Despite all the speculation around the future of the Wellington A League football club the Phoenix, captain Andrew Durante has signed on for another season.
Durante, who turned 36 earlier this month, holds the record for the all time A-League appearances at 288 having joined the Phoenix in 2008.
The club has been the subject of speculation over the past few weeks that it was possibly going to be sold or partly sold to Australian investors and the team could end up playing half its home games in Sydney and the other half in Wellington.
Club general manager David Dome said "the club is not for sale (but) we are looking for someone to help with the financial burden."
He said there was "no truth" to the speculation the Phoenix would end up playing homes game in Sydney and Wellington.
Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante. Photo: Photosport
The club's A league licence expires at the end of the 2019-20 season but they're still without a head coach for the next season which Dome said they hoped to have resolved soon but was unable to give a deadline for the appointment.
Dome said signing Durante and young full back, Liberato Cacace, who has been part of the club's youth academy for the past four years was consistent with statements the club's made that it's build up to the next season is continuing despite speculation over its future.
"While this (speculation) is not helpful, we as a club cannot control media speculation, but we can remain committed to working hard to pull together a competitive playing squad for next season," said Dome.
''Dura brings leadership on and off field and is hugely respected within the playing group,'' said Dome.
''Besides giving us some real solidity to build around, Dura is also taking up a part management role off the field to assist the team in commercial, marketing and community initiatives."
Dome said Durante is currently in the United States undertaking some professional development development funded by the club.
-RNZ
