To see Phoenix's family day...

 

 

Herbert has been coy on his future since the end of New Zealand's campaign, although he has hinted strongly that there are overseas offers in the pipeline after attracting interest from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East during the tournament in South Africa.

The coach was busy signing autographs at Phoenix's open day for fans on Sunday and he was somewhat enigmatic when asked if he would be still be at the club come early August when the 2010/11 season gets underway.

"I've got a contract to be here. As I sit here I'm still at the club," he replied. "The dust needs to settle a bit. There's a lot of speculation out there some of which might be true and some might not be true.

"Like I said to owner Terry Serepisos, until there is something to talk about, it's probably business as usual."

Attacking midfielder Leo Bertos has been linked to German club Werder Bremen, while goalkeeper Mark Paston's performances also attracted plenty of attention earning him accolades in a player ratings poll in Britain's Guardian newspaper.

"That's the industry," said Herbert. "If we think it's right to let a player go or sell a player that's just how things are. At this stage I've got no concerns at all."

Wellington-born Bertos was certain he would be pulling on the Phoenix jersey again in August.

"For sure. There are plenty of rumours going on. I was just joking with Mark about them earlier. They are all rumours," the attacking midfielder said.

"But it means you performed well, especially at a tournament like the World Cup. If you perform well these things sort of happen. It's nice knowing that you've done well and people have taken notice."

Phoenix's pre-season gets into full swing this week in preparation for the game against the Brisbane Roar in Hamilton on Saturday. They follow that up with a match against Boca Juniors in Wellington on July 23.

Herbert has indicated a couple of triallists are likely to be brought in over the next couple of weeks, although he refused to say if any would be potential replacements for defender Jon McKain, who has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

To see Phoenix's family day...