Signing news: Phoenix extend Sotirio deal for two more years

Jaushua Sotirio’s fine form for Wellington Phoenix has been rewarded with a new two-year contract extension.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers attacker has established himself in Ufuk Talay’s line-up in the 2019/20 campaign, starting nine of the Nix’s Hyundai A-League 11 matches.

The 24-year-old speedster featured in 81 matches across six seasons in the Red and Black of Wanderers before opting for a change of scenery across the ditch as part of Talay’s revolution in Wellington during his rookie season as a coach.

Sotirio struck his first Phoenix goal against his former club in the 2-1 win against Wanderers in Round 9 and his coach is delighted to have the Sydnersider on board until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

“Jaushua has been great for us this season,” Talay told wellingtonphoenix.com

“He’s been a dynamic attacking player for us as he has a lot of speed and versatility upfront and fits in well with the players around him.

SIGNING NEWS: Taylor and Rufer pen long-term deals with Wellington
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“We bought him in to work hard and to continually raise his game and he’s certainly fit the bill in that regard.

“Jaushua is very influential with the team – a young player with lots of experience, ambition and drive who wants to be successful and for the team to be successful.

Talay’s Phoenix have strung together a run of seven matches unbeaten which has seen them rise to sixth place in the Hyundai A-League ladder.

The Kiwi outfit were unfancied by many at the start of the season following a major turnover in players, but new signings Ulises Davila, David Ball, Reno Piscopo, Stefan Marinovic, Tim Payne and Sotirio are among those who have starred for the revitalised club.