Soccer: Herbert pumped for challenge

Leo Bertos was retained as one of the Phoenix's core. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Coach ready to move on in what is sure to be a tough A-League season for Wellington underdogs

Ricki Herbert failed in his off-season efforts to sign "a big, strong, goal-scoring striker" but is otherwise happy with his lot as he heads into the new A-League season with an away game on the Gold Coast tomorrow.

Determined the off-field problems will not be any excuse for on-field performances, Herbert is taking a time to move on approach.

"Everyone is excited that the season is finally here," he said. "It has been a long time without football."

The now permanent switch in dates for a competition which will run from October to April (to avoid clashes with the business end of the NRL and AFL seasons) gives a settled look to the Hyundai A-League which reverts to a 10-team championship following the demise of two-season wonders North Queensland Fury.

Herbert and his players have the added excitement of playing for the first time at Eden Park - against Adelaide United on November 19 - and a return to Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium to play defending champions Brisbane Roar on December 14.

"We have always had good support when we have played in places like Christchurch and Dunedin so I hope people, especially in Auckland, will get behind us," said Herbert.

But it is his team's enviable home record that will again be key to any success. Beaten only twice in almost 30 games at Westpac Stadium, the Phoenix boast a fortress like no other. But, one must ask, are his players capable of continuing that great home record?

While Herbert was forced to wait until the very last minute before filling his 20-player roster, other teams recruited quickly and have had a long lead-in to the new season.

The Phoenix will again start out as a popular pick, especially across the Tasman, to finish closer to the bottom than the top of the table.

Perth Glory have bolstered their squad after a disappointing season with on-the-move All Whites striker Shane Smeltz crossing the continent to join the flurry in Western Australia.

The team to beat? "Perhaps, it's hard to know," said Herbert. "A lot of teams have recruited heavily."

The Phoenix have shed a few and gained a few but it is the returning core that will be expected to provide the impetus in what promises to be a battle against the odds.

Thankfully, apart from new signing Lucas Pantelis (out for the season before it starts) and Mirjan Pavlovic (likely to be sidelined for 8-10 weeks), Herbert has a fully fit squad to select from.

After struggling with niggling injuries, All Whites Mark Paston, Tony Lochhead and Leo Bertos are ready to play, as is Paul Ifill. Chris Greenacre, now also Herbert's assistant coach, and Ifill have to fire for the Phoenix to contend.

They were the club's leading scorers last season but with 15 goals between them the team struggled.

American Alex Smith trialled this week but Herbert has yet to make any call on his future.

"My enthusiasm hasn't waned," said Herbert. "What has happened at the club might have affected some people but not me. People handle things differently. I'm comfortable with my situation and now can't wait to get started."

It seems likely Paston, Manny Muscat, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante, Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown, Vince Lia, Dani Sanchez, Greenacre, Ifill and Bertos will run out to play Gold Coast United in what promises to be a hard-fought season-opener for the Phoenix.

Phoenix 2011-12

* In: Brent Griffiths (from Perth), Niko Tsattalios (Australia), Cameron Lindsay (Blackburn), Jimmy Downey (Australia), Tony Warner (England), Dani Sanchez (Scotland), Lucas Pantelis (Adelaide - will miss whole season through injury).

* Out: Reece Crowther (released), Diego Walsh (released), Marco Rojas (to Melbourne Victory), Oscar "Toto" Cornejo (released), James Musa (to Waitakere United), Troy Hearfield (to Central Coast Mariners), Jade North (to Japan).

* Retained: Mark Paston, Manny Muscat, Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown, Leo Bertos, Paul Ifill, Chris Greenacre, Daniel Cortes, Nicky Ward, Mirjan Pavlovic, Vince Lia, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante.