Football: Wellington Phoenix sign striker

Hamish Watson. Photo / Getty

The Wellington Phoenix have added to their strikeforce for the 2016-2017 A-League season by signing Hamish Watson on a one-year deal.

A former member of the Phoenix Football School of Excellence, Watson played two A-League games for the club before going to England where he played for Grimsby Town and went on loan to Gainsborough United.

He returned to New Zealand last year, playing Central League football for Wairarapa United and joining Hawke's Bay United in the ASB Premiership.

There, Watson shone, performing exceptionally alongside Sam Mason-Smith, Tom Biss, Cory Chettleburgh and Fabien Kurimata in Brett Angell's playoff-making outfit.

His form led to a return to the Phoenix as an injury replacement for Roy Krishna, and he stood out, scoring three times in four games.

In his second outing the strong striker scored two goals against Newcastle Jets before getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away at a free-kick.

Watson is delighted at the chance to become a fully-fledged professional.

"I was surprised when I got a second chance with the Phoenix and I am now determined to make the most of it," Watson said.

"This is a great chance for me and I want to make myself the number one striker at the club.

"The priority is to score goals and repay Ernie Merrick for the faith he has shown in me."

Watson has also been selected for an All Whites camp in May, with a chance to impress and gain his first national selection.

Watson joins Roy Krishna, Kosta Barbarouses, Blake Powell and Logan Rogerson in the Phoenix's frontline for next season.