Phoenix First Home Win

Zephyr Rovers Acting Manager said today he was inspired by the Phoenix 4 - 1 win over Perth today at Westpac Stadium's "Ring of Fire'. "I know the Phoenix players have really worked for this one and I know the same is true of the Rovers players" said Nash "it is good to see the other big local team doing well and we know we will do the business at the Shed of Dreams on Wednesday". Nash said the fact that Phoenix had come from behind to win convincingly showed you had to play the whole match out. "We've been pipped at the post before but I think we're showing a new mental toughness lately that will help the squad going forward". Nash said he'd watched Rangers European campaigns over the years and had learnt a thing or two from the experience. "Let's just say it hasn't always been plain sailing for Rangers and we won't waltz to the top of Wellington football without a few set backs" said Nash "just hopefully not as many as Rangers have had lately".

No Interference

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed he would not be interfering in tactics or selection for the upcoming final against Ten Left Feet. "I think I've told you media types before I'm looking at the longer term picture here in the pool at Surfers" said Hall "and I have every confidence the lads will bring home the trophy next week". Hall said he'd been studying the impact of heat on performance whilst at his seaside retreat. "It's been about thirty degrees here most days so I've been putting my body through its paces" said Hall "I know a lot of studies have been done on high performance athletes so I'm filling in a gap studying low performance athletes, namely me". Hall said the crux of the research involved lying around the pool until you were so hot you needed to go in it" said Hall "and once in the pool doing as little as possible". Early results sugest the approach has benefits for relaxation.

Hussey Dropped

Zephyr Rovers Acting Manager George Nash sensationally dropped Eddie Hussey (pictured) as finals penalty taker today and installed himself in the event that the final was tied. "I thought Eddie's penalty in the knock out rounds last season was a shocker" said Nash "and I think a calm, cool and collected player like myself should be easily able to toe poke one in from hat range". Nash confirmed he intended to have absolutely no practice leading up to the match. "As a manager I have o be an optimist and we're going to win it in normal time" said Nash "so we won't be having any penalties and the whole thing will be academic". Nash said he thought the final would close but Rovers would probably win it by the odd goal.

Steady As She Goes

Zephyr Rovers Acting Manager George Nash confirmed today it would be business as usual as Zephyr Rovers planned to take out the first trophy since changing their name from Land Rovers. "I know the team won two championships as Land Rovers but I think we need to win something as Zephyr Rovers to show we're still making progress" said Nash "and as we got knocked out last time in a penalty shoot out, we know we're close". Nash said he'd put the team through the usual paces in the next week leading up to the final against Ten Left Feet. "They've beaten us twice this season but we're closing the gap and I think we'll take them this time" said Nash. Nash said he'd name his team closer to the day but it looked like everyone who could stand would be selected".

Hall Settles In

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confessed a management retreat on the Gold Coast was just what the doctor ordered as he formulated a plan to win the Division 1 trophy next season. "I like the way you can sit back on the beach here in the thirty degree heat and let your mind wander" said Hall "I think it is important to get away from football for a while so that ultimately when you come back to it you have some fresh ideas". Hall said he might take in a little beach football whilst he was on the Gold Coast but he also thought he could learn from other sports like beach volleyball. "I've always seen a lot of merit in beach volleyball ever since I watched a final in Ohope one year" said Hall "I've even been told men play the game but have never seen that myself".

Nash Takes Over

Zephyr Rovers Manager confirmed this morning that a he was flying out to Australia this afternoon he would hand the reins over to Chairman Nash (pictured). "I won't be here for the final next week and I'm leaving it to George to bring home the trophy" said Rovers Manager Steve Hall "I've been training George up for the responsibility so I feel he'll do a good job and bring back the trophy". Hall said he would miss what was effectively the plate final of Division 1 so that he could focus his energies on team and tactical considerations for the coming season. "I certainly think we can bring back a trophy but in the bigger picture staying in Division 1 is our aim" said hall "and we can do that by competing in the grading games". Hall said with Phoenix signing an Australian marquee player he'd be looking around to see what was available.

