Wellington Phoenix have announced that forward David Ball has signed a three-year contract extension with the club, which will keep him in the yellow and black until the end of the 2022/23 season.
In his first season with the Phoenix, the 30-year-old Englishman played a dominant role in the club’s historic third place finish, scoring six goals and contributing four assists, while also taking home both the A-League Player of the Month Award for February and the Player of the Year Award.
Ball says that he's excited at the prospect of calling the capital home, even with the squad being based in New South Wales at the start of the 2020/21 season.
"It was an easy decision for me and my family," Ball says.
"There's plenty of reasons for wanting to be here .It's a fantastic place to live, we've got friends for life here now and it feels like home."
Ball believes the Phoenix have the potential to go much further than this year's third-place finish.
"I've had a season to understand the league and I know what I can bring to the team," he says.
"A lot of people have seen what I can do, and I know there's so much more still to come.
"I've enjoyed playing as a 10 up front and filling in wherever else coach needs me to, and while first and foremost I’m a team player, I've set some goals for myself next season to ensure we’re a successful team."
Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay says Ball has endeared himself to both fans and his teammates with his entertaining style of play and industrious work-rate.
"He’s a key part of our squad and a fan favourite," Talay says.
"We see him playing a prominent role with this club not only with his football ability, but also as a role model for the younger players to look up to – he’ll be one of our leaders next season and a focal point of our offense.
"David embodies everything that the Wellington Phoenix stands for – someone who is committed, works hard and is an ideal team-mate.
"I'm excited to see how far he can take the Phoenix towards our goal of bringing home the A-League trophy."
