New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston has extended his contract with the Wellington Phoenix until the end of the next A-League season.
Paston, who is currently out of action with a broken leg, is joined by fellow keeper Reece Crowther and utility Troy Hearfield who have also agreed to stay on in the New Zealand capital until the end of 2010/11.
“We’re delighted Mark, Reece and Troy have agreed to stay at the Phoenix,” said Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata.
“It’s all about the club continuing to grow and having stability leading into next season.”
The trio join skipper Andrew Durante, New Zealand internationals Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead, Daniel Cortes, Diego Walsh, Marco Rojas, Maltese international Manny Muscat, Vince Lia and gun British strikers Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill as confirmed squad members for the next campaign.
Talks are ongoing with former Socceroos centre back Jon McKain, while discussions will also continue with the club’s two newest recruits – striker Eugene Dadi and keeper Liam Reddy.
“Jon wanted some time to get back into the squad after coming back from injury,” explained Pignata.
“We’ve tabled an offer that we’re currently discussing and we hope to have something confirmed in the next couple of weeks.”
“We’ve had initial discussions with Eugene and Liam to get a gauge of what their intentions are and those discussions will continue.”
“Both have fitted in superbly and added a lot of depth to the squad, so there is plenty to talk about with them.”
The Phoenix depart for Perth on Tuesday ahead of crucial games against the Glory on Friday night and Melbourne the following Tuesday.
Left back Lochhead will miss the two-match trip because of a niggling groin injury, opening the way for Sigmund to make a return to the starting line-up.
