Soccer: Phoenix end a season of complete discontent

Manny Muscat tries to get the ball off the Victory's James Troisi in Wellington last night. Photo / Getty Images

Ernie Merrick will now turn his attention to deciding which players he will retain or cull from his Wellington Phoenix squad after a season that promised so much midway through came to a limp end with a a 4-1 loss to the Melbourne Victory at Westpac Stadium last night.

A collection of players are off-contract at the Phoenix, including striker Stein Huysegems, injured veterans Leo Bertos and Paul Ifill and youngsters Josh Brindell-South, Luke Adams and Hamish Watson.

The bad news may come swiftly, too, with Merrick likely to call the shots within a week.

"I've always made quick decisions," Merrick said. "And I've made them when I need to make them."

Given Huysegems didn't even get off the bench last night after starting every other game this season, that may have been an indication of his future.

Merrick acknowledged the need for further depth in Wellington's ranks ahead of next season with a particular emphasis on the midfield.

"We just have to bring good quality players to the side to get a stronger squad."

Merrick can also take solace in the likelihood he will never experience such a rough run of ailments and suspensions again in his coaching career, which have dogged the Phoenix during the second half of their season.

"I don't think we could possibly have more injuries and hopefully some referee decisions will go our way for a change but, all in all, it's about strengthening the squad."

A Ben Sigmund thigh muscle concern scratched him from the lineup last night and centre-back partner Andrew Durante said it had been a draining campaign given the high injury toll.

"There have been so many changes every week," the skipper said. "You look around the pitch and there's someone different playing alongside me or further up the field and it's unsettling, especially when the people you are putting there are young and inexperienced."

A green Phoenix side will likely be better for the tough lessons they were dealt this summer but Merrick's assessment that they need more quality on their roster is spot on.

The Victory were a cut above last night as Australian James Troisi and All Whites winger Kosta Barbarouses were dangerous throughout and showed why they're on their way to the playoffs.

Wellington never got going in front of 5336 fans but a Jeremy Brockie wonder strike in the dying stages provided them with one highlight to end the season.

Melbourne Victory 4 (A. Thompson 1, J. Troisi 29, G. Finkler 45, M. Milligan 59 pen) Wellington Phoenix 1 (J. Brockie 90+3). Halftime: 3-0