Rovers in Final

Zephyr Rovers today progressed to the final of the bottom half of Division 1 after Whites defaulted the semi final fixture at the Shed of Dreams. "We got a game against the Usual Suspects - the team that plays down there about twenty times a day" said Zephyr Rovers Manager "and we finally registered a win against them by 10 - 8". Hall said it had been a tough season with several narrow losses but he thought he saw signs that Rovers were adapting their game to the higher league. "What was impressive about today was that we spent a fair bit of time on attack and scored ten goals" said Hall "but what was better still was I hadn't seen us move the ball round before as well as that". Hall said the quick passing was the way Rovers needed to go and Hall said he was sure this style would reap rewards. "We scored a great goal today where the ball whizzed around before Eddie Hussey (pictured) slotted the goal" said Hall "it was a work of art".

Rovers 10 Usual Suspects 8

Semi Selections Difficult

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed selecting his semi final team had been difficult due to injuries and unavailability. "We've strung a competitive line up together though although we'll be without Chopper McIntosh which should win us a few favours with the referees" said Hall "and although we've had a low key build up in the last week I think we're all keen to make the final so it will be all on". Hall said he wasn't concerned about potential problems with the heat due to the 12 noon kick off. "I think some players might want to be wearing thermal gear to stay warm" said Hall "as although we should be getting nice weather at this time of the year I see they predicting a sharp southerly". Hall said he would not confirm his starting line up until kick off but hoped there would be a full house down at the Shed of Dreams. "We're looking for the fans to get behind us for this one" said Hall "and as far as the result goes we'll be happy to have another win against Whites to make the final".

George Gets On For Phoenix

Phoenix finally gave George a game tonight against Adelaide in a 2 - 2 draw at the Ring Of Fire. "I was listening to the radio commentary at the time at the stadium" said Hall "and when they said George was coming on with five minutes to go I did wonder for a second if Nash had pulled a fast one for his professional debut". Hall said fortunately for the Phoenix they were in fact giving their South American striker George Paladini his first start. "I think with George, Daniel, Felipe and Cleberson at Phoenix we've seen the benefit of signing South Americans" said Hall "but as we can't afford one I think we'll have to nominate a player each week to play like a South American". Hall said that being able to push the ball past an opponent and fall over was a key aspect of the South American style. "I'll be looking to see who falls over the most and they can be our designated South American" said Hall "and if we see a bit of fancy footwork as well then that will be a bonus". Hall said he thought Matty Cantwell had potential to play the South American style if he'd stop riding the tackles.

Marquee Player?

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall today issued a strong denial that he was about to make himself the Zephyr Rovers marquee player. "I think all this talk has come about after Ahmad Elrich (pictured) signing as the marquee player for Wellington Phoenix" said Hall "but I can assure our fans that we don't sign players already in our squad as marquee players". Hall said Rovers weren't currently looking to sign a marquee player although he confirmed he would be off to Australia to look at potential talent on Queensland beaches next week. "I think a good look around Surfers Paradise should give me an idea about who I should be chasing" said Hall "but I'm not going to just sign someone because they look good on the beach". Hall said he thought Rovers had the squad to stay in Division 1 and be competitive next season without signing a marquee player.

Mourinho Not Wanted, Nicki Watson Maybe

Zephyr Rovers Chairman said whilst he was stunned at the departure form Chelsea of Jose Mourinho, he denied that Zephyr Rovers were involved in any way. "Can I just say strictly off the record" said Nash " that whilst the board has every confidence in our current manager, we might take a look at Martin Jol if he was to turn up at Shed 1". A spokesmen for Chelski said he hadn't heard of any links between Rovers and Mourinho but wouldn't be surprised if Martin Jol was soon on his way from White Heart Lane. An anonymous source close to Rovers said he actually thought some of the Rovers Board members were taking a look at Nicky Watson earlier today. "Those sort of rumours come from the gutter press" said Zephyr Chairman George Nash "but if Watson wants to come and support the club we won't be turning her away". Meanwhile Chelski are looking for a manager and Zephyr Manager Steve Hall is said to not be on the short list at this point.

