Wellington exodus continues with Williams exit

The post-season exodus at Wellington Phoenix continues with the club confirming forward David Williams has moved on after the end of his contract.

Williams and the Phoenix had been in negotiations to extend the one-year contract the Australian had signed in July 2018.

However, the 31-year-old has since officially told the club he will not be returning.

INS & OUTS: Wellington Phoenix
‘ONGOING DISCUSSIONS’: Talay targets Kiwi stars

Get Onside Limitless banner

 

David Williams’ 2018/19 Season stats

The two-cap Caltex Socceroo scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for Mark Rudan’s side during the 2018/19 campaign, his first stint back in the Hyundai A-League following three seasons in Hungary with Haladas.

TRANSFER HUB: All OF THE HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE INS & OUTS

Williams’ departure is a significant blow for the Kiwi outfit, who alongside Johnny Warren Medal winner Roy Krishna have now lost 29 of the 46 goals which stoked the club’s sixth-place finish last season.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6021428475001

In addition, reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Filip Kurto and midfielder Max Burgess have joined 2019/20 newcomers Western United, while six other players have also moved on.

It leaves new boss Ufuk Talay with a sizeable rebuilding job, with the Phoenix head coach hinting that he will regenerate his depleted squad with talented New Zealand youngsters.

Talay last week made All Whites shot stopper Stefan Marinovic and Young Socceroos defender Walter Scott – who arrived from Bristol City and Perth Glory respectively – his first signings.

UFUK TALAY: First press conference as Wellington Phoenix boss

David Williams

New telstra banner