Football Season Guide

Were disappointed to miss out on the play-offs last season, finishing 8th in the A-League instead. A valiant effort, given their plans were disrupted early on by the Ishige injury, but they improved too little, too late following the arrivals of Singh etc. Still, there was enough heart and passion from the players to ensure that Chris Greenace was turned from interim into permanent manager. He knows how to motivate this group, and he knows the league well enough to be a good manager. As always, the financial restrictions at the club played a big part pre-season. For example, they wanted to keep star striker Ifeanyi Eze but simply couldn't afford to do so. He wasn't the only big name to leave, either. No, following his success for New Zealand, right-back Payne moved on. Singh's loan move ended, and Oluwayemi's contract expired. Replacing Payne and Singh is nigh on impossible, although they already have a ready-made replacement for Oluwayemi in Albert Kelly-Heald. Indeed, they have a number of talented young GKs. They also lost a lot of depth pre-season so had to make some big signings where they could - without spending money. A bit tricky! LB is going to be a bit of a struggle this season as they've had to sign two new LBs in Scott and McGarry, both of which have played for Phoenix before. They've tried to beef up their squad by handing Captain Rufer a new contract (a big deal as he was strongly linked with Newcastle Jets) and acquiring Anderson, which should work. Goal-scoring is still a major concern for them, and the loan signing of Bidois feels rather desperate at this point. Martinez seldom shone at Macarthur FC either. Whilst it's true that Phoenix get more out of their players than most clubs do, their attack looks incredibly lightweight and predictable at this point. Their midfield will be fine, and their centre-backs/GK should be solid. The jury is still out on their FBs, especially as there isn't a ready-made replacement for Payne at RB - CB/CM Sheridan is likely to deputise there, although Loke may get some opportunities. This is the kind of team that will work incredibly hard, and will be very tough to beat - but won't score enough goals to scare their opponents. It's hard to imagine the season ending well for such a team barring some inspirational mid-season signings, of which playmaker Duke looks the likeliest to make something happen.