Wellington Phoenix have made a deadline day move to sign Corban Piper from Birkenhead United on a one-season scholarship deal.
The 22-year-old, who scored seven goals in Birkenhead’s first eight games in New Zealand’s Northern League campaign, makes the jump to the Isuzu UTE A-League but the midfielder has been signed by the ‘Nix to play a defensive role.
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An attacking number 10 at Birkenhead, Piper has played as both a defensive midfielder and centre-back and it’s the latter of those two positions Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano plans to utilise his scholarship signing as the recruit secured on the final day of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men transfer window arrives to bolster the squad’s defensive stocks.
“Corban has all of the attributes to be a really good ball-playing central defender,” Italiano said. “He’s quite a tenacious defender, he’s strong and he’s got a good physique.
“He’s got better and better every training session since he’s been with us, which means he’s hungry to do well and will embrace the opportunity. And by all accounts Corban’s a really good person as well, which is really important.
“We’re going to spend the next couple of months to get him up to speed and build on all of the attributes he already has.”
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Piper is set for his first season in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and despite flourishing as an attacking midfielder at Birkenhead, the scholarship recruit says he’ll relish his role as a defender at the ‘Nix.
“It’s all happened so quickly,” Piper said. “It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been great.
“I’m absolutely stoked. I love getting up in the morning and coming to training and being
involved with the boys.
“I’ve been working really hard behind closed doors for quite a while now and I’m really
grateful to get the opportunity to show myself at a professional club.”
“Physicality is probably my greatest strength,” he added. “I can’t wait to make some big tackles!
“I was playing a more advanced midfield role this season, but last year I was playing more of
a defensive role as a centre back and a defensive midfielder.
“The way Chiefy plays he wants the centre-backs to be ball players and I think I have the
ability to do that.
“Being a 10 this season has really helped me develop my awareness and my one touch passing.”
