KEY POINTS:
After the failure of the Kingz and Knights, the Phoenix have a chance to turn things around. Michael Brown looks at three factors that might ensure a case of third time lucky.
1. Ricki Herbert
The Phoenix coach has brought an energy and winning formula to New
Zealand's only professional outfit.
Despite the almost farcical conclusion to the Knights' existence and despite the fact the side had won just twice in the 2006-07 season before Herbert took over, he guided them to three wins and a draw in their final five games.
The dramatic turnaround saw the Knights finish just one point away from avoiding the wooden spoon. That might not sound like much but in the context of what had gone before, it was some transformation.
Under a new name and location, the Phoenix finished sixth in the Pre-Season Cup. Again, this is hardly setting the world alight but they managed a 2-1 win over the defending A-League champions in Melbourne, and a 3-0 victory over glamour side Sydney. They also went down to Newcastle in the fifth-place playoff only after a penalty shootout.
What is perhaps the most encouraging aspect is that Herbert has got his side playing attractive, attacking football. They have often controlled games for long periods rather than relying on being difficult to break down and hoping they grab something at the other end.
The Knights side of last season managed only three goals in six Pre-Season Cup games and a paltry seven in the 15 A-League games before Herbert took over. It was hardly surprising, then, that Aucklanders stayed away from North Harbour Stadium in their droves.
2. Wellington
There's a freshness about the capital and it's not just the southerly that can rip through the city with alarming regularity. It's fair to say Aucklanders were jaded by what they were put through, even dating back to the good old days of the Kingz.
But there's none of that in Wellington. It's a fresh start with a new team, new coach, new owner, new stadium and new fans.
Already the signs are that it will be a success in Wellington and there is an expectation at least 15,000 will turn up for today's season opener.
Many will go out of curiosity and some might continue to go to show Wellingtonians are the best supporters in the country.
Of course, the only thing that will guarantee continued interest is a winning side. But if it can't succeed in the capital, it can't succeed anywhere.
3. Samba Kiwis
One of the biggest criticisms of the Knights was the dearth of New Zealand players. A-League bosses had said all along that it wouldn't bother them if the Knights were the All Whites in disguise.
In truth, however, few people would have cared about the origin of the players had they been successful but fans would have been more patient if benefits to New Zealand football could be seen.
Herbert swiftly went about signing a good proportion of New Zealand players and has 11 in his 22-man squad. New A-League rules also necessitated some of this change, given only four non-Australasian players are allowed - previously, the number of imports was unlimited.
Herbert was deliberate in his recruitment of those four imports, bringing in four Brazilians. While he can't guarantee all will be a success, there's optimism that Felipe, Cleberson and Daniel, in particular, will prove inspired signings.
There's a good chance they will at least bring an exciting style of play to the Phoenix that will continue to draw in the punters.