Pollock Pirate Performance

Zephyr Rovers supporters club president was again doing her retro pirate look today to mark International talk like a pirate day. "Aaaarrrrr it's that time of the year again me hearties" said Pollock "I always enjoy the day 'cause I can get me pirate hat out and plunder treasure all day". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said it was a quaint custom and he had no objection at all in promoting Pollock talking funny and wearing strange hats for the day. "Liz seems quite fond of the day and we don't want to curb her enthusiasm by telling her it is silly" said Hall "after all some people might think wearing a Retro Rikki tee shirt or a kilt is a bit odd, so it is each to their own". Hall said their was no truth at all to the rumour that Rovers would be wearing pirate hats for their semi-final fixture next Monday at the Shed of Dreams.

Retro Rollers Rot

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he was putting his foot down to stop what he described as "retro rot" at the suggestion that Rovers should adopt the Bay City Rollers song "Bye Bye Bay" as the official club song. "Notwithstanding that I can't see any link between the song and football" said Hall "we already have a perfectly good club song in I Predict A Riot". Hall said some things from the seventies and eighties were best forgotten and the Bay City Rollers was clearly one of them. "I doubt most people would recall the song even if it was a number one hit" said Hall "and if it came down to it we'd be better to run with an Abba song if we going back to the crappy bands of the past". Zephyr Rovers Chairman George Nash said he quite liked the Bay City Rollers as they were "quite a wholesome Scottish group". Nash said he thought the Rollers were better than they were often given credit for.

Retro Week Declared

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall (pictured) said today the success of the Retro weekend and the Retro Rikki teeshirts had led him to call a retro week. "I think Retro Rovers has a ring to it" said Hall "and I'm thinking of growing what hair I have left again so that I can look like how Dave Hill out of Slade used to look". Hall said he wasn't sure if he could find a Mk 3 Zephyr for the week but thought it was a logical mode of transport for the Zephyr Rovers team. "I don't think the Mk 4's were much chop and you can't really go past the Mk 3" said Hall "the column shift and the big backs seats were definitely hard to go past". Hall said the thought of driving around Wellington in a Mk 3 Zephyr painted in sponsors colours and playing Slade out of gigantic speakers had a certain amount of appeal but he wasn't sure it would be understood by the youth of today. "Let's face it the young folk today would wonder how Noddy Holder ever became so famous" said Hall "but believe it or not bell bottoms and platforms were cool once upon a time".

Retro Weekend

Zephyr Manager Steve Hall admitted today that after the Phoenix win he had had a "retro" weekend to celebrate a Phoenix win. "Well I got my Retro Rikki tee shirt on and got out the old Slade CD's and I was far far away" said Hall "let's just say I was feeling the noize and was getting down and getting with it". Hall said he even gave Status Quo live in Glasgow a spin and said he "could feel the balcony at the Apollo rocking through the speakers". Hall said some of the retro music might be quite useful to play before Rovers matches to spur the team on. "I can just imagine a bit of Mama Weer All Crazee now finding a chord with fans and players alike" said Hall "and if that wasn't to everyone's taste we could always play Pleeze Me Squeeze Me every time we scored a goal. "Might help a bit of team bonding" said Hall "and perhaps George could wear a kilt".

Phoenix Win

As if the football week had not produced inspiration enough for Zephyr Rovers, the Wellington Phoenix produced their first win 2 - 1 over Sydney. "I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of that one" said Zephyr Rovers manager Steve Hall "but it just show if you keep at it you can turn the results around". Hall said he couldn't be in Sydney for the match as he had other commitments but would be in Brisbane and Sydney in the coming weeks to check out the Australian scene. "The weather has been a bit crap this week so I thought I'd head off to Oz for a while after the next match" said Hall "I'm not sure if I'll see any indoor football and I won't be in the right place at the right time to see the Phoenix". Hall denied rumours that he was setting up an Australian tour for Zephyr Rovers. "We're not planning to play away from Shed 1 at this point but you never know when that might change" said Hall.

