Uncertain Nix future doesn’t faze Fenton

Louis Fenton does not fear the potential demise of Wellington Phoenix.

The hometown product recently signed a two-year extension with the Phoenix, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2020-21 A-League season.

By doing so, the All Whites defender became the first Phoenix player to commit beyond its current A-League licence, which expires at the end of next season.

But as far as the right-back is concerned – yes, he is happy to admit he is a right-back now despite signalling his ambitions as attacking midfielder in the pre-season – Fenton believes the future is bright for the Phoenix, especially if Mark Rudan continues as coach.

‘‘I’m a local boy, my whole career has been at Wellington and I think the club is building something special now. We’re not just happy to be in the league, we want to go places and win things, so things are probably looking more positive than they ever have at the club,’’ said Fenton, who recently surpassed the 100-game milestone.

‘‘They offered me a two-year deal and people have brought up how is that possible to sign beyond the licence, but everything I’ve heard is that the Phoenix is going to be around and I’m confident the club is going to be around.’’

Fenton’s own future appeared uncertain last season, after he was released by former coach Darije Kalezic with a promise of a contract for 2018-19. Chasing more sufficient game time after a series of long-term injuries, he signed for Team Wellington in the ISPS Handa Premiership before moving to Australia to play for Melbourne Knights in the second-tier NPL.

However, Fenton’s spell in Melbourne was short-lived.

He broke his leg only 10 minutes into his debut.

The injury was so bad Rudan said he was told by coaches in Australia that the 25-year-old was ‘‘finished’’.

‘‘Last year was really tough physically and mentally,’’ Fenton said.

‘‘But that was the good thing about the previous coach getting sacked is that I came in with a fresh start and Mark said to everyone that everyone starts on the same level and whoever performs the most plays, so straight from day one everything was up for grabs.’’

Phillip Rollo