Soccer: Killen won't rule out Phoenix move

Chris Killen's physical style is appealing to the Wellington Phoenix who are in need of a striker. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Chris Killen looks set to move on from his Chinese club but is unlikely to be the striking saviour for the Phoenix - yet.

Shenzen FC have been relegated from the Chinese Super League, making the prospect of staying on a lot less palatable for the All White forward.

Currently in England on a two week holiday, Killen will meet with the club upon his return to discuss his future. He has a year remaining on his contract but may not see it out. When Killen first moved to China, he probably had ambitions of playing in the Asian Champions League, so turning out in the second tier of Chinese football may hold little appeal.

"Obviously I want to be playing in the Super League so I need to see what the club's ambitions are," says Killen. "When we sit down, I will need to know their views; are they going to really push things to bounce straight back up?"

Killen doesn't see his current contractual situation as a hindrance to a move.

"It seems pretty laidback here," says Killen of the Chinese football scene. "I think a deal could be done. I'm always going to have one eye open for other opportunities."

Could one of the those opportunities be the Phoenix? The Wellington side desperately need a striker and Killen's physical style appeals as one that could be effective in the A-League. Ricki Herbert and Killen have a long association and Killen grew up in the capital, attending Rongotai College and playing for Mirimar.

"Whenever I speak to Ricki, he always asks me how I am going and what my situation is," says Killen. "I know I am always going to be linked with the Phoenix because I'm a Wellington boy. I know that one day I will go back there."

Herbert told the Herald on Sunday they would be "keeping a close eye on his situation" but the sticking point is likely to be financial. It is doubtful the Wellington team could match what Killen could command from other clubs in China or across Asia and, at the age of 30, he will want to secure his family's future.

"It's hard to say but probably my future in the near future is in Asia," says Killen. "It's been an amazing experience to be here and great to experience such a different culture."

Another possibility is a short term loan deal, which could suit both parties. The Chinese season is relatively short (from April to November), meaning a longer pre-season than normal.

"We prepare from January to April and it is a bit of a grind," says Killen.

"After all these years my body knows [pre-season] is going to be six weeks but now it is four months which is tough. A loan somewhere is an option. I'm not sure if it is possible but I will look into it."

Killen has endured a frustrating season. They had four months living and playing away from their home base, shifted out of the way as the World University Games came to their city. Their coach was sacked; the new manager shipped out a lot of players and the revised squad took a long time to gel. Plus the manager had some interesting tactical ideas.

"For a long time he didn't want me playing as an out and out striker," says Killen. "I had to come back into midfield to receive the ball. Chances were coming but I wasn't there. It was a little confusing for the team and pretty tough for everyone to get used to."