Football: Early present for Sigmund

Ben Sigmund of the Wellington Phoenix (centre) celebrates after the Phoenix score. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Ben Sigmund received an early birthday present today when he signed a new one-year contract with the Wellington Phoenix that will take him through to the end of the 2015-16 A-League season.

Sigmund, who will turn 34 on Tuesday, the day after the second-placed Phoenix restart their campaign against the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, said he was delighted the club wanted him to continue.

"I thought hard about it and decided I wasn't ready to stop playing just yet," the defender said.

"After talking it through with Ernie [Merrick] we both felt I could contribute to another season.

"Actually I feel I've got better with age because I have matured as a player and as a person and Ernie has had a lot to do with that.

"I feel blessed that he came to the Phoenix when he did or this might not have happened.
"He sat me down and told me it isn't acceptable not to be disciplined on the field, and you don't see me giving away silly free kicks round the box these days or getting cheap yellow cards.

Merrick said he was pleased Sigmund had decided to continue and suggested there was no reason next season had to be his last.

"Ben is becoming, if he isn't already, a legend at the Phoenix and is an iconic character," the coach said.

"He feels he has never been the most skilful of players but he always gives 100 per cent and is very coachable.

"They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks but Ben has proved that saying wrong.
"His passing into midfield and to the front players has improved out of sight, and in the game against the Mariners at Eden Park he had a 90 per cent success rate.

"The partnership he has formed with Andrew Durante is formidable and very important to the team."

Sigmund made his debut for the Phoenix in 2008 and has made 154 appearances for the club.