Michael McGlinchey is finally free to join the Wellington Phoenix after his former club the Central Coast Mariners cut their losses last night.

Ryan Nelsen's sudden departure from Toronto FC is "puzzling and hard to explain", according to a former All White who coached alongside him at the Canadian MLS franchise.

The biggest sporting figure in Uzbekistan is not a player. Nor is it a coach, or even a commentator.

Michael McGlinchey could officially be a Phoenix player by the end of this week.