Soccer: Phoenix on track for new season

Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert is impressed by the condition of his players after their A-League soccer off-season break.

The Phoenix had a light training run in their first training session of the season yesterday, welcoming assistant coach Luciano Trani on board in front of a healthy contingent of fans.

"The [three month] break has been good and it's allowed the players to clear their heads," Herbert said.

The Phoenix placed sixth, finishing two points outside the semifinals.

Defender Ben Sigmund (hip) and striker Leo Bertos both underwent operations in the off-season. Sigmund is still some way off returning but Bertos is very close to taking a full part in pre-season work.