Wellington have rounded off their compulsory roster by signing versatile Australian defender Jade North for the new A-League soccer season.
North, 28, is seen as a ready-made replacement for the departed Jon McKain, having partnered Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante in the heart of the Newcastle Jets defence during their title-winning
season in 2008.
North has been capped 28 times for Australia at senior level after coming through national age-group sides.
He joins after stints with Norwegian side Tromso and South Korea's Incheon United.
Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert was delighted to have North aboard.
"Jade's a proven performer at elite level, with almost 100 appearances in the A-League. He was outstanding for the Jets alongside Dura (Durante) when they won the title a couple of seasons back and he'll fit in really well with the group we have here.
"Not only does he have a wealth of experience but he also brings significant leadership qualities to the club, having captained the Jets, and he's a great replacement for Jon McKain."
Herbert said the signing of North completed the bulk of recruitment for the Phoenix at this point, with the compulsory 20 players on the club's books.
The club was also currently trialling Indonesian striker Bambang Pamungkas.
"We're fortunate in that we've retained the core of the squad from last season's great campaign and that we've been able to add some real talent and quality in key areas of the pitch from front the back.
"There's plenty of cause for optimism about our chances this season and we're looking forward to getting things under way," Herbert said.
The Phoenix get their A-League season under way with a home game against Gold Coast United on August 13.
- NZPA
