Goalie Basalaj keeps football dreams alive

NICHOLAS BOYACK
Last updated 10:19 10/07/2012

Scott Basalaj is not letting the loss of a golden opportunity to play for a footballing giant get him down.

Instead of having the chance to join Glasgow Rangers, he is cleaning boots for Phoenix players.

In January, we reported Basalaj was on the verge of signing with Rangers.

Not long after, it emerged the Scottish club was in financial strife, owing a huge tax bill.

The club subsequently went into administration and formed a new club to try to continue playing in the Scottish Premier League. Fellow Scottish clubs, however, voted them out of the top league and their future is now uncertain.

Meantime, Basalaj has been signed by the Phoenix school of excellence.

Although it is not as glamorous as being part of Rangers, he is loving it.

"It is almost like being an apprentice. We have a pro or two that we clean their boots for and then we help setting up the training, so it is pretty full-on."

A year 13 student at Silverstream St Pats, Basalaj goes to school one day a week and does the rest of his schoolwork at home.

It's a busy schedule but he said the school has been very accommodating and he is determined not to let his grades slip.

The Phoenix have two keepers already signed - Mark Paston and Glenn Moss - and Basalaj aims to become their back-up, and long- term, to play for the club.

Although disappointed at how things worked out with Rangers, he said it could have got very messy if he joined the club.

"If it had happened later, I would have been over there and it would have turned to custard."

- Hutt News

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/sport/7249692/Goalie-Basalaj-keeps-football-dreams-alive

The Baron Flys Again Thursday, 26 July 2012 1:07 PM

Another piece of the jigsaw has been put into place at the Wellington Phoenix with the return of highly-rated sports scientist Ed Baranowski.

Baranowski, who spent 20 years working in the top levels of English football, was with the Phoenix in their second and third seasons in the Hyundai A-League.

Since then Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert has kept in touch with the Canterbury-based Baranowski, seeking advice on training methods whenever necessary.

With the change of ownership bringing stability to the club, Herbert seized on the opportunity to return Baranowski to the Phoenix fold and the Englishman is delighted to again be involved.

“It is brilliant to be back working at a high level again, and to be working alongside Ricki,” Baranowski said.

“A lot of planning is needed going into a season and it is even more important this year with new staff involved on the coaching side.

“Preparation needs to be well refined with a lot more monitoring of players than there has been in the last couple of years.”

Baranowski is also currently working for Mainland Football in their Federation Talent Centre as Football Education Director, designing and driving a five-year physiological and conditioning programme for 12 to 18 year olds.

There are 16 FTC academies spread throughout the South Island catering for the youngsters’ physiological needs along with coach education.

“It is based on the UK model where young players come in, get physiologically and technically assessed and put on a programme that is driven to their needs,” Baranowski said.

“If they are lucky enough to later go into a professional environment they are able to cope.

Baranowski began his tenure at the top of English football under Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn Rovers spending five years at that club, helping them to win the Premier League.

When Dalglish moved to Newcastle United he took Baranowski with him and the pair were in the North East for two years, during which Newcastle finished second in the Premiership and made the FA Cup final.

“Then Kenny got the sack. It isn’t good enough to finish second at Newcastle,” Baranowski says with a wry smile.

“They have fickle fans and a fickle board of directors.

“Kenny introduced me to George Graham and I spent four years with him and David O’Leary at Leeds United.”

Next port of call for the sports scientist was Manchester City where he helped Joe Royle win back-to-back promotions into the Premier League.

An offer that was too good to refuse from Sam Allardyce saw him join Bolton Wanderers and he was instrumental in setting up a sports science department for the club.

After 20 years in the footballing fast lane Baranowski “retired” with his family to the more easy-paced New Zealand but it wasn’t long before he had itchy feet and joined the fledgling Phoenix club.

“When you have done the things I’ve done and suddenly stop it can be hard,” he says.

“You miss the banter, the challenges and the day-to-day involvement.”

