Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said his side will have extra motivation to win against the Brisbane Roar on Sunday as they look to honour co-owner Lloyd Morrison who passed away on Thursday.
Morrison, 54, was a driving force behind the Welnix consortium which took over the Phoenix from cash-strapped previous owner Terry Serepisos just prior to the start of the A-League season.
Morrison, whose brother Rob heads the Welnix consortium, died in a Seattle hospital after a long battle with leukaemia.
"It's a very sad day. I spoke to Rob, his brother, this morning and passed on our sincere condolences," said Herbert.
"It's a sad day for somebody who was behind the momentum and continuation of the Phoenix football club. Our condolences go out to Lloyd's families but the broader families as well."
"It's an incredibly sad day for a lot of people. There will be a hell of a spring in the step of the boys on Sunday."
Rob Morrison said everyone in the consortium knew Lloyd and respected what he wanted to do for Wellington and the Phoenix.
"It didn’t matter what Lloyd did, he always gave of his best,” Rob Morrison said.
"He set high standards for himself and expected others to do the same."
"Once he got involved in the Phoenix he became very passionate about the club.”
Before Sunday's game there will be a moment's silence in tribute to Lloyd Morrison and the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.