Looks like Ricki's keeping the lads on th

By JOHN MATHESON - Sunday News | Sunday, 16 December 2007

Don't call him The Grinch but Nix boss Ricki Herbert may have just ruined Christmas for 22 professional footballers.

As his Wellington Phoenix charges prepare for five days off while the A-League goes into a 12-day hiatus, Herbert has revealed up to three players could be axed in the post season.

Two players Brazilians George and Cleberson were axed in November but Herbert last night hinted the cull wasn't over.

"They are maybe three spaces up for grabs," Herbert said. "But we won't sign for the sake of signing.

"If new players are going to be signed they have to be better than what we already have.

"As a group we have moved forward well but we need to look to add any x-factor we can."

The Nix can still qualify for the playoffs in January but with only four games to go, it's unlikely. Maximum points were required from Friday's game against the Roar but poor refereeing and the Nix's inability to kill off the Queenslanders despite dominating the second spell saw the points shared in a 1-1 draw.

The Nix will train twice this week before dispersing until Boxing Day. Four days later they will play the Jets in Newcastle in a must-win game as they battle for sixth place with Melbourne and Perth.

Herbert's hint at a cull will ensure there's no let-off from the players despite little chance of a top-four finish.

"Once our season ends it will give me a chance to solidify my thoughts for next year," Herbert said. "And make no mistake about it, next year we must take big steps forward.

"We have a great base and I'm already on record as saying next season will be all about making the playoffs.

"For that to happen there'll need to be some recruitment. So, players need to keep themselves in the shop window and they can for the next four games."