The term phoenix club was derived from the mythical bird, “phoenix.” This bird is known to resurrect itself after it has turned to ashes. In the case of football, the new football club will replace the old club. Although the colors, logos, and the like remain the same, the management of the club will change under new leadership.
Reasons for the Existence of Phoenix Club
One reason why a football club ceases to exist is due to financial difficulties. It is often in business terms that a club fails to maintain and not because of its sporting terms. Once the club is taken over by new management, its colors, logo, and the like are retained. This is to ensure that the club’s fan base will not be confused about the team that they are steadfastly supporting.Another reason why the phoenix club exists is when there is a change of ownership or policy of the club. This is due to the members of the club losing faith in how it is being managed. To ensure continuity of the team's existence, the club is replaced with a new one.
Best Known Phoenix Clubs
There had been many reported cases on the existence of phoenix clubs. However, there are quite a few that stood out. This is because the transformation of the new club was managed well.- Seattle Sounders
The Seattle Sounders is considered to be one of the best phoenix clubs that has been consistently performing well during the Western Conference. In 2009, the club managed to enter the Major League Soccer (MLS) for the first time. So far, the sounders managed to earn one MLS cup and four US Open Cups.
- Portland Timbers
This current club was founded in 2009 after replacing the previous club but still bearing the same name. They are also considered one of the best phoenix club to have topped in the Western Conference and had won an MLS Cup.