Merrick gives us the thumbs up

Merrick gives us the thumbs up

Phoenix expected to rise from Knights ashes 8/7/2007 3:28 PM

Melbourne Victory coach says Wellington Phoenix are a team to watch, says he was impressed by their 2-1 win

Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick is certain the Wellington Phoenix is the real deal.

Merrick experienced the A-League's newest club for the first time on Saturday night, when his defending A-League champions went down 2-1 in the Pre-Season Cup.

He says the Phoenix were very impressive and he has no doubt about what they can achieve this season. Merrick says they played a top-line side against the Phoenix and he believes Wellington will qualify for the finals this year. He says the Phoenix will be a very attractive team to watch.

The A-League proper gets underway on August 24, while this Friday night the Phoenix take on the Newcastle Jets for fifth place in the Pre-Season Cup.

The Melbourne Victory play the Wellington Phoenix on August 26.

Nice comments from an opposition coach.... saying we will make the finals.

One of the best gauges is to read the aussie press, SBS is good to keep tabs on it and their video is good. SMH isnt the best as it seems dominated by the other codes, but the Age seems to put some effort in.

Good to see the press acknowledge that the Phoenix "deserved" the win

Didn't Archie Thompson say we would make the finals too? Though i'm pretty sure he's whacked out on crack or something most of the time.

Lets hope the only thing that he is whacked on the 26th is Cleberson.

Clebersons Knee 1 - Thommo 0