Recently retired Ross Aloisi is extremely encouraged by all the pre-season activity at his old club.

Twenty-five-year-old McKain, who can play in both a central defensive and midfield role, has 12 Socceroo caps and was part of the Olyroo squad alongside Aloisi's brother John at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Aloisi is still adamant that Phoenix did not deserve to finish bottom last year and he is confident there will be no repeat, whoever the captain.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "I think Ricki Herbert has bought well and speaking to him the other day and I know he's very happy with the way things are going under the new fitness coach there.

"I understand Ricki's going to be a lot more hands-on this year as well and that's a massive thing for Phoenix. I know the players enjoy working with him on the training pitch.

"As I said, the recruitment has been very good with the likes of Andrew Durante and Leo Bertos coming in and if you want my tip then I think Jon McKain will be the captain next year.

"He could be the best signing they'll make. He has played for Australia, has European experience and is very well respected.

"Hopefully Tim Brown will be free of injury and I think Richard Johnson is the best holding midfielder in the competition. I think they can have a good year and finish in that top four.

"There's no way we deserved to finish bottom of the pile last year, no way at all.

"I feel pretty good that teams will continue to be given a tough game at Westpac but I think Wellington will pick up results away from home as well.

"I think all they need now is a striker to come in and play alongside Shane Smeltz."

A Phoenix spokesman told au.fourfourtwo.com that no decision had yet been made on the club captain for next season.

Wellington are currently in Australia, preparing for two warm-up matches against Gold Coast-based sides.