Popular English forward David Ball has re-signed for Wellington Phoenix for another two years, reversing this week's exit of players from the A-League club.
Since their 2021/22 campaign ended with defeat in this month's elimination playoff, the club and players have been reassessing their futures, with nine of the roster not returning for next season.
Frontliners Reno Piscopo, Jaushua Sotirio, Gael Sandoval, Gary Hooper and James McGarry will seek other contracts, while veteran defender Louis Fenton has retired, after more than 150 games for the Phoenix.
But Ball will continue his association with the club, extending a relationship that began when Ufuk Talay became head coach in 2019.
"I love the club and I've loved playing in Wellington, so it makes sense for me to stay and continue on as long as I can," he said.
"There are good people throughout the club and that's hard to find in football. Obviously, I wanted to commit to the Phoenix and the club wanted to commit to me as well, so for both parties, it was perfect."
Ball, 32, has played 78 matches for the Phoenix, missing just seven across three seasons, despite battling a range of injuries. Only 14 of those appearances have come in New Zealand.
Wellington have made the playoffs in two of those three campaigns.
"The back end of the season, he was playing with injections in his toe," said Talay. "It shows how committed he is towards the club and how committed he is towards the club trying to have success.
"He's a great character, he's got a good head on his shoulders and he's a family man as well, which coaches love too.
"It's great the club is continuing with him and the way he's going, he'll end up being a Phoenix legend."
Ball hopes to settle long term in Wellington, with an eye to one day playing for the All Whites.
"It's something I'm serious about," he said. "I've seen other players like Andrew Durante do it and in a couple of years' time, if I do get my citizenship, it'll be an amazing story."
