Soccer: Phoenix sign Victory midfielder

Melbourne Victory midfielder has signed with the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Getty Images

Nick Ward has signed a one-year deal with Wellington Phoenix on the last day of the transfer window, bolstering the club's midfield stocks for the remainder of the A-League soccer season.

The 25-year-old former Australian age-group representative joins the Phoenix from Melbourne Victory, with his new club hoping he will add creativity in the midfield.

"Nick's a good addition to the squad and adds depth into the midfield in a more attacking role," Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said today.

"He's the sort of midfielder who gets more advanced and he has a great engine."

Ward, who played the 2006-07 season with English Championship team Queens Park Rangers before joining Melbourne and winning an A-League premiership in 2008-09, will be vying with players such as All White Tim Brown, Australian Vince Lia and South Americans Daniel and Oscar 'Toto' Cornejo for a starting spot in the middle of the park.

"Each and every player at the club offers different qualities, hence the reason why we've sought to add depth to the squad," Herbert said.

"There's now a healthy competition for places and we must remember that, given the longer season, everyone will have ample opportunity to stake their claims."

Ward will be available for selection for the Phoenix's match away against Perth Glory on Sunday.

"He's been training with the Victory and he's coming here fully fit and ready to go," Herbert said.

- NZPA