EXCLUSIVE: Wellington Phoenix insist their top four hopes have been handed a major boost by a warts and all recruitment policy.
Coach Ricki Herbert and chief executive Tony Pignata have made every effort to see as many of their new signings in action as possible - as well as numerous individuals they hope to sign – before completing the deal.
That means that agents sending a dazzling DVD of their client in action are unlikely to find Phoenix straight on the phone and looking to seal a deal.
An edited highlights package is not going to be enough to convince the New Zealanders that a player is right for them.
It is a far cry from last season with Pignata admitting that time constraints meant the DVD player was rather more active than it is now.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “Of course you are going to look at DVDs and look to take things to the next step in some cases. Last year there was an awful lot going on in a very short space of time and we weren’t able to get out and see players as we would have liked.
“This year it’s different. We have been able to get overseas, see individuals in action, see what their work ethic is like, talk to them, find out about them and talk to their agents.
“You don’t learn too much about a player from the highlights on a DVD that’s been sent to you. It can be a gamble. People we bring in to this football club have to fit in with what we’re trying to do, the standards we demand and our vision if you like.
“So, yes, flying off to see a player is more expensive than just being impressed by a DVD but it’s the way we want to go.
“And it isn’t as glamorous as people might think. Spending 24 hours on a plane and then shivering on the touchline at a game isn’t always the best.
“But as I said, we believe it’s the right way to go.”
With Andrew Durante, Leo Bertos, Leilei Gao, Jon McKain and Troy Hearfield already in the bag, the Phoenix hierarchy won’t be flying off too many more times before the season starts.
However, a trip to the icy north east of England could yet beckon with the club confirming it is anxious to seal a deal for striker Joel Porter, currently playing with English League One side Hartlepool United.
That means that agents sending a dazzling DVD of their client in action are unlikely to find Phoenix straight on the phone and looking to seal a deal.
An edited highlights package is not going to be enough to convince the New Zealanders that a player is right for them.
It is a far cry from last season with Pignata admitting that time constraints meant the DVD player was rather more active than it is now.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “Of course you are going to look at DVDs and look to take things to the next step in some cases. Last year there was an awful lot going on in a very short space of time and we weren’t able to get out and see players as we would have liked.
“This year it’s different. We have been able to get overseas, see individuals in action, see what their work ethic is like, talk to them, find out about them and talk to their agents.
“You don’t learn too much about a player from the highlights on a DVD that’s been sent to you. It can be a gamble. People we bring in to this football club have to fit in with what we’re trying to do, the standards we demand and our vision if you like.
“So, yes, flying off to see a player is more expensive than just being impressed by a DVD but it’s the way we want to go.
“And it isn’t as glamorous as people might think. Spending 24 hours on a plane and then shivering on the touchline at a game isn’t always the best.
“But as I said, we believe it’s the right way to go.”
With Andrew Durante, Leo Bertos, Leilei Gao, Jon McKain and Troy Hearfield already in the bag, the Phoenix hierarchy won’t be flying off too many more times before the season starts.
However, a trip to the icy north east of England could yet beckon with the club confirming it is anxious to seal a deal for striker Joel Porter, currently playing with English League One side Hartlepool United.
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