The Wellington Phoenix was thrilled with an inspired crowd who fare welled fan favourite Jeremy Brockie on Sunday afternoon.
In glorious Wellington summer conditions, the season best Westpac crowd of 10,267 were in full cry in an emotional send off to striker Jeremy Brockie.
General Manager David Dome said that the club was over the moon that the Wellington public got in behind the team and Brockie.
“We were hopeful that a combination of fantastic results on the pitch, annual kids free game and good weather would mean a good send off for Brocks in front of a good number of Phoenix fans.
“Not only did we get a season best 10,000+ crowd at Westpac, but they were in fine voice and gave it everything to say goodbye to one of their favourites in terrific style”.
Head Coach Ernie Merrick substituted Jeremy Brockie to allow him one last honour – a standing ovation as he left the ground.
“Yellow Fever did a fantastic job in leading the crowd in songs and a few tributes to Jeremy, including an emotional standing ovation as he left the field for the last time on 85 minutes thanks to Ernie – there were a few wet eyes around at that moment” Dome said
“The fact he also got two goals in a tremendous individual performance just made the whole thing that much sweeter.
“It was one of those great New Zealand sporting moments that I know the fans that were there will treasure”.
After a three week break for the Asian Cup, the Phoenix now turn their attention to building a temporary stadium at Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Recreation ground for three games in February and March.
With only 9,000 seat capacity and the Phoenix soaring high in second place in the Hyundai A-League, the Phoenix are putting out the message to buy early as it will sell out.
“We had 10,000+ yesterday; Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Rec will have 1,000 seats less than that.
“It will be a small intimate stadium with a fantastic atmosphere.
“It will sell out – we are urging fans to buy early otherwise they will miss out.
“More than 4,000 tickets are already gone – we’re pretty sure there won’t be gate sales so if you want to see the best ever Phoenix team in an intimate little ground where you are on top of the action, fans will need to buy now”
Tickets are available now from Ticket Direct.
At A Glance
A-League
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City, Saturday February 14, kicks off 5pm, Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets, Sunday February 22, kick off 5pm, Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt
Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United, Saturday March 7, kicks off 7pm, Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt
ASB Premiership
Wellington Phoenix v Southern, Sunday 15 February, kick off 2pm, Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt
Wellington Phoenix v Canterbury, 8 March, kicks off 2pm, Brendan Foot Kia Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt
Tickets available from TicketDirect: http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz/event/season/1194
