Steven Taylor will be a welcome addition to Wellington Phoenix's ranks when he joins up with the squad in two weeks.
The former Newcastle United star is back at the club after a stint in India, and with the club facing a minor injury crisis, his experience and leadership will be invaluable.
The 'Nix are second from bottom with two wins and two draws from their opening nine games, although the results have not necessarily reflected the on-field performance.
With the club intent on pushing for another shot at the playoffs, Taylor - who left Wellington in September for the Indian Super League - is excited to be back in an environment he loves, and he's hoping to be part of a mid-season turn in fortunes.
"There have been so many games this year for the Phoenix where they have been the better side and haven't got the results," Taylor tells Newshub.
"The A-League has been very different this year - some strange results, which is the nature of the environment. The boys have been playing some good stuff and with a little bit of luck we can turn it around."
Taylor's departure was sudden, and shocked Fans and the club, but his reasons were valid.
At the time there was no certainty on a broadcast deal, or when the season would commence, so the former England youth international looked elsewhere for career security.
But with his commitments in India over, Taylor and manager Ufuk Talay discussed a potential return to the Phoenix - which was a "no-brainer" for the 35-year-old.
"I kept in touch with the players and the staff and speaking to Ufuk - we had a good chat about coming back and for me, it works. I really enjoyed my time here and enjoy the lads and I'm happy to be back.
"He asked what the situation with me was - he explained all the answers that I didn't have when I left. He's been brilliant. The option to come back here was a no brainer for myself, as long as the boys and the manager wanted me back.
"There was just no security for me when I left around when the league would start, but now that everything is up and running, and with the timing of the seasons, it's all worked out really well for me.
"I'm really excited to get back at it with the boys."
And despite leading the club to playoff football in 2020, Taylor has no ambition to usurp current captain Ulises Davilla.
Taylor says his job will be to provide support to the Mexican international, both on and off the field.
"My focus is to get back to Wollongong on the 19th and start my training in preparation for three games in a week.
"Ulises is the captain and 100 percent I will support and help him in any way I can - it's no issue for me whatsoever.
"The most important thing for us is to get results on the pitch."
And now that he is back where he wants to be, Taylor confirms he wants to stay beyond this season.
"I would love to - the focus is this season and the decision around my future is up to the club and the manager, but for me it's a yes."
