Clayton Lewis (R) has once again found his feet and form with the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Photosport
Clayton Lewis (R) has once again found his feet and form with the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Photosport
Out of the darkness and into the light.
That could be a metaphor for Wellington Phoenix's season, as they have rebounded from a poor start to be pushing for a finals spot, with their unlikely charge capturing the imagination of local football fans, with a record crowd expected at EdenPark on Sunday against Perth Glory.
But it's also an appropriate way to describe the career turnaround for midfielder Clayton Lewis, who has rebounded impressively after a couple of lost seasons in England.
Lewis arrived at the Phoenix in the off-season with few expectations, aware of the presence of Ulises Davila and Reno Piscopo in his favoured playmaking role tucked behind the strikers.
But the 24-year-old has found his niche in a deeper slot, and despite plenty of competition for midfield spots, has featured in every game.
His opportunist goal complimented an energetic display in Wellington last week, while his set-piece prowess was demonstrated again on Wednesday, with both goals in the crucial 2-1 over Western Sydney deriving from his well-placed corners.
"I'm pretty happy," Lewis told the Herald on Sunday. "I didn't think I would play as much this season, being behind Reno and Uli. I thought I might get little opportunities off the bench or if there was an injury. But I've been tried a little deeper and I've enjoyed it, getting the ball to those more creative players, and letting them do their thing."
Clayton Lewis in action for the All Whites against Portugal at the 2017 Confederations Cup. Photo / Photosport
Barely out of his teens, he was a standout for the All Whites at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia, particularly in the 2-1 defeat to Mexico, where his passing, movement and vision belied his youth.
Lewis had already impressed at a local level for Auckland City and was capped in 2015 by Anthony Hudson, but those performances put him on the world stage. There was interest from clubs in Sweden, Germany and Russia, but Lewis eventually opted for a "dream move" to Scunthorpe United.
His stint at the League One outfit, once home to Kevin Keegan and Ray Clemence, quickly turned into a nightmare. Lewis took time to adjust, but then barely played, his cause not helped by a rotating cast of coaches.
After making his debut in 2-0 win over Charlton in late November 2017, he made only three more league appearances that season, a total of 24 minutes off the bench.
The 2018-2019 season was a similar struggle, as he missed the cut for the first 19 games of the season, before getting some game time (mostly as substitute) in the second part of the campaign.
"I wasn't given an opportunity," said Lewis. "The first year was fair enough, we're in the playoffs, winning games. But by the second season when we were in a relegation battle I still wasn't getting any opportunities.
"We had different coaches and every coach didn't really know who I was and you had to prove yourself. Then by the time I proved myself he was gone."
A rare glimpse of Clayton Lewis (R) taking the field for Scunthorpe United. Photo / Getty
One of the lowest moments came midway through the second season. After a long stint on the fringes, Lewis finally sensed an opportunity with a depleted squad.
"There was one week where we had a couple of injuries to the midfielders and I thought this could be my chance to play," recalls Lewis. "But they completely switched the formation, with one less midfielder and by that point I thought there's no trust in me whatsoever."
In hindsight Lewis admits his game wasn't particularly suited to the direct style employed in League One, but he doesn't regret the move.
"I've always played everywhere I've gone," says Lewis. "So to have a setback of not playing for two years was tough. But I learned a lot as a person, as a player and the defensive side of my game got a lot better, which helps me now."
Lewis still harbours European ambitions, but for now has found a perfect niche at the Phoenix, which has transformed his prospects.
He's a strong contender for the Olympic team and is likely to be back in the All Whites mix, after missing out on the last extended squad in November 2019.
The Phoenix can ensure a finals berth with wins over Perth and Macarthur FC (June 4th).
That scenario would complete a staggering recovery – they were a distant 12th in February – which has been built by a remarkable nine-game unbeaten run.
They seem to be peaking perfectly and will be energised on Sunday by a crowd that could top 25,000.
'We are playing well and getting results," says Lewis. "Coming home has been crucial for us and hopefully we can keep it going."