Scots Go Potty

Scottish supporters world wide have gone completely potty today after Scotland beat France in a World Cup qualifier to go top of their group. "I know a few of the lads I know might have had a wee dram" said Zephyr Chairman George Nash "we certainly expected Scotland to lead the group at this point because we always expect them to win every game and always lead the group". Nash said Rovers could take lessons from the Scots who had had their share of adversity. "I heard the manager Steve Hall crapping on about Michael Owen yesterday" said Nash "but frankly those soft English power puffs don't know the first thing about overcoming adversity". Nash said the match had provided him with the inspiration to win the semi-final against Whites and he hoped Rovers supporters would get their kilts out.

Inspirational Owen

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said this morning that Michael Owen (pictured) had provided inspiration to Rovers players today with his two goals for England against Russia in a World Cup qualifier. "Micheal couldn't hit a train with a double-decker bus only a few weeks ago after an extended period of injuries" said Hall "and now he doesn't seem to be able to stop scoring". Hall said that if Owen could improve his strike rate then there was hope that Rovers could find the extra three goals to consistently win their games. "I know the answer is in a good all round team performance rather than relying on one striker" said Hall "but I'm not going to complain if someone scores ten especially if it is me". Hall conceded it would be difficult to score ten if he stayed in his goal keeper role but said had fancied the odd run in the outfield. "I know I was in impressed by Michael's effort and Zimbawe beating Australia at cricket" said Hall "but all George wanted to go on about was Scotland beating France". Hall said the headline on one web site read 'Scotland somehow beat France in France' which just showed anyone could beat anyone on the day.

Rovers Left Footed

Zephyr Rovers today lost again by a single goal at the Shed of Dreams as Ten Left Feet took out the Division 1 fixture 6 - 5. "It was a close game all the way but we never took the lead so we were always chasing it" said Rovers Player Chairman George Nash (pictured) "we were down to just five after the Manager called in sick on the morning of the match". Nash said Rovers had now lost all but one match by less than two goals. "We lost out first match by more than two after coming off a bye but since then we've had all close games" said Nash "so I'm convinced we are in the right Division and having a season behind us will help us as well". Next week there is no game and Rovers will play Whites in the bottom half semi-final knock out for the right to have another crack at Ten Left Feet. "We've beaten White before and know we're close to Ten Left Feet so we're in with a chance" said Nash "and we'll be using beer bottles for goals to try and work out the tactics"

Final: Rovers 5 Ten Left Feet 6

Mystery Over Starting Keeper

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall refused to be drawn on his selections for the game tomorrow in Shed 1 against Ten Left Feet. "We're looking to make an impact tomorrow and I'm not telling those left footers what we're up to as I want an element of surprise". Hall said the only thing he would say is that he had no immediate plans to start George "Toe Poke" Nash (pictured) as his main striker. "I've never seen a player who has quite the knack of scoring from toe pokes as George" said Hall "but whilst he scores some brilliant ones he also scares the roof on a few occasions as well". Hall said he was hoping to build on the good play last week and see if Rovers could put Ten Left Feet to the sword. "Always good to finish the round with a win and we're aware the grading games are coming and we want to keep our place in Division 1. Bookmakers currently rate Chopper McIntosh as favourite to start as keeper with a ring in as close second favourite.

