The Nix want to copy trailblazers like Sydney FC by keeping a strong core group together while cherry picking from the best of the available market.
Defender Steven Taylor and midfielder Alex Rufer were the first contract extensions announced and now Jaushua Sotirio is the latest to secure his future in New Zealand.
Confirmed
Rufer signed a three-year extension while Taylor and Sotirio committed the next two years of their career to the Kiwi outfit. Sotirio joined this summer and has emerged as one of the sides more important attackers and has played 10 games this season, while Taylor and Rufer are key members of Ufuk Talay’s side.
After a season of upheaval, these medium term deals are blessed relief for the Phoenix. Both Taylor and Rufer have spoken about how much future security matters.
When asked if it makes a difference, Rufer said: “It helps the players focus on the main thing, that’s playing well and doing their best.”
Taylor agreed, and added: “It’s important. That was one of our downfalls last year, there was a lot of speculation with players and what’s going to happen with them. Come the quarter finals with Melbourne Victory is wasn’t a good situation because players didn’t know if they were coming or going.”
Right direction
There is a sense that this playing group could go on to do good things for the Phoenix. They are currently seven games unbeaten and are blooding youth in a policy that could enable the side to enjoy a consistent period of success.
Talay’s work isn’t done yet and the club still need to secure a number of their best players to new contracts. Louis Fenton’s deal expires in 2021, as does David Ball and goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.
The Nix have spoken about learning from the best and ensuring a core group of players is around for the next three to five years. They’re finally thinking like title winners, and that trio of announcements this week is an excellent push in the right direction.