It's still four months until the A-League football season resumes, but pre-season training has officially begun for the Wellington Phoenix under new coach Ernie Merrick.
Merrick's had his first training session with a rather reduced squad, because of injury and yet-to-be-made signings.
Phoenix captain Andrew Durante believes the long lead-in time will help them as Merrick and the players get to know one another.
Durante says Merrick is committed to an attacking style of football.
