Tim Payne has signed a three-year contract extension with Wellington Phoenix in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The Phoenix star and New Zealand international has re-signed until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Payne has called Wellington home since 2019 and played a key role in the Phoenix’s record-breaking 2023-24 season, which saw the club reach the Semi-Finals having agonisingly missed out on a maiden Premiership – scoring three goals and assisting four others.
R8 TALKING POINTS: Ultimate praise for A-Leagues icon as huge derby decision looms
He has scored one goal in six appearances for Giancarlo Italiano’s side this term.
“I’m very happy here and very settled,” Payne said. “I believe in what Chiefy (Giancarlo Italiano) and his coaching staff have done.
“They have given me the opportunity to play consistently at right-back and I feel like they got some of the best football out of me last season.
BUY TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
“We had a very successful last season and we’re looking to build on that and hopefully go one better this season. And if it’s not this season then the year after, or the year after that.
“All of the players and all of the staff believe that we can go on and win the whole thing. That’s our aim and that’s what we’re going to try and do.”
Payne was born in Auckland and the All Whites defender conceded a return home via high-flying newcomers Auckland FC was tempting as he “weighed up all possibilities”.
“It’s an interesting one. Auckland FC are doing fantastically well at the moment so there’s that aspect and I have a lot of friends and family up there,” said Payne.
“It’s a good thing for us players that there are now two professional clubs in New Zealand, but I’ve weighed up all possibilities, all of the pros and cons and I think the Phoenix is a very good place for me at the moment.”
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill added: “It has been one of our priorities to re-sign Payney.
“He’s a key member of the starting XI and an important part of the dressing room, and we didn’t want to lose him.
“So I’m thrilled we’re going to get to continue to see Payney bombing up and down the right flank for the Nix.
“And I’m looking forward to seeing him score and create more goals for the Phoenix over the next three and a half years.”
BUY TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
