Phoenix offer lifeline to Nichols
Mitch Nichols has signed for the Wellington Phoenix on a two-year deal as the experienced A-League midfielder looks to revive his professional football career.
Nichols was confirmed as a Phoenix player alongside another new signing, former Melbourne City forward David Williams, at a dual player announcement at Westpac Stadium yesterday. Williams has signed a one-year deal. Although good enough to be capped five times by Australia at international level, Nichols’ career has stalled in the past 12 months following his arrest for possession of cocaine. His past two spells, with Perth Glory and Persela Lamongan, were both cut short due to ‘‘family reasons’’, with the stint in Indonesia lasting just six days.
Nichols escaped a criminal conviction following his arrest but was issued with a four-game suspension by Football Federation Australia and put on a good behaviour bond. At the time he said he feared for his future in the game, telling the Herald Sun that his arrest cost him a contract in Europe.
Crucially, he is a proven A-League performer and will bring much-needed experience to the depleted Phoenix midfield. He has already spent 11 seasons in the A-League already, having turned out for Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar, Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory.
Williams, meanwhile, arrives in Wellington via a two-year spell with Hungarian side Szombathelyi Haladas. The former Melbourne City and North Queensland Fury will bolster the Phoenix strike-force following the departures of off-contract players Andrija Kaludjerovic and Logan Rogerson.
Like Nichols, Williams has also represented Australia at international level, capped twice by the Socceroos.
‘‘These two players are proven A-League competitors – as their statistics prove, they can both score goals, and they both are capable of a bit of x-factor which can change a game,’’ Phoenix coach Mark Rudan said.
‘‘But importantly for me, and right at the top of my player characteristics list, is leadership and experience. These two players have that with over 350 A-League appearances between them.’’
Although not confirmed by the club, the Phoenix are also expected to unveil Legia Warsaw midfielder Michal Kopczynski later in the week.
The 26-year-old, who has played five games in the Uefa Champions League, flew to Wellington on the weekend ahead of his imminent transfer.