Mark Paston
The All Whites keeper has had some frustrating seasons in Wellington but surely none more perplexing than this one. After losing his spot to Tony Warner through injury, Paston watched from the bench for 14 games as the former Millwall keeper was preferred.
Paston's professional attitude reflected well on the 35-year-old, and the club will want to retain him. Fans will hope that a strong finish to the season, allied with his international ambitions, will see him decide to stay in the capital.
Chris Greenacre
Has performed beyond expectations this season; in terms of his all-round play and work rate, this is possibly the best of his Phoenix career. The long-time Tranmere forward is thriving in his assistant coach role and should continue that in some capacity, although Herbert is expected to appoint a full-time assistant for 2012-13. There also seems no reason why Greenacre won't continue as a player, as well as involvement with the mooted feeder team and academy side.
Vinnie Lia
One of the few originals left from the inaugural season, it would be a major surprise to see the aggressive midfielder playing elsewhere. Despite his woeful scoring record (two goals in five seasons), he remains one of Herbert's favourite players, with the coach seeing him as providing the essential starch and glue in the middle of the park.
Dani Sanchez
The Spanish playmaker has impressed in his short stay, particularly the past six weeks or so. He brings rare vision and skill to an attack that is otherwise only workmanlike and has also displayed an eye for a goal, averaging one every three games. His performances will have caught the attention of other A-League clubs and beyond but the Phoenix will be optimistic that the 27-year-old has a sense of loyalty to the club, given the patience they showed with him after he was injured during his first trial.
Tony Warner
While most fans were perturbed by Warner's monopoly of the No1 jersey after Paston's injury, you can't blame the Trinidad and Tobago international. As a professional footballer, he is just doing his job and at times did it well. But the good moments - the 1-1 draw in Brisbane stands out for a series of excellent saves - were balanced by some poor periods, including blunders that led to costly goals, and his retention became a head scratcher, especially in the past month. He has also struggled to adapt to the practicalities of being at a smaller club, after playing at some big outfits in the UK. Unlikely to stay.
Daniel
A tough call. The Brazilian, another one of the originals, would most likely have to take a pay cut to stay, having being signed to a generous contract during the Serepisos era. Despite plenty of good cameos, including several this year, and a team-high five goal assists, he has yet to prove himself as an 90-minute player. Still, he performs his role well and is the ultimate team man, making his 100th appearance for the club on Friday. Settled in New Zealand, his import status would probably put off Australian clubs and it is doubtful he would want to return to Brazil.
Nick Ward
Signing Ward a third time would seem unlikely. The Australian was happy to leave for Turkey last year and when that fell through, with several months' wages unpaid, his return at a time of a mini injury crisis in Wellington was good for both player and club. He is a more than handy option either in the centre of the park or wide midfield but Herbert would likely want to add to his squad in that area, rather than retain the ex-Melbourne Victory player.
Niko Tsattalios
The pacey left-sided player still has yet to make a real impact at A-League level after stepping up from the Australian state leagues last year. He is probably still most famous for marking David Beckham as a 17-year-old just out of high school when the LA Galaxy played Sydney FC in 2008 but hasn't kicked on. Tsattalios is popular around the club and has fitted in well but hard to see him remaining in Wellington.
Brent Griffiths
Has been given permission to trial in China with Superleague clubs. Seen as a centre back for the future but has struggled for game time ahead of the impressive Andrew Durante-Ben Sigmund duopoly.
Cameron Lindsay
The 20-year-old, who spent time at Blackburn without making a first-team appearance, is highly rated at the club and sure to sign a new contract, despite hardly playing in 2011-12. Some will feel he is heading down the track of David Mulligan but Lindsay will go close to making the New Zealand Olympic team, which will boost his stocks.
Alex Smith
The American utility had his injury cover contract extended to the end of the year but is unlikely to don the yellow and black in 2012-13. He has performed well when given the chance but his status as an import will count against him.
