World NewsAll Whites Are Phoenix-Free |
NEW Zealand announced their Beijing Olympic squad today and it is a Wellington Phoenix-free zone.
Coach Stu Jacobs has revealed his 18 players with Brett Emerton's Blackburn Rovers colleague Ryan Nelson named as one of three over-age players.The other two senior additions are Simon Elliott and Chris Killen. Shane Smeltz and Tony Lochhead had been in the frame but Phoenix exercised their right not to release the pair.
The squad does have former Phoenix players included though. Goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley and defender Steven Old, the latter now with NSW Premier League Macarthur Rams, will travel to Beijing.
Coach Jacobs told nzsoccer.com: "The focus for us from day one has been getting the over-age players we wanted and I guess by getting them we’ve got a big piece of the jigsaw in place.
“It’s a good mix but the thing that stands out is how desperate they all were to get to Beijing and now that we’re on our way, how keen they are to go up a level.”
Despite a tough group that feature Olympic hosts China,Brazil and Belgium, Jacobs is optimistic.
The Football Ferns (Women's Senior Side) was also announced as New Zealand looks for an Olympic double.
“We’ve got a hell of a chance. If we start well and get a result in that first match we can create excitement and momentum.
“We’ve got kids who can turn hope into will and three senior players who can really instil that.”
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