Soccer: Phoenix determined to build on success

Phoenix defender Jon McKain is yet to be re-signed by the club. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - The Wellington Phoenix vow to rise from the ashes of an A-League preliminary final defeat and continue New Zealand soccer's renaissance by plotting a path to next season's decider.

Though disappointed in the aftermath of a 2-4 loss to Sydney FC on Saturday night players management spoke bullishly of the future, although the club is not yet guaranteed to compete in the A-League beyond next season.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) want Football Federation Australia to dump the Phoenix, claiming the participation of a club aligned to the Oceania Federation is unacceptable and its membership should be transferred to an Australian franchise.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the issue remained unresolved but felt the club's survival should be enhanced by a season of unprecedented success.

"We've shown on and off the park we deserve to be part of the A-League," Pignata said.

"We're not like any Kiwi team before us, we've proved to the league we're a big part of the competition and we deserve a licence.

"Football Australia is all for us and FIFA are very supportive as well. Our aim was always to do as much as we could on and off the field and we've done that."

The Phoenix were outplayed by Sydney, who won all four matches against the first-time finalists this season by a 10-3 aggregate to advance to a grand final with Melbourne Victory, but Pignata argued the Wellingtonians were still a highlight of the season.
"This season has been massive for the club. It's been tough for us to get the respect over here (in Australia). You've had the new teams (North Queensland and Gold Coast) come into the league but we're the Cinderella story of the year."

Pignata said the key to ensure another chapter is written in 2010-11.

The aim is to make the top two of a league enlarged by the arrival of Melbourne Heart.

"We've moved from eighth to sixth to fourth (after the regular season). Now we want to get in the top two, history shows it's hard to win the title if you're not up there."

Pignata said management would meet this week to outline where improvements can be made next season with a squad that is largely intact.

"We've signed the bulk of them, a few players will move on.

"We'll settle that over the next few days and that'll open up some spots for recruitment.

"We'll take our time like we did this year to make sure we get the right people added to the squad."

Forward Eugene Dadi and defender Jon McKain are off contract while goalkeeper Liam Reddy seems destined for a move to Sydney FC on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old proved a smart acquisition from the Brisbane Roar in December as a replacement for injured All White Mark Paston.

Reddy arrived for round 20, the start of the side's impressive run to the play-offs and has relished every moment, although last night he gave no indication he was staying.

"I'll sit down this week and think about the future," he said, adding the Phoenix were on track regardless of whether he re-signed.

"They are definitely capable of winning the title. They've got the right structure in the club now.

"Terry (Serepisos, the owner) been wonderful for the club and the city.

"He's put a lot of money in, (coach) Ricki (Herbert) and the staff are very good.

"They've got a great core group of players and if they can add to that a little bit here and there they can challenge.

"I don't think anyone will be tipping Wellington to come 10th next year. They'll definitely make the six."

- NZPA