Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome says ensuring the Club and players remain in touch is vital during the long Hyundai A-League off season to ensure the club is in the best position to mount a strong campaign to claim a coveted spot in the finals series for the 2013/14 season.
With the competition-s off-season stretching out to around 22 weeks, Dome and his football management colleagues have been seeking to make the most of the break. Along with confirming the Club-s new Head Coach, there are new players to sign and current players to keep fit.
Top of Dome-s priority list has been the recruitment of a Head Coach to lead the Club. With close to 300 applications received for the role from around the world, the Club is excited at the prospects.
“This is an important role in the direction of the club in the short term and beyond. We have gone through a very detailed interview process, which has been recognised by candidates on our short list as the most thorough they-ve encountered.
“We are now at a stage of talking specifics with our preferred candidate and will look to make an announcement this week should our discussions be successful.”
Player contracting for the 2013/14 season has also entered a crucial stage with Leo Bertos the first of the Club-s off-contract players re-signing for a year term, with the option to extend for a further year.
“The Club has a group of key players on contract with us through the next season at least and this is important to the foundation of the team. All head coach candidates were made away of these players during discussions and their feedback has been largely positive.
“We look forward to welcoming Jeremy Brockie back after his loan to Toronto, Michael Boxall from his loan to the Oakleigh Cannons (Victorian Premier League) and Tyler Boyd and Louis Fenton after their stint with German Club Werder Bremen.” Dome adds.
Further player recruitment and retention decisions will be part of an ongoing discussions before all players and the new Head Coach return to the Club on 10 June.
