New Zealand soccer international Simon Elliott is still on the lookout for a club but is hopeful of at least attaining a short-term contract in the coming weeks.
Elliott, 36, has been unattached since being let go by American Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Jose before this year's WorldCup in South Africa, where he was a key player in midfield as the All Whites went through the tournament unbeaten after three draws.
He had explored options in the United States, where he lives with his partner, since the World Cup but nothing had eventuated.
It is understood he approached Wellington Phoenix for a 10-match guest stint at the A-League club this season, but was turned down because Wellington believed they had enough midfield options with the recent addition of Australian Nick Ward.
Wellington is Elliott's home city and the Phoenix are also coached by All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.
Elliott, back in New Zealand ahead of friendlies against Honduras in Auckland on October 9 and Paraguay in Wellington three days later, today told Wellington's Newstalk ZB radio station that he was still hopeful of signing a club contract.
"We didn't want to jump into anything straight after the World Cup, we've been hoping for something in America and there were a couple of teams which were very interested, but we just couldn't work it out - most teams had full rosters so there were numbers and salary cap issues," the former Fulham midfielder said.
"I kind of had a look at some short-term things but we couldn't get anything to work out there.
"There are a couple of things that could come up in the next few months."
Elliott said that, if nothing came up, he could potentially sign with an MLS club ahead of next season, but he would explore options before then, including overseas.
He was looking forward to the upcoming internationals, New Zealand's first since the World Cup.
"It's a great opportunity for us to get back in front of our home fans and say thank you," he said.
"The support we've had in the last year or so has been quite overwhelming. The best way we can thank them is to go out and play well."
