Vince Lia has re-signed with the Wellington Phoenix for another two years.
Vince Lia has re-signed with the Wellington Phoenix for another two years.
Just days after young midfielder Cameron Lindsay also put pen to paper on a two-year deal, the 27-year-old Australian has followed suit.
“It was a pretty easy decision to be honest,” said Lia, a founding member of the New Zealand A-League club.
“With this group of players I feel there could be something special happening in the future.
“We’ve had a good season and feel we can do even better over the next couple (of seasons).
“We have the nucleus of a strong squad and if we can just add a bit more quality and depth I honestly believe we can be a top-two club.”
Lia was originally signed as a right-back but has made his name as a tenacious midfielder alongside Tim Brown, who has now retired to pursue his studies in Britain.
His re-signing means coach Ricki Herbert now has 12 players on the books for next season.
Lia has not given up hope of playing for New Zealand either, although he has previously played for Australia’s under-20 and under-23 sides which could rule that out.
He has applied to become a New Zealand citizen.
“FIFA is on record as saying they will listen to each case individually so there is still a chance of it happening,” Lia said.
“While that (playing for the All Whites) didn’t come into it when I was making my decision, committing myself to New Zealand for another two years can’t harm my cause.
“If it happens then it is a bonus. The main thing is I am at the Phoenix for another two years and I am delighted about that.”
Wellington are still in negotiations with Mark Paston, Dani Sanchez and Alex Smith about extending their contracts.
Talks are also ongoing with Chris Greenacre, who is expected to stay at the Phoenix in some capacity, although whether that will be as a player or in a coaching role is unclear.
