the added pressure of the world cup wont get in the way,
The more I think about it, the more that I think the WC has affected the Phoenix season
e.g. distracted coach at the start of the season both in terms of recruitment & tactics (we have taken an eternity to settle into our preferred playing style this season), players picking up long term injuries (Bertos, Lochy), players seeming a bit burnt out (Brown & Siggy are only just starting to come into a bit of form in the 2nd half of the season, and Bertos & Lochy were both pretty average before their injuries).
Hopefully next season without that (welcome!) distraction, we can have a proper off-season and hit the ground running.
Imo the other limitation this season has been the cash factor, or lack of it.
Terry hasn't had any spare since before the start of the season and the lack of quality of this season's new recruits has been telling.
No recruitment expeditions to the Europe or South America, just picking up discarded or available players from within the A league generally. Although from time to time some of this seasons recruits have stepped up.. ie North, Big Mac, Ward... performances haven't been consistent week in, week out.
RedGed2011-01-10 16:20:55