Michael Lynch on Wellington Phoenix - Sport

Michael Lynch

Michael Lynch, The Age's expert on soccer, has had extensive experience of high level journalism in the UK and Australia. Michael has covered the Socceroos through Asia, Europe and South America in their past three World Cup campaigns. He has also reported on Grands Prix and top class motor sport from Asia and Europe. He has won several national media awards for both sports and industry journalism.

Ernie Merrick gives instructions during a Melbourne Victory A-League training session in 2011.

Soccer

Veteran coach may help Phoenix rise again

Michael Lynch As Phoenix coach, Ernie Merrick faces a fascinating challenge.

Soccer

Defence is key to Victory

Michael Lynch Thanks mainly to Marco Rojas and his partner in crime Archie Thompson, Melbourne Victory is one of the most potent teams in the A-League.

Soccer

Rojas makes FFA awards history

Michael Lynch Young winger dubbed the ''Kiwi Messi'' by his more ardent fans has had a breakout campaign.

Soccer

Players' graduation to top flight demonstrates quality of Victorian league

Michael Lynch There are plenty of diamonds to be found in the state-based rough.

Soccer

A tried and true marksman

Michael Lynch Daniel McBreen has struck the hottest form streak of his life.

Soccer

Heart's veterans playing for futures

Michael Lynch Coach John Aloisi demanding his older men stand up and be counted.

Soccer

Familiar faces in running to lead Phoenix

Michael Lynch A long list of candidates is bidding to replace Ricki Herbert as coach of Wellington Phoenix.

Soccer

Heart makes defensive move to sign Coyne

Michael Lynch Melbourne Heart has scrambled to resolve its defensive problems by signing A-League veteran Jamie Coyne as cover for the last eight games of the season.

Soccer

Milligan rises to the big occasion

Michael Lynch Coach Ange Postecoglou believes Milligan s a critical part of the championship jigsaw.

In battle for Melbourne, Heart's best marketing ploy is winning

Michael Lynch WITH all due respect to Wellington Phoenix, they are not one of the A-League's bigger drawcards, yet Melbourne Victory will still pull somewhere in the region of 20,000 fans to AAMI Park for their...

Soccer

Flores hits right note

Michael Lynch Melbourne Victory always beats Wellington Phoenix. It did so thrice last season.

Heart turn up heat for derby as Aloisi spots 'spy' at training

Michael Lynch ALLEGATIONS of spying on closed training sessions, talk of tackles flying in and the expectation of a physical, high-octane encounter in a fevered atmosphere.

Soccer

Smeltz's goal has always been to score

Michael Lynch Perth Glory's main man is in Melbourne intent on derailing Victory's recent resurgence.

Soccer

Flores relishes his different role at Victory

Michael Lynch Marcos Flores averaged a goal every three-and-a-half games in 31 matches at Adelaide United.

Victory crunch match

Michael Lynch Cup eve encounter with Wellington Phoenix will be crucial test for Ange Postecoglou.

Soccer

Nix a timely test for Victory

Michael Lynch It doesn't seem to matter how competitive Wellington is, it always seems to struggle against Melbourne Victory.

Soccer

Victory clicks but coach wants more

Michael Lynch For those of a Melbourne Victory persuasion, Monday night's 3-2 defeat of Wellington Phoenix will provide plenty of reasons to believe in a speedy transformation of the club's fortunes - if only the...