Thanks Zephyr

Zephyr Manager Steve Hall confirmed this afternoon thanked Zephyr Consulting that Rovers were very keen to renew their sponsorship with Rovers as the new season approached. "I think it is a marriage made in heaven and besides I quite like the silver and black team kit" said Hall "I'm not sure we'd look quite as good if we got sponsorship from the Warehouse". Hall said he thought the Zephyr brand had been ably promoted by the Rovers team and Rovers were more than happy with their sponsor. "Obviously we're looking to eventually win a trophy so there is something for the Zephyr Boardroom" said Hall "but we think we provide value for money and the Zephyr has got exposure on they wouldn't have dreamed of". Hall said Rovers thanked Chairman Nash and Graham McInteer (both pictured) for their on-going support.

Phoenix Disappoint

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed tonight that he and Chairman George Nash attended the Phoenix game at the Westpac stadium. "We'd provided a few pointers over the Internet for Rikki Herbert and were impressed that he'd obviously taken on board some of the feedback" said Hall "but unfortunately the team wouldn't have scored a goal unless we were there until well after midnight". Hall said the Phoenix looked much improved overall and he thought it was a matter of time before they hit their straps. "They reminded me a bit of Rovers where we're new to the league and still getting used to the step up" said Hall "and like us I thought they looked like they ere on the right path to eventual success". Hall offered the Phoenix a game at Shed 1 anytime if they needed a bit of indoor play. "I think we could show them a few things about how top play in a sty old shed down on the wharf" said Hall "I don't think there is a lot of glamour to it but it might toughen them up".

Not Considering Scottish Goalkeeper

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall confirmed this afternoon that he wasn't desperate enough yet about the Rovers goalkeeper situation to import a Scottish player. "I don't really think we'll be looking at a Scotsmen at this stage as we're trying to prevent goals not let more in" said Hall "and even George admits he's not up too much between the sticks and Jim Leighton (pictured) isn't available". Hall said he had the option of playing Chopper McIntosh in goal and might take that option as Chopper was formerly an outdoor keeper. "I gather Chopper is carrying a slight injury so a spell in goal might help in out" said Hall "and I fancy myself as a defender so might give that a crack". Hall said Ten Left Feet had been theonly team to beat Rovers by more than two goals so he was hoping the gaps would be closed. "If there is one team we need to play better against this time round iis Ten Left Feet" said Hall "we phad a shocker against them last time".

Inspiration From Banks

Zephyr Manager and goalkeeper Steve Hall said this evening that he was looking for inspiration from Gordon Banks for his goalkeeping skills in the Division 1 league of Wellington Indoor Football. "I've been reading that Gordon Banks early career was as a coal bagger and a brick layer, both occupations I'm likely to finish up working if I don't improve my goalkeeping skills". Hall said he'd looked to go down a coal mine during the week to see what he could learn from the experience. "I've found a shortage of Coal Mimes in the vicinity of the Shed 1 arena" said Hall "so I'm not working in a coal mine going down down". Hall said the only advantage of taking up bricklaying was if he could build a wall in front of his goal. "Maybe my last hope is to wear only one contact lens because Gordon Banks only has one eye" suggested Hall "I can't go any worse than with two eyes".

Phoenix Tickets Beyond A Joke

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said the situation with the Phoenix season tickets was now well beyond a joke. "No I still haven't seen my season ticket and it is closing in on the second match" said Hall "we're trying to support our outdoor cousins but they're not making it easy". Hall said the Phoenix could learn a few things about the slick marketing arm of the Rovers indoor football machine. "We have Heather Fernandes working away in the background and you never hear of any problems with our ticketing" said Hall "and we regularly feature on the Search Wellington web site which I think says we're doing things right". Hall said some people wanted to be on the cover of the Rolling Stone but being the lead story on Search Wellington was pretty good publicity. "Obviously I'm disappointed in the coverage we get from the Dominion" said Hall "but we do get noticed we do have supporters all over the world so we're fairly well known on the internet".

