Rival A-League clubs Keen on Roy Krishna

Wellington Phoenix have a battle on their hands if they want to retain star striker Roy Krishna.

It can be revealed that ‘several’ A-League clubs have made approaches for the off-contract Fijian international, with Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners keen to secure the services of one of the competition’s most lethal attackers. Stuff understands Sydney FC have also shown interest in acquiring Krishna for next season.

With 11 goals in 18 games, Krishna is one of the most prolific players in the A-League right now.

Only Sydney striker Adam Le Fondre (12 goals in 18 games) has scored more this season, while Brisbane Roar forward Adam Taggart has also netted 11 times. Krishna’s manager, Rex Dawkins, would not disclose which clubs have made a play for the 31-year-old. However, he did confirm that there has been plenty of interest from across the A-League.

“We have fielded interest from several A-League clubs but nothing further afield,” Dawkins said. “Everything with the Phoenix was put on hold while they were overseas but we’ve been talking to the Phoenix as well of course. “We’re not going to be in any rush to make a decision because this is probably the last major contract that Roy will get while he’s at the peak of his form so we want to make sure it’s the right decision in terms of where he goes and what have you.”

Although Phoenix coach Mark Rudan declined to comment on Krishna’s situation specifically, he said it was only natural for top performing players to attract interest from other clubs.

“We know the league, we understand how the league works and it’s a situation when you’re doing well [your players attract interest] but clubs need to notify us as well and we’ve had a few notifications for a couple of players,” Rudan said.

PENALTY TAKER

Meanwhile, Rudan said Krishna has relinquished his role as the Phoenix’s designated penalty-taker after he failed to convert for the second consecutive time in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle Jets on Thursday. Krishna has converted just seven of his 14 penalty attempts during his A-League career and the late miss against the Jets appears to be the final straw.

“I went straight up to Roy afterwards, after all the players went up to our fantastic travelling fans, and I put my arm around him and said ‘this is a good test of character for you now,” Rudan said.

“It’s happened once, it’s happened twice but we’ll keep moving forward, you’ve been great for us and don’t be down about it, we’ll keep working, keep fighting and make sure you get into those good goalscoring positions.’

“But he said ‘no boss, I’m passing the responsibility on to someone else now’. Those were his words.

“I don’t decide on penalty-takers. It really is a confidence thing and for me it’s about who is willing to pick up the ball and who is confident in striking it and hitting the back of the net, that’s all.

“We don’t practice penalties, it’s not a part of the game I work on, but when the players have extras they decide to do it, like Roy. Thursday’s draw leaves the Phoenix in sixth place on the A-League ladder, eight points clear of the Jets.

They take on second-place Melbourne Victory at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.

-Stuff

With 11 goals in 18 games, Krishna is one of the most prolific players in the A-League right now.