Eugene Dadi’s departure from the Perth Glory has played into Wellington’s hands as the big striker joins the Phoenix for the rest of the 2009/10 Hyundai A-League season.
Dadi asked for a release from the Glory in the midst of a season where he has struggled to hold a place in the top side.
Perth’s equal top-scorer in 2008/09 with 10 goals, the 36-year-old has been forced to ply his trade in the National Youth League this season.
When he became available during the January transfer window, the Phoenix were quick to lure him across the Tasman. They see the 1.88m Ivory Coast international as an ideal target man alongside strikers Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre.
Dadi has already arrived in Wellington and trained alongside his new team-mates ahead of Saturday’s home clash with the Brisbane Roar.
“Eugene’s a vastly talented and experienced striker who will offer (coach) Ricki (Herbert) something different up front,” Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said.
“He’s a big, strong and cunning striker and as a club we feel he’ll be valuable for us in the closing stages of the season as we seek to secure a spot in the playoffs.”
“Eugene still has a fierce desire to achieve at the highest level and he’s shown commitment and value to his previous clubs.”
“We’re certain that’s exactly what he’ll bring to the Phoenix.”
Dadi is available for selection against the Roar, depending on whether or not Herbert wants to rush him in to perform in front of his new fans at Westpac Stadium.
Another new Phoenix player keen to make his mark on Saturday will be goalkeeper Liam Reddy.
Reddy also left on less than amicable terms from his former club, Brisbane, and joined Wellington as an injury replacement for regular stopper Mark Paston.
Victory would leap-frog the seventh-placed Phoenix over the Roar, into the all-important top-six and closer to the club’s maiden trip to the Hyundai A-League play-offs.