Hussey For Herbert

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said today that after watching the Phoenix defence last week he'd be recommending Rikki Herbert sign Eddie Hussey immediately. "I thought Eddie had a great return match for us and we only really went down the toilet when he was off the pitch" said hall "and he even managed a goal from long range so he might be just what Rikki is looking for". Hall said the Phoenix defence made school girl errors and overall he felt the Rovers had a better match than their outdoor counterparts. "Sure we lost but we played pretty well and we're closing the gap on the division" suggested Hall "and we're not far off the grading games now so we'll be pushing to stay in Division 1".

Mind Games

Zephyr Chairman George Nash said today that he was talking to several Scottish goalkeepers to ascertain there suitability for the Rovers squad. "I have full confidence in the manager" said Nash "and he has the full support of the board". Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he didn't realise things had got so bad until the board expressed confidence in him. "You know you're in trouble in this game when you get a vote of confidence" said Hall "usually means you've got less than a week to go". Hall said he'd put some long hours in training since the game by going over the match in his mind. "I find if I visualise the ball coming at me for long enough I can finally visualise it not going between my legs and into the goal" said Hall "and then if I keep at it I find we actually won the game ten nil and are winning the league by a mile". Hall said the problem with visualising at the moment was that it wasn't having the reported benefits of making real things happen. "I'm beginning to wonder if this going through things in your mind actually works" said Hall "as I never let in any goals in my pre-match mind games".

Howler

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall admitted today after the match against Mercer that goalkeeping errors had contributed to a close 5 - 4 loss to Mercer. "We were up 4 - 0 and well into the second half and I actually thought I was having a good game" said Hall "but Mercer finally scored and the resulting throw out led to their second goal, and then I fumbled a regulation save to allow the third one and it fell to pieces from there". Hall indicated there was a lot of pressure on a goalkeeper in these big games and maybe it had got to him in the end. "George was kind enough to say I crap or words to that effect and he might be right" said Hall "we had all played so well in the first three quarters of the game and I was disappointed I let the lads down". Hall said the team also lost a bit of shape in the last quarter which gave the opposition a few more shooting chances. "To lose by a goal after being four up is heartbreaking" said Hall "but we are so close to getting it right and we're playing teams that punish any mistake severely". Hall said he'd ponder whether or not to drop himself in the next match but would allow a few days to contemplate his decision.

Final: Mercer 5 Rovers 4

No Mercy For Mercer

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he is set to unleash Chopper McIntosh in the match tomorrow at the Shed of Dreams. "I think we can't afford to show Mercy to Mercer in this one as we need the points" said Hall "so I'll not only be expecting Chopper to get on the score sheet but also to get in a bit of enforcement action as well". Hall said the return of Eddie Hussey should strengthen the defense and now the job was to score some goals. "We seem loathe to shoot sometimes and we definitely hold the ball a bit too long at times" said Hall "but I think we'll be able to have Chopper, John Cao and Matty Cantwell rotating those forward position this time and I'm hopeful we'll see some goals". Hall said Matty Cantwell would have to find the right balance between demonstrating his excellent close ball skills and passing to team mates. "Matty is a wizard with the ball but he sometimes forgets he can't do it all himself all the time".

More Mongrel

Zephyr Rovers Manager Steve Hall said he noted the defensive frailties of the Phoenix team whilst working our a tactical plan to beat Mercer on Monday. "They really showed me the importance of organisation and that the lack of it could lead to soft goals" said Hall "but I also liked the way Cleberson went over the top of his man at one point and I want to see a bit of this mongrel from George". Hall said players had different roles in teams and he saw Nash as the imported Scottish Hard man type. "Unfortunately George has often proven to be too nicer guy on the pitch and he he isn't as dirty as Riddle or Smith were" said Hall "in fact I'm worried we're going to win the fair play award the way we're going lately". Hall said Nash had sold himself as a enforcer before joining the squad but in fact Chopper McIntosh was now filling that role. "I can see a little bit of Chris Riddle in Chopper" said Hall "and I think he could develop into a Roy Keene type if he worked at it. Hall said he'd be happy to share defensive strategies with Rikki Herbert if he was to get the call.