United players in demand

Wairarapa United will have record representation in this year's national summer league football series.

Coach Phil Keinzley confirmed yesterday that every single player in the starting line-up for the history-making Chatham Cup grand final win have been offered a contract by teams participating in that competition.

"It's huge for a club our size and just goes to show what happens when you put yourself in the shop window," Keinzley said. "I've never doubted the players all had the ability to perform at the top level, it's just been a case of getting to the point where the people who matter are forced to sit up and take notice. And the Chatham Cup run did that for them."

Just who striker Seule Soromon will represent in the national league remains to be seen. Chasing his signature are the two Auckland-based teams, Waitakere United and Auckland City, along with Manawatu and word is he could be leaning towards Auckland City.

Wairarapa United skipper Adam Cowan is believed to have four clubs after his services, Waitakere United, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, with Waitakere United perhaps having the inside running.

Speedy midfielder Dale Higham will have to choose between Wellington and Manawatu, as will Scott Robson if his trial with state league clubs in Brisbane is unsuccessful, while Matt Borren, Carl Shailer, Waisake Sabatu, James Oxtoby, Pita Rabo, Nathan Cooksley and Nobuyishi Ishi are all wanted by Manawatu.

Of those on the subs bench for Wairarapa United in the Chatham Cup final Pablo Moya is also being sought by Manawatu while Adam Milne and Miroslav Tvaroh made themselves unavailable for summer league selection, Black Cap Milne because of his cricketing commitments.

The good news for Wairarapa United, of course, is that all this season's squad have indicated their availability for the club again in 2012 and inquiries have also been received from several quality players from outside the region.

Pleasing too for Keinzley is the interest being shown in the coaching position after he announced his decision to stand down - most of it from outside the local region - and he is awaiting confirmation of what could be "exciting news" as to the level of football the Wairarapa United seconds team will play next season.

For Keinzley though the main focus is now on finding a suitable home base - complete with a suitable playing surface - for the club in 2012.

"We need to come up with something which is not only positive for Wairarapa United but for Wairarapa football as a whole," Keinzley said.