Michael McGlinchey's Japanese adventure could be over soon - and he looks set to join the Wellington Phoenix.

New Zealand will soon play host to a pair of English Premier League sides after the Phoenix today confirmed fixtures against Newcastle and West Ham.

The Wellington Phoenix will again miss the A-League playoffs after being beaten by Sydney FC in a game marked by the contrasting contributions of Alessandro Del Piero.

The chance of an English Premier League club appearing on these shores for the first time in almost 30 years is edging closer to reality.

In a few months, Jason Hicks has gone from trench to bench, from digging trenches to starring off the bench.

There are few more rewarding feelings for players and coaches than when a sports team clicks.

Up to two English Premier League teams could be coming to these shores in July for matches against the Wellington Phoenix.

While Wellington Phoenix midfielder Carlos Hernandez continues to improve on the field this season, there's one thing he did miss out on when he arrived at the club.

Despite their lowly position on the A-league table, this is a completely different Phoenix outfit compared to previous seasons, writes Sam Malcolmson.

For the third time this season, the Wellington Phoenix have lost 2-1 to the Brisbane Roar.