Tue, 17 Nov 2009 6:14p.m.
Keeper Mark Paston is relieved to be back in training after the biggest week of his footballing life, and ‘that’ save
By Di O’Connell
The Phoenix welcomed back their All Whites to A-League training this morning. The internationals back up Saturday’s World Cup breakthrough with an away match against the Newcastle Jets this weekend.
But, while the intensity may be less, there is still plenty to play for.
Keeper Mark Paston is relieved to be back in training after the biggest week of his footballing life, and ‘that’ save.
“It has been crazy walking down the street, people shaking your hand. I’ve had emails, text messages – it gets sort of overwhelming at times,” he says.
“It’s to be expected I suppose.”
Teammate Paul Ifill was more nervous watching the All Whites than playing for Milwall in the FA Cup final. But Saturday’s tension is Tuesday’s buzz.
“You can see from today, everybody is flying about, everybody is still complaining about everything – but they’re more jovial that it has been for a while,” says the striker.
Underneath the excitement bubbles a serious competitive streak – there is now more riding on every Phoenix game.
“Obviously six or seven of the boys are hopefully going to the World Cup - in terms of that, they’re playing for their places,” Ifill says.
“It gives players like Costa and Marco to see where they’ve got to get to between now and the World Cup.”
Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata believes the crossover between the All Whites and the Phoenix has a broader payoff.
“We take a little bit of credit for what happened on Saturday night and now it is our chance to take that to the next level and give people who love football now a chance to follow a successful team in the A-League,” he says.
But the international success increases the scrutiny on the Phoenix to make their first A-League playoffs – something All White Tim Brown believes will be beneficial to the team.
“That pressure by more people being interested is a good thing, hopefully it can raise football here,” he says.
The Phoenix have a wait though to gauge how much their support has grown. Their next home game is not until December 4.
3 News