Now the Phoenix are about to reap the benefits of the experience he has picked up along the way.

Phoenix Launch New Season With New Season Initiatives

Wednesday, 25 July 2012 6:52 AM

Season Tickets for Hyundai A-League 2012/13 have gone on sale in what promises to be the best season for the Phoenix, both on and off the field.

Season 2012/13 sees a number of new initiatives. Phoenix General Manager David Dome said the Club has worked hard to meet what the fans were asking for as well as make it attractive for new fans to come on board with a season ticket.

“This season we wanted to produce a number of new initiatives that would not only retain our existing season ticket holders, but encourage some back who have been holders in the past and now are not and of course sell to those who have yet to experience what it means to be part of the Phoenix family.”

Being part of the Phoenix experience has never been easier with children’s season tickets starting from as low as $69, and a Family Season Ticket at $365.

“Overall, we wanted to make the upcoming season as affordable as possible. We’re very proud of what a Phoenix game is all about and what fans experience on game day and we want as many people as possible to be part of that. It’s well known that the team appreciate the support and so we’ve made it as easy as possible to get in behind the team on game day. We’ve significantly reduced the prices of a Silver adult ticket for example – from $250 last season to an early bird $175 this season”.

“For the first time we have worked with one of our major partners – Nova Energy – to offer some season tickets at very sharp prices. We’re really excited to see how these go – a Silver Family Membership at $275 is pretty good value.”

There are also season ticket benefits including Phoenix packs, free travel on Go Wellington and Valley Flyer buses on selected game days, a revenue share to support local football, a six game flexi package and free entry to Team Wellington home games.

Existing Phoenix season ticket holders have an exclusive renewal window until Sunday 12 August to renew their seats and secure their new season ticket. From Monday August 13 new season purchases start and both have an early bird price opportunity until end of August.

Initiatives at a glance:
• A new Club Membership with exclusive member only benefits
• An exclusive new Paddock Club offering allowing pre-game access to the ground
• Significantly reduced season ticket prices in the Silver category with up to 30% discount on some categories
• Exclusive member and season ticket packs full of Phoenix merchandise
• A Silver Child season ticket for just $69+ GST and booking fees
• An exceptional Nova Energy offer: a Gold Adult season ticket for $99 and a Silver Family Season Ticket for just $275 just by switching to Nova Energy
• Free travel on Go Wellington
• A chance to support local football with a revenue share option
• Free entry to Team Wellington games
• A Flexi Six Pack where a six game package can be purchased
• Easy Pay option to spread payments over six months

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/wellingtonphoenix/news-display/phoenix-launch-new-season-with-new-season-initiatives/48252

Phoenix Introduces Its Club Membership Monday, 30 July 2012 7:56 AM

Hyundai A-League Season 2012/13 sees the Phoenix introduce it's first ever Club Membership.

More than just a season ticket holder, a Club Membership means you are a member of the Club itself. Besides having privileged access to some Club events and see in behind the scenes of the Club with the exclusive members only website, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are part of an exclusive club of supporters.

A Club Membership is also perfect for supporters outside Wellington. The Club membership will form the basis of a network of supporter clubs that we will establish throughout New Zealand, Australia and around the world.

Club members will have the chance to meet the Phoenix when the team are playing away from Wellington.

The make the Club Memberships really fly, the Wellington Phoenix are looking for the Club’s most enthusiastic international supporters to head up Phoenix supporter clubs in cities all around the world.

The local Chairs of these supporter clubs will head up the Phoenix presence in these cities and the Club will support in helping set up and run them.

Phoenix General Manager David Dome said that the supporter clubs was the fulfilment of the newly introduced Club Membership.

“We’ve introduced the Club Membership for the first time this year. This Club Membership allows fans to be a member of the Club instead of just a season ticket holder. For Club Members that live outside Wellington and for Wellington based Members that travel, it’s an opportunity to meet up with fellow Members at designated Phoenix events around the world”.

