KEY POINTS:
Looking to bolster their leaky A-League soccer defence, Wellington Phoenix are letting two Brazilians go.
With the transfer window open until the end of November, Wellington have opened two vacancies in their squad.
Brazilian imports George Paladini and Cleberson are leaving, the club announced today.
Striker Paladini and defender Cleberson have played limited roles and club management opted to release them from their contracts.
The contracts had been terminated by mutual agreement, Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said.
" Unfortunately, the club does not see a role for them in our set-up in the long-term," he said.
"Like all professional footballers they want to be playing regularly.
"We agreed that it was better to release the players from their contracts early to allow them to pursue other opportunities elsewhere."
With Wellington boasting the worst defensive record in the league, coach Ricki Herbert can now search for tough and experienced defensive-minded players.
He needs a player to put some composure in the centre with Karl Dodd and a right fullback.
Jeremy Christie, a midfielder, has inherited the position by default as no others tried there have shone.
After 11 matches, Wellington have leaked 20 goals, four more than bottom-placed, Perth Glory who they beat 1-0 last week.
The rookie club are seventh in the standings with 11 points at the halfway stage of the competition from three wins and two draws.
Wellington's other two skilful Brazilians, Daniel and Felipe, have proved to be key players and are popular with the fans.
Daniel has scored three goals while Felipe has two.
- NZPA
