Michael McGlinchey is finally free to join the Wellington Phoenix now his former club Central Coast Mariners have cut their losses.
The All Whites midfielder linked with the Phoenix in June but was unable to play officially as his contractual status had been under dispute.
Two weeks ago, an independentarbitrator ruled McGlinchey was contracted to the Central Coast Mariners, despite ownership issues at the club. That decision was under appeal.
However on Wednesday night Mariners coach Phil Moss told the Sydney Morning Herald they had decided to let McGlinchey go.
"Obviously we have a very special culture in the Mariners' and that culture doesn't allow for anyone that doesn't want to be here. Nor am I the type of coach that caters for players who don't want to be here," Moss said.
McGlinchey is the creative midfielder the team desperately need - he's like Carlos Hernandez but without the baggage - and has consistently been at the top of the A-League assists charts in recent seasons.
The 27-year-old is also coming into his prime as a player and offers versatility in midfield.
