Wellington Phoenix have rewarded the performances of Adam Parkhouse in his debut Hyundai A-League season by offering the 23-year-old a contract extension.
The former Manly United striker, who was named player of the year in the New South Wales Premier League last season, yesterday signed a new two-year contract with the Phoenix.
Signed by Ernie Merrick at the start of the season, Parkhouse’ first objective was to get game time and hopefully trigger a 15-game clause on his present one-year deal.
“It has all happened so quickly,” a smiling Parkhouse said in Auckland as he prepared for Saturday’s Hyundai A-League game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
“My first objective was to get in the team and then to play 15 games which would have given me another one year contract.
“Now I have two extra years to cement a place in the team.”
An injury to fullback Tom Doyle saw Merrick deploy Parkhouse in the unfamiliar role of left-back, but he’s been up for the challenge.
“Obviously, I would like to play further forward but the injury to Tom has given me an opportunity to add something else to my game,” he said.
“Ernie, and now Chris (Greenacre) and Des (Buckingham) have helped me adjust and I have enjoyed the challenge.
“When Doyley (Tom Doyle) comes back either this week or next week then so be it, but I feel I have something to add to the team further up the field.
“These first few games, albeit in an unfamiliar position, have given me a chance to get used to the A-League and hopefully I will continue to get games.”
