Phoenix go for fast and furious

The Wellington Phoenix are placing their faith in a fast and furious style and aim to develop into the fittest team in the A-League.

Thursday’s come-frombehind 3-2 win in Wellington was a sign of where the club hopes to go, as a high-tempo and young-legs approach up front overwhelmed Melbourne Heart.

It is yet to be discovered whether it will work against the league’s better sides, but the Phoenix are pinning plenty of hopes on a man named Ed Baranowski.

The Christchurch-based English sports scientist first linked with the Phoenix in 2008 and resumed work with the club part-time this season.

He has worked with five English Premier League clubs and will be fulltime from February. Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert is a fan.

‘‘I think we get a really good chance to get players to a level that’s going to be at the best of A-League standard and higher,’’ Herbert said.

‘‘I’m excited about that because I think it’s an area that we’ve only dipped into on a very, very part-time basis.

‘‘So delighted we’ve got Eddie on board. The fitter the team is, the easier it is to get through matches.

‘‘It won’t get better tomorrow but it certainly will get better at this club.’’

Herbert believed Baranowski would help deliver more consistent performances and he would work across the club’s academy structures, which will expand throughout New Zealand next year.

Paul Ifill’s latest injury has allowed Kiwi teenagers Louis Fenton and Tyler Boyd to emerge as part of an ultramobile front three with Jeremy Brockie.

Ifill, 33, is due back in about a month and it will be interesting to see what role he is asked to play in the new breakneck style.

Belgian import Stein Huysegems, 30, has fallen out of favour and was not used at all on Thursday.

Huysegems is a quality player with three goals this season, but his game is based more on technique and touch than pace and athleticism.

He was unhappy to be left out for the draw against Central Coast given he had had a legitimate goal disallowed in the previous game.

Herbert also has the lightning-quick Benjamin Totori at his disposal and hinted that the Solomon Islander was a shot to start against the Roar in Brisbane on New Year’s Day.

Leo Bertos is expected to start despite a hamstring niggle while uncapped midfielder Cameron Lindsay, 20, will travel as part of a 16-man squad tomorrow.