Huawei Wellington United Phoenix Academy Football School of Excellence - WeeNix

plus the likes of Rufer and Ridenton dropping down from the firsts

i assume also clayton lewis?  since he's been with them in a training capacity for so long

What about that German kid who was being hyped up last year? Tobias something maybe? 

Tobias Funke?

Think Clayton is still trialing in the UK.  Had trials with Crystal Palace and Millwall.  Not sure on dates of those though sorry

Yeah headed back to Germany. Counted as a foreigner so was going to be tough for him.

Phoenix ASB Coach announced

HEDGE APPOINTED COACH OF PHOENIX RESERVE SIDE

Andy Hedge can’t wait to start work after going appointed Head Coach of the Wellington Phoenix team that will play in the ASB Premiership.

“It’s a dream job for me,” Hedge said yesterday.

“A reserve team is vital for the Phoenix future success and I am delighted to be a part of it.

“Clubs need a second team to help bring on young players, but just as important is keeping the pros fresh when they aren’t in the first team for whatever reason.

“It is hard for them to keep match ready if they are just training or playing friendlies.

“They need to be playing for points and trying hard to prove to Ernie that they should be in the first team squad.”

Hedge observed a training session that involved professionals and young players yesterday and was impressed by what he saw.

“Established pros such as Vince Lia and Michael Boxall were happy to give the young ones a wrack up when needed, but just as willing to give them encouragement.”

From the London suburb of Harrow, Hedge has been in New Zealand for 13 years after spending a year in Sydney where a chance meeting with Miramar goalkeeper James Bannatyne led him across the Tasman.

“I’d known Jim a long time and had kept in touch so it was good to meet up with him in Sydney when he was there with the Football Kingz,” Hedge said.

“I was just about to go home to England but Jim said he could get me a game with Miramar.

“It was a case of being in the right place at the right time because I played for Miramar from 2002 to 2004 and won the national league with them.

“I went on to play for Team Wellington and became assistant player-coach to Mick Waitt, but I admit it was more coach than player most of the time!”

Hedge took over from Waitt as Football Development Manager at Capital Football before joining New Zealand Football as Talent Development Manager.

He will have an on-going role at New Zealand Football as part of the increasing relationship between the Wellington Phoenix and the national body.

Hedge will be assisted by Head Coach of the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy Jess Ibrom and WPFA Academy assistant coach Valerio Raccuglia.

Players for the team will be sourced from the Phoenix’ A-League side (up to 4), the Football School of Excellence and the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy.

Merrick will oversee the programme and Phoenix assistant coach Chris Greenacre will assist Hedge in setting the team up and putting Merrick’s programme in place.

New Zealand Football Community Director Cameron Mitchell says Hedge's move into what is a important role with the Phoenix is a positive step.

"As Talent Development Manager for New Zealand Football, Andy has played a key role in shaping the pathway for our young players moving towards that level of the game," Mitchell said.

"His appointment will ensure we're able to maintain a strong link with the Phoenix which will help us continue to prepare the next generation of talented players for the challenge of professional football."

Hedge will also remain available to work with New Zealand Football in continuing to facilitate and deliver coach education courses.

The team’s first game will be against Team Wellington on Sunday November 2 at Dave Farrington Park with a 3pm kickoff.

There are no pictures of a season pass in a beer glass in google images.

Poor form.

I have to say I think it's a bit of an insult to the other franchises and the competition that it's two weeks out and they have only just appointed a coach.

Did you actually expect better JD?

Going to be very interesting to see how this goes. I believe it is Hedge's first ever head coaching gig?

Put it this way, right now I'll certainly be cheering for TW in the Wellington derby.

They have to be careful, if they treat this as a joke they could easily get football people off side

That is actually a pretty good point. 

Willing to give them the benefit of the doubt as they get themselves established for the first season. But it could further the negative attitude a fair proportion of the wellington football community has toward the Phoenix. 

