Soccer: Phoenix lock in key players

Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante has signed on for another three years. Photo / Getty Images

Three key Wellington Phoenix players have recommitted to the club, signing contract extensions to stay in Wellington well beyond the current A-League soccer season.

Skipper Andrew Durante has extended his deal for another three seasons, while club foundation member Vince Lia and Malta international Manny Muscat will remain in Wellington until at least the end of the 20011/12 campaign.

The three Australians join New Zealand star Leo Bertos in signing with the Phoenix well beyond this season.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the club had now locked in a significant core of frontline players for the coming seasons.

"Stability is a key thing for any club in terms of success and we were adamant that we wanted to re-sign the core playing group.

"We're delighted that Vinnie, Manny and Andrew have agreed to remain here at the Phoenix for future seasons."

The club is continuing negotiations with several other current players.

"We'll keep those discussions going with them and their agents," Pignata said. "We're focusing on re-signing the players we've identified as quickly as we can and locking them away to allow them to concentrate on this season."

- NZPA