Club Member functions will be arranged through the local clubs where Members can meet to watch games, coordinate their support and live the Phoenix effect in their city.

In Australia, the local Supporters Club will meet in the lead up to a Phoenix away game, where Club Members will be able to meet Phoenix players and management and share in the pre-game build up. Club Members will also be able to use their one free match day ticket at that nominated away game.

To make the clubs work, the Club is looking for dedicated Club Members to run them.

“The local Chairperson will really be the one that make this thing work. We will support them with resources and guidance, but we need top notch Members in these cities to pick the idea up and really make the most of it. So we’re putting the call out – do you want to lead of the Wellington Phoenix Football Club Supporter’s Club?”

The qualities the Club are looking for in their local Chairs are: great organisational skills, ability to use limited resources to maximum effect, energy and drive and, above all else, passionate about the Phoenix and supporting the team.

Leaders are required in New Zealand cities, all A-League cities in Australia, as well major international cities around the world. However, applications will be looked at in any location where Club Members believe they can make a viable Club community really fly.

An application form is attached to this page. Complete the form and send it in to the Wellington Phoenix and the best submissions will be selected to lead the Wellington Phoenix in cities around the world.

Purchase your Club Membership here or ring the dedicated Phoenix hotline on 04 384 2457

Club Memberships at a glance:

* An exclusive membership pack
* Access to a Club Member only website hosting interviews with players and management and video analysis
* Attendance at the Club AGM and member only discounts at the Wellington Phoenix on-line store.

We need more discussion here.

What do you lot reckon our starting line up will be like against Sydney?

Sydney as in our first game of the season Sydney, or Sydney as in some friendly coming up that I haven't heard about Sydney?

Club Member functions will be arranged through the local clubs where Members can meet to watch games, coordinate their support and live the Phoenix effect in their city.

In Australia, the local Supporters Club will meet in the lead up to a Phoenix away game, where Club Members will be able to meet Phoenix players and management and share in the pre-game build up. Club Members will also be able to use their one free match day ticket at that nominated away game.

To make the clubs work, the Club is looking for dedicated Club Members to run them.

“The local Chairperson will really be the one that make this thing work. We will support them with resources and guidance, but we need top notch Members in these cities to pick the idea up and really make the most of it. So we’re putting the call out – do you want to lead of the Wellington Phoenix Football Club Supporter’s Club?”

The qualities the Club are looking for in their local Chairs are: great organisational skills, ability to use limited resources to maximum effect, energy and drive and, above all else, passionate about the Phoenix and supporting the team.

The Wellington Phoenix will play five games in 14 days when they visit Australia and tour India next month.

In a ground-breaking visit to the sub-continent, the Phoenix will take part in a four team tournament after opening the trip with a match against fellow Hyundai A-League club Newcastle Jets in Weston, New South Wales on August 18.

The Phoenix party will fly from Sydney to New Delhi the day after the Jets game, and kick off the tournament against United Sikkim in Guwahati on August 24.

They will play a yet to be confirmed I-League team on August 26 in Impahl before meeting Shillong Lajong at Shillong’s Nehru Stadium on August 30.

The tournament final or third-fourth playoff will complete the visit on September 1, again in Shillong.

It is a daunting schedule with three internal flights and two three-hour bus journeys, but head coach Ricki Herbert is delighted the tour has been scheduled.

“We have struggled for meaningful pre-season games at times in the past and this will give our players a real workout,” Herbert said.

“Some of the boys from our School of Excellence will be on the trip and it will be a great experience for them, as well as giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess their progress against good teams in a challenging environment.

“With two under-21 spots still to be filled it also gives them a chance to put their hand up for a playing contract.

“Also it will provide an opportunity for the new players and staff to bond.”

The Phoenix will complete their pre-season programme against A-League newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers Christchurch’s AMI Stadium on September 23.

