Wellington Phoenix players feel there's nothing they can do but focus on football as the battle continues to secure the club's long-term future.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has taken aim at the embattled franchise again today, but they've also received some high-profile support from across the Tasman.
Phoenix players tried to give the impression it's business as usual at training today, despite the possibility this could be the club's last season in the A-League, a prospect skipper Andrew Durante describes as "unfathomable".
"It would destroy football, in my opinion, if the club was to go under," Durante said.
Although coach Ernie Merrick is feeling optimistic even if he is just putting on a brave face.
"For me, personally, it's not a worry at all. I definitely feel we'll be here for the long-term and I've got no concerns," Merrick said.
That confidence is based on the quality of the people behind the club rather than the noises coming from FFA chief executive David Gallop today.
"You can't expect to just squat on a licence in our competition," Gallop said.
"No one is suggesting their on-field performance is poor. It's just that their numbers off the field are poor."
The Phoenix are known for their passionate fans but there's just not enough of them for the FFA. According to gallop, it's a key area the club needs to improve in.
"Crowds, television ratings, memberships, they're the ones that are really going to make us sit up and take notice," he said.
But it's not all negative across the Tasman.
Former Phoenix boss Tony Pignata now fills the big chair for one of the A-League's biggest clubs, Sydney FC.
Pignata said he's "shocked" and "disappointed" at the FFA's treatment of the Phoenix.
"We'd like to see the Phoenix remain in the A-League," Pignata said.
"They've got great fans, a great stadium and they're all pretty well liked over here in Australia."
"I've had that many phone calls in the last couple of days from ex-players, from people that were involved in the club before from players that I don't even know personally to send text messages and just support the club," Durante added.
"It's out of our control. There's nothing, as players, we can do to affect this besides play well every week."
That might just be the best way to deliver what the club needs to survive.
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