For some reason I just assumed Greenacre would be taking this team? 

i'm not willing to give them the benefit of the doubt at all.  they are an existing entity with a full-time structure and so far they have fallen short of what i'd expect from a new franchise entering the competition.

I believe they have had trouble filling the position which has led to the late announcement.

Not sure how big the squad is and how long the players have been around, but the article implies they have been incorporated in first team training and says they are overseen by Merrick/Greenacre (+ WPFA coaches). It also sounds like Merrick wants consistency of tactics/style of play between the reserves and first team and he and Greenacre will continue to have a presence.

v ACFC on 11 Jan @ Kiwitea should be very interesting. In my book. Also last game of regular season v ACFC @ venue TBC.

I'd be fascinated to be at this game. (Looks at flights).

Whos in the squad?

I am in.

Flights booked. 

NZ0418 Jan 11th WGN 10:00 - AKL1100

NZ0465 Jan 11th AKL 1910 - WGN 2010

Andy Hedge, coach of the Wellington Phoenix team that will play in the ASB Premiership, is convinced that the team he is putting together will be competitive.

The season kicks off for the Phoenix on Sunday November 2 against Team Wellington at David Farrington Park and Hedge says his players can’t wait to get started.

Eight young players have been signed so far and Edge is hopeful of adding further to the squad over the next few weeks.

Read more at http://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/article/phoenix-...

..who is the coach again?

Hedge?

PHOENIX ASB SIDE WILL BE COMPETITIVE -- HEDGE

Andy Hedge, coach of the Wellington Phoenix team that will play in the ASB Premiership, is convinced that the team he is putting together will be competitive.

The season kicks off for the Phoenix on Sunday November 2against Team Wellington at David Farrington Park and Hedge says his players can’t wait to get started.

Eight young players have been signed so far and Edge is hopeful of adding further to the squad over the next few weeks.

Football School of Excellence products Justin Gulley (fullback), Joel Stevens (forward), Andrew Blake (forward) and Tamupiwa Dimairo (fullback) have been joined by goalkeeper Oliver Sail (Central United), Lower Hutt forward Nathaniel Hailemariam, Hamilton Wanderers striker Xavier Pratt and Stop Out forward Cherbel Khouchaba in the first intake.

Four contracted professionals will be allowed to play for the Phoenix in each game and Hedge sees that as vital for players on the fringe of the first team.

“The pros, some of whom got little game time last season, are desperate to play and that is one of the reasons I believe we will be competitive,” Hedge said.

“With the Phoenix first team playing so well some of the squad will have to wait a while for a chance, but they will get an opportunity over the next 18 weeks to get games under their belt.

“Those who aren’t in the match day squad have two choices. They can mope and sulk or get out on the pitch for us and prove Ernie wrong for leaving them out.

“That situation makes both teams stronger.

“With points at stake we need to be competitive for the integrity of the league.

“Of course we will need to play first choice players who are coming back from injury but that won’t weaken the side at all. If anything it will make us stronger and the older players can act as mentors.”

Hedge said the likes of fringe professionals Alex Rufer and Matt Ridenton will be tested as everyone will be out to beat the Wellington Phoenix.

“There will be a bit of pressure on us and that is good because otherwise the younger players won’t improve,” he said.

“I can’t wait for Sunday and what better way to kick off our season than a local derby against Team Wellington.”

where are they going to fish more players from?

Now that would be fun!

Bring your boots on Sunday.

They'll be shaking hands on the pitch!  

I'm in. Am I allowed a beer b4hand?

Having watched a couple of academy games in the last few months, I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of those kids making the bench in a few games.

"Don't growl darling, you'll have to be patient."

"Patient! The season's starting. I'm in season too ffs - and they're playing away!"

I know a couple of those lads and can confirm they have been told they'll get some runs.

Eddie Merrick

I feel like a judas but quietly hoping TW goes well. I want to get behind the Nix reserves but haven't really heard enough about them. 

Roll on Sunday 3.00pm...