Only 'transition' for Phoenix is to title contender

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/7851243/Only-transition-for-Phoenix-is-to-title-contender

I guess I wasn't the only one wondering about the "transition year" comment by Ricki after the Roar game.

I thought It was an interesting comment, as this is Ricki's last year contracted as the coach. This is the season that we will judge his reign on, even if the 2 year option on 'football related matters' means he keeps coaching the team. It really shouldn't be a transition year, it should be the season that all the hard work of previous seasons pays off.

Transition: Having a good number of yoof coming up and in the squad

Transition: A large turnover in the squad from last year (including some key players)

Transition: Ricki probably in his last year, Greenie learning the ropes.

Transition: Re-structured ticket prices, more community engagement - hopefully helping gate sales

What's not in question is that the club should be aiming for a top four finish (same as before, hopefully even minor premiership winners) and finalists if not outright winners.

Definitely a transition year - doesn't mean that our on-field expectations are low.

Probably a transition year next year too as we get a new coach.

I reckon that Gourdie and Woodcock have just fallen for a bit of Herbert-speak there, and they both really should know Ricki better by now.

Herbert's always talked in riddles but I think he was actually trying to say what everyone thinks he should have said - that this is the year that the Phoenix should be going from the play-offs to the final. In his mind that's a transition.

I think "transition year" is a drastically overused term for all sorts of club. It's almost a bit of a cop out, and time after time I've seen "transition years" turn into nothing better the next year.

Sure, we have new, young players, more than usual for us, That doesn't mean we can't 'go all the way' - or should be having an attitude of "oh well, next year is what we're aiming for". Heck, Brisbane won the league with an amount of youth and new players that you could call a "transition year" if you wanted.

I assume the players and management have in their minds to go for all this season, and that's what matters. Well, they bloomin' better, because that's what we're all expecting!

No,he's saying they have in their minds to go for it all this season. Doesn't mean they weren't also doing that in previous seasons. 

"You happened to pull this shit while I'm in a transitional period.."