More Nix signings dependent on departures

Aug 15, 2017 - 4:53 PM Wellington Phoenix chief David Dome says players will have to exit the A-League club before more recruits can come in.

The acquisition of Serbian frontman Andrija Kaludjerovic on Tuesday brought new coach Darije Kalezic's haul to five players, following the arrivals of Dario Vidosic, Scott Galloway, Daniel Mullen and Goran Paracki.

The Phoenix now have a full roster of 23 players, including their allotment of five foreigners - Kaludjerovic, Paracki, Gui Finkler, Marco Rossi and Roy Krishna.

Further changes to the squad before their A-League season opener against Adelaide on October 8 would depend on players leaving or suffering injuries.

Dome said he was not placing pressure on any players to leave the club and backed Kalezic's current group to get the job done in 2017/18.

"We're always looking at how we can strengthen the squad but it's difficult at the moment, especially with a squad of 23 - and, looking to bring in players, it's always going to be a costly exercise," Dome said.

"It's a bit of a balancing act."

Irrespective of future comings and goings, Dome said Kalezic and assistant Rado Vidosic had brought much-needed discipline to the Nix's day-to-day operations.

They had added defensive solidity to the side's attacking verve in pre-season, according to Dome, and were enforcing professional conduct.

"I'm strongly of the opinion the jigsaw pieces are coming together," Dome said.

"Also, very impressed with how Darije and Rado are running training, it's a very disciplined outfit now, continually pushing us as a management team to improve other aspects around the club, all the time.''

Source: AAP