Rufer content to stay put
Alex Rufer has re-signed with the Wellington Phoenix.
The 22-year-old has spent five seasons at the club, but came off contract at the end of last season.
New coach Mark Rudan offered him a trial to earn a new contract, which was rewarded yesterday when it was announced the midfielder had signed a oneyear deal.
Rufer, son of former All White Shane Rufer and nephew of Wynton Rufer, signed his first contract with the club in 2013. Since then, he has made only 22 appearances, with just five starts, playing 662 minutes in the A-league over five seasons.
He said he was happy to have signed a new deal at the club, which had a ‘‘fantastic vibe’’ early in Rudan’s reign.
‘‘Mark is the type of coach you want to fight for on the pitch because he instils belief in his players,’’ Rufer said.
Rudan said he was happy to have secured Rufer for another season and was impressed by what he had seen in the preseason camp on the Gold Coast.
‘‘He has shown me that he is willing to learn and he’s still a young player wanting to improve.
‘‘I’m very happy to have him here this season.’’
The signing makes Rufer available for selection for the Phoenix’s FFA Cup round of 32 clash against Victorian NPL side Bentleigh Greens in Melbourne tonight.