The Phoenix squad is nearly complete. With Jade North yet to decide whether or not to accept the contract offered. Here's hoping. He's quality and would be a great replacement for Jon McCain. Currently the defensive partnership of Andrew Durante & Ben Sigmund holds the fort and a good combination they make. But there is always need for competition to keep all players on their toes and Jade North would do that not just for Durante or Sigmund, but the rest of the defence too.

30 July 2010 - A nice sunny day for a practice. Everyone was there except Ricki, and two others..... Anway, here's some photos from the practice.

29 July 2010 - Today it was announced that Mirjan Pavlovic has been signed for a one year deal. Thus giving the Phoenix their U21 player in the squad. Pavlovic a striker with some potential, excellent holding skills and some height will add to the squads potential overall. Also signed to a 12 month deal is "Toto" - Argentine Oscar Roberto Cornejo. An attacking midfielder whom can play up front. He adds to the attack possibilities. This leaves a minimum 1 spot for Ricki Herbert to fill, giving the club 19 players at the moment. A League rules stipulate a squad of no less than 20 and no more than 23. Ricki Herbert is still hopeful that Jade North may yet sign for the Phoenix despite trialling in China. An announcement should be forth coming in the next day or three. Indonesian goal-scoring machine Bambang Pamungkas is to join the club for a trial next week. Reece Crowther will be returning from a loan spell in Finland in the first week of August.

23 July 2010 - Wellington Phoenix 2 Boca Juniors 1 - Dylan Macallister opened his account and Captain Andrew Durante continued where he finished last season. Scoring a goal. Sadly with 10 minutes to go Andy scored an own goal with a clever back-heal from about 12 yards out. Credit where it's due, as far as own goals go, it was up there with the best. Seriously, it was a calm evening, the rain had stopped and the temperature was rather cool. However, whilst the Nix went to win and show some grit, Boca had the technique and ball skills, yet not the finishing touch. For some reason, the Nix decided a more physical approach was warranted.

Boca were no angels but it was disappointing to see the Nix go this way in a friendly. Sadly, the referee allowed too much to carry on and Frankly, Tim should have been given two yellows for going in. I have not seen the Nix play this sort of "Physical" game before and I hope it stops now. Otherwise we can expect suspensions galore. Late in the game the Boca Captain was sent off. There was a decent crowd in there despite the cold conditions and despite some of the more physical byplay, there was actually some exciting and attractive football played by both sides. Dylan Macalister played particularly well and he's just what the Nix need. He showed some great skill and holding the ball up well. An excellent signing I believe. Four trialists were given a run and I would ask the Argentinean back for another game, Another I would sign - a big lad with a good touch and held the ball up well. And two others I wouldn't bother anymore with. But that's just my opinion and like arseholes, everyone has one.

21 July 2010 - The Wellington Phoenix, the Boca Juniors and the All Whites were all on parade today travelling from parliament buildings to the civic center.

13 July 2010 - Coach Ricki Herbert has announced he is staying with the Wellington Phoenix for the next three years. Bloody brilliant peice of news. Today at 3pm it was announced that coach Ricki Herbert would be staying for three years. brilliaant news as far as I am concerned. It gives us continuity. As an aside, my various meetings with Ricki, I have found him to be one of the most positive forward thinking persons I have met. He leaves you feeling upbeat and wanting to support the team even more. No wonder he motivated the All Whites so brilliantly. In Ricki we trust, in Ricki we have a gem that I hope the NZ Football Association look after as National coach.

11 July 2010 - Wellington Phoenix 2 Brisbane Roar 1 - Paul Ifill carried on from last season and put the Phoenix up 1 zip early in this pre-eason encounter. Approximately 9,000 fans turned out in Hamilton to watch. Dylan Macallister openned his Nix account shortly after. The Roar replied late in the game. Mark Paston and Ben Sigmund played the whole game and were the only All Whites to do so.

Here are a collection of some of the photos I took today. If you recognise yourself and wish for a proper copy of said photo, please feel free to get in touch