The A-League season opens for the Phoenix on October 6 at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium against Sydney FC.

Thanks for all your feedback yesterday.
Yes we have a mascot on the way and it needs a name. So get your thinking caps on, tell your friends, school mates and all Phoenix fans, and send your suggestions for our mascot's name to mascot@wellingtonphoenix.com.

Where to now for the Wellington Phoenix

Posted on September 3rd, by Gareth Morgan in Wellington Phoenix.

Being away with the Wellington Phoenix in India was great. Aside from the cultural experience, the opportunity to soak up our football climate for an uninterrupted couple of weeks and discuss strategy for The Phoenix going forward was invaluable.

The team equipped itself well, and to see the apprentices playing more often than not, is a real testimony to how much confidence coach Ricki Herbert and his colleagues Jonathon Gould and Chris Greenacre have in that investment. It was just magic to see how those young lads mixed in with our senior pros and everything gelled well on and off the field. The fact that young Louis Fenton was picked by Ricki as his player of the tournament is testimony to that fact.

From this we are focussed on a number of things now to build on our investment youth players and to really push for The Phoenix to win and then to just keep on winning, the A-League. Some of these are;

Extending that development opportunity down to 14-16 year olds and even younger. The facts of life are that not enough young NZ football players are being brought up to the standard we need.

Secondly, our six month off-season is way too long, teams in the English Premier League get 2 months – and even then they tour to keep their level up. The India tour has confirmed to me that we need more off-season competition for our professional team, and we can’t get enough of the right level of competition in New Zealand. So we will explore more tours and cooperating with clubs in South Africa, Asia and South America to establish mini-competitions in our off-season.

Developments on the football scene in India are really exciting and even include the possibility of an IPL (International Profession League) as they have successfully launched with cricket. We want to stay close to India Football’s Great Leap Forward and this tour has really established a great rapport. The crowds loved our boys and we were implored to return. We will.

All in all it’s been a great initiative and we have all benefited from the experience – players, management and owners.

Finally we are pleased to announce an agreement in principle with our Indian Football associates to invite two of their up and coming young players to attend the FSE in Wellington. Some of these boys are from very poor backgrounds and as part of a club policy of social responsibility, it is our pleasure to bring two such lads here for footballing and education experience.

Thanks for reading the blogs on the Phoenix’s Indian tour over the last few weeks and spreading the word on your Facebook and twitter accounts. The positive feedback is always appreciated by the team and it’s great to see the support out there.

Media Opportunity

Thursday, 13 September 2012 10:29 AM

Media representatives are invited to attend a press conference, at which a player announcement will be made, at Westpac Stadium on Friday September 14 at 12.30pm.

It will be held on Level 3 East and media are requested to report to reception for access from 12pm onwards.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/wellingtonphoenix/news-display/Media-Opportunity/49089

It's a fucking chicken. Good lord it's embarrassing.

EXPIRES END OF 2012/13:

Leo BERTOS
Jimmy DOWNEY
Tony LOCHHEAD*
Lucas PANTELIS
Mark PASTON
Mirjan PAVLOVIC
Dani SANCHEZ (f)
Alex SMITH (f)
Benjamin TOTORI (f)

EXPIRES END OF 2013/14:

Michael BOXALL
Stein HUYSEGEMS (f)
Paul IFILL (f)
Vince LIA
Cameron LINDSAY (u21)
Manny MUSCAT

EXPIRES END OF 2014/15:

Tyler BOYD (u21)
Louis FENTON (u21)
Jeremy BROCKIE
Andrew DURANTE
Glen MOSS
Ben SIGMUND

* Not sure on Lochhead..

Woah woah woah, what happened to Sanchez?!

At the Stein Husyegems press conference Ricki discusses future recruitment and mentions Sanchez being out for a while and do they bring in an injury replacement.

You can listen here about 15min50sec in, thanks to the guys at Yellow Fever:
Special Edition - Stein Huysegems press conference