Of all the worrying signs around the current Phoenix malaise, the greatest concern must be their lack of fight and determination when things go wrong.

Ricki Herbert refuses to be dragged down by the off-field rumblings that threaten to sink the Wellington Phoenix' bid for a fourth successive trip to the Hyundai A-League play-offs.

Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante is sick of fielding questions about the latest musings of outspoken club co-owner Gareth Morgan.

Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante is sick of having to field questions about the latest musings of outspoken club co-owner Gareth Morgan.

Football fans might wonder if they are in the category of vermin after Gareth Morgan's outrageous outburst on Radio Sport, writes Michael Brown.

The game of the round for the wrong reasons as the two teams propping up the A-League square off in a game which could be the last hurrah for the loser at Allianz Stadium in Sydney tonight.

He may not possess the aura and ability of Ryan Nelsen, at least yet, but Australian-born Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante is looming as a possible replacement for one of this country's greatest soccer players.