liga to very likely create a formidable European partnership with Kopczynski right in front of the back four. With these two transfers Phoenix suddenly look well balanced and potential contenders for the play-offs. In defence Phoenix seem to have enough cover and their mix of veterans and youngsters is expected to help the likes of Carace and Fox to grow as players.