Phoenix stalwart Paul Ifill will consider relocating to Auckland to play for Auckland City or Waitakere United to revive his football career.
So long a favourite of Wellington football fans, Ifill admits his comeback might mean leaving the capital.
If his logical return to the game is through the ASB Premiership, then the Queen City boast the two biggest franchises in the country.
"I just want to play football again," Ifill says. "I'm not interested in leaving New Zealand. That's my base at the moment and we are settled in Wellington. Of course I would look at Auckland, and Auckland City and Waitakere are two of the best clubs at that level. I have to look at all the options."
A chance to play at the Club World Cup would be another drawcard, as Auckland City have qualified for the last four years (and six in total) and Waitakere represented Oceania at the global showpiece in Japan in 2007 and 2008.
Ifill's ultimate goal is to return to action with the Wellington Phoenix. It's not out of the question - the club would look at all possibilities, including an incentive-based, match payments deal - but his A-League return hinges on two factors.
The first is obvious. The 34-year-old needs to recover from his Achilles tendon injury, one of the worst that can befall a footballer, especially an older player.
The second factor is how he would fit into the roster. Coach Ernie Merrick is keen to have him back - apart from being a crowd favourite, he would be a great impact player - but finding a place for the former Millwall and Crystal Palace player won't be easy.
This season's five visa spots are taken, with Dutchman Roly Bonevacia joining Albert Riera, Kenny Cunningham, Roy Krishna and Alex Rodriguez in Wellington. Ifill might sign at some stage as an injury-replacement player and the other option will depend on when Ifill is classed as a local.
To be defined as a non-import player, Ifill has to be a New Zealand citizen. He became a resident only last month, so will need to prove 'special circumstances' to fast track a citizenship application.
Ifill says his recovery is "on track". He's running, biking, swimming and cross training up to four hours a day.
"It's hard sometimes," Ifill says. "Occasionally, you lose your mind. I've been a professional footballer for 16 years and I just want to play again."
Ifill says the pain is "mostly gone" in the Achilles but the calf muscle needs strengthening to support the tendon and ligaments around it.
He enjoyed his recent stint as a commentator and analyst during the Football United tour but isn't ready to make a permanent switch to the microphone and jacket just yet.
"Other players who have had the same injury have given me a lot of hope," Ifill says. "They say it's difficult but you get there. I hope to be back near a training field in the next two months."