6:40 AM
Happy new year 2012
SAM WORTHINGTON
No assistant coaches, no physio, no worries for Ricki Herbert, with the Wellington Phoenix coach vowing to roll up his sleeves and take a more hands-on approach this preseason.
A lean Phoenix squad and staff returned to the training paddock this week after three months off with plenty of time to prepare for their A-League opener on October 9.
Just 14 players are on the books, with Herbert hoping to lock in six more by the end of August.
Assistant coaches Luciano Trani and Jonathan Gould, physio Adam Crump and strength and conditioning coach Paul Nancarrow have all departed.
But Herbert is relaxed, given that the spine of a competitive team is still intact, and without his assistants to lean on, is look-ing forward to getting his hands dirty.
Last season, Herbert often adopted a more managerial approach with Trani, in particular, and Gould, heavily involved during training sessions.
"If I feel that the right person is out there [as assistant coach] and we make that contact and we can get that over the line, then great," Herbert said at Newtown Park yesterday. "But I'm in no hurry, I've explained the situation to the players and I'm kind of enjoying being on the grass myself.
"Maybe that might be a sign for this year, I enjoy it, they're a great group of guys and we're going to add some new faces to it.
"We'll see what the makeup of the staff looks like but at this stage we're fine, we're comfortable."
All Whites physio Roland Jeffery is in Wellington conducting interviews for the vacant Phoenix physio position, and Herbert wants a sports scientist in place by July 1.
The Phoenix's two off-season recruits, winger Lucas Pantelis and fullback Jimmy Downey, have reported for duty with Herbert optimistic about their potential.
"Lucas is very passionate, very pleased to be here and he's played a lot of games and has captained a very good Adelaide side. And Jimmy had good experience and time with Perth, in an era when they had a very good side. So I think they're two very good acquisitions."
Those hoping for some blockbuster signings will have to wait as Herbert takes his time filling out the roster but former North Queensland defender Jack Hingert and an Adelaide-based Nigerian midfielder who goes by the name Saka are both on trial for under-21 positions.
Saka made an impression during a training game yesterday, clattering into Manny Muscat and Vince Lia, but Hingert appears the more likely prospect.
"Jack has had good experience, 29 caps for the Fury and he's very solid and safe and has done a good job. We're looking for a fullback that can play either side so we'll see.
"Saka, we've had some pretty good recommendations and he's here for a month and we'll see how he goes."
Herbert is planning to open the Phoenix's preseason campaign with a game against local opposition on July 6.
AT A GLANCE
On the books: Mark Paston, Andrew Durante, Ben Sigmund, Tony Lochhead, Jimmy Downey, Manny Muscat, Vince Lia, Tim Brown, Leo Bertos, Lucas Pantelis, Daniel, Paul Ifill, Chris Greenacre, Mirjan Pavlovic Gone: Danny Vukovic, Reece Crowther, Jade North, James Musa, Troy Hearfield, Marco Rojas, Nick Ward, Diego, Toto, Dylan Macallister
Wanted: Goalkeeper, striker, attacking midfielder (all senior), fullback, central defender, midfielder (all youth)
Kickoff: vs Gold Coast United at Skilled Park, October 9
First home game: vs Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium, October 16
- The Dominion Post
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