Football: Going box to (press) box

Glen Moss wants to be the next Phoenix media manager. Photo / Getty Images

Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss might need some additional items in his kit bag for future away trips.

Moss, who will be between the posts against Western Sydney Wanderers today, may start to travel with a video camera, dictaphone and notepad.

The 33-year-old wants to be involved in the media when he retires but, unlike most players, doesn't want to be a pundit or expert commentator. Moss, who recently inked a two-year contract extension, wants to be the next Phoenix media manager.

"I'd love to stay involved in the sport and being the middle person between the players and journalists really appeals to me," Moss said. "I can relate to what players go through and that would help."

Moss has been writing occasional match reports on the Phoenix reserve team games and has also completed several interviews with various members of the Phoenix football staff and players. Current Phoenix media manager Russell Gray has also taken him under his wing.

"I've asked Russell to be pretty honest, and he is," said Moss. "I need to know if something is good or crap. That's how you learn."

Moss has also recently completed a digital marketing diploma, as he plans for his future.

"It took a while to work out what I really wanted to do after football. Ten years ago I did a small business management course and I have tried a few other things. But talking with the career adviser at the club made me realise what I want to do."

It might be a tricky balance - Moss will be close to many players - but he's confident it's something that can be worked through.

For now, though, the focus remains on the field as Moss stresses he is "far away" from hanging up the boots. He's established as the No1 for club and country, saying he never really considered leaving Wellington despite interest from South Africa and Asia. Moss also remains committed to the All Whites, despite being left out of Anthony Hudson's squad for the recent matches against China and Thailand.

"I agreed with that decision," he said. "It's a transitional period with the national team and now's the time to try other options. We need to have three quality keepers by 2017."

Today's match in Penrith (7pm NZT) looks a tough assignment, not least of all the expected 35-degree temperatures. The Wanderers have yet to win a game this season (nine losses, four draws) but will be boosted by the return of Socceroos Tomi Juric and Matthew Spiranovic and have the intimidating Ante Covic in goal.

"We know what they are going through after what happened to us in the first part of last season," Moss said. "They will have so much hunger and desire to get that monkey off their back and traditionally the games between us are very close."