Uncertainty at Phoenix reason for leaving

Matthew Ridenton has revealed that the uncertain future for the Wellington Phoenix was a major factor in his decision to leave the football club.

The 22-year-old midfielder signed a two-year contract with beaten A-League finalists Newcastle Jets, where he is set for a reunion with former Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick.

Despite being off-contract at the end of the season, Ridenton planned on sticking with the Phoenix. That was until he received a ‘‘surprise’’ phone call from Newcastle’s head of football operations, Joel Griffiths, who said the Jets were interested in signing him as an import.

Ridenton said the timing of the offer could not have been better as it came amid ongoing speculation about the future of the Phoenix, who at this stage are only guaranteed an A-League licence for a further two seasons.

"To be honest I wasn’t really looking at other A-League teams because I didn’t think that anything would possibly come up there. I was looking at other options because I was out of contract but I was really happy when a couple of A-League teams showed interest in me,’’ he said.

Ridenton was sold on a move to Newcastle pretty quickly. He was familiar with Merrick’s methods, had always wanted to play overseas, and said they provided security the Phoenix were unable to match.

Ridenton said he, like many young New Zealand players, had ambitions to play overseas. And while a move to Newcastle is not exactly a major change, he was still excited about the prospect of tackling a new challenge in a new environment after five seasons in Wellington.

‘‘I think going to Newcastle will be a really good next step in my career and hopefully I can go over there and prove myself and push towards a starting spot there as well,’’ he said.