Club coach Ricki Herbert says the former Adelaide United skipper has all the qualities he is looking for to drive his new side forward.

“He’s a really passionate, driven person who’s very comfortable undertaking a leadership role with the Phoenix. He has the respect of the players and he’s a guy I know I can work closely with.”

Aloisi, 34, was naturally proud to be given the role. “It was a massive honour to captain Adelaide United. I’m a proud person, and I love where I come from, but – and no word of a lie – to be captain of the Phoenix tops it all.
“The way Wellington and the whole country has embraced the team is incredible.”
Former Jets midfielder and All-White star Tim Brown has been named as club vice captain.

Phoenix will play Melbourne Victory in their first ever A-League match at home at the Cake Tin on August 26 kick off 4pm local time.
Ironically, the last time Aloisi played in an A-League shirt was against Victory in last February’s grand final. The Melbourne side trounced their South Australian rivals Adelaide United 6-0 that day. Aloisi was also red carded.

In other Phoenix news, Wellington will face New Zealand's World Cup-bound under-20s in a friendly today. The hitout is the first official match for Ricki Herbert's newcomers and the last before the Young All Whites depart for the FIFA U/20 Men's World Cup in Canada from June 30-July 22.

Herbert is to trial Korean right back Ki Hyung Lee and Aussie midfielder Tas Psonis in a Phoenix starting XI including All Whites Glen Moss, Steven Old, Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown and Shane Smeltz, reports the club website.

The under-20s upset Phoenix 5-1 in a training match at Wellington's Basin Reserve last Tuesday.