Well the new look OleOle.com site has brought me out of my shell to express my news and views about NZ's best (and only) professional football team.

Firstly a little about myself.

I'm a local football fan who supports Arsenal when I'm not cheering on my beloved Nix. I am closely linked to the goings on of the fans being a moderator on www.yellowfever.co.nz the home of the Phoenix supporters group. I also work at the watering hole for the fans on match days, the Backbencher Pub.

Enough about me though as you are here to read about the Nix.

The news has been quite of late, with the off season transfer activity slowing down after a flurry of early defensive signings. The latest news was about us turning down an opportunity to host Juventus in Wellington due to financial constraints. Fair enough too as the Juve stars will all be at Euro 2008 and we just don't have the same sort of immigrant population of expat Italians to fill out our stadium (unlike Melbourne who will host Juventus).

Rumour has it that Celtic may be on offer also, and that sounds like it has more potential to turn a profit with a large number of mad Scotsmen running around our fair isles. The other potential draw  is the All White striker Kris Killen, who is on their roster and would gather a few more locals to the game.

Most speculation now is about Joel Porter  from Hartlepool. The season for the club is over and there is an offer on the table from the Phoenix. We are all just waiting to see what Hartlepool now do as they are yet to put out their release/retain list. The only key figure we seem to be missing at the moment is a quality strike partner for Smeltz. The hunt is still on so we just have to wait and see.

Untill next time.