Motivation
While the Phoenix have been shaping nicely on the field in recent times, many still doubt their ability to maintain a successful franchise off it. Earlier this year, Michael Lynch wrote for Fairfax Media that the New Zealand club does not add much at all in the way of strengthening the A-League and have poor, if not non-existent, financial strength, membership and attendances. Lynch added that should a 10th Australian side be brought into the fray, many more significant opportunities, both nationally and internationally, would present themselves.
However, although meant to be disregarding of the Wellington club, these comments might just be what Durante and co. need to mount a real challenge this season. The fact that their A-League license is expiring at the tail end of this season will also not be far from the minds of players and management, as they hope to put in regular performances that will catch the eye of the FFA. The most motivated team in the league and thus squad gunning for the highest honours, could well be the men in black and yellow this year.
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