Phoenix release defender

Dylan Fox has played his last game for Wellington Phoenix.

The 24-year-old centre-back, who is currently sidelined with a seasonending injury, has left the A-League club to pursue other opportunities.

The Phoenix said yesterday that Fox’s contract has been mutually terminated, effective immediately.

A promising defender, Fox won the players’ player of the year award at the end of last season and was touted as the long-term replacement for Phoenix captain Andrew Durante.

However, the Australian has found game time increasingly hard under coach Mark Rudan with Durante, Steven Taylor, Michal Kopczynski and Tom Doyle ahead of him in the pecking order.

After making 33 appearances across his first three seasons with the Phoenix, Fox’s contribution has been limited to just six games this campaign and he appeared unlikely to feature again, after damaging the syndesmosis ligaments in an ankle in a 1-0 loss to Sydney FC last month.

Off-contract at the end of the season, it is understood the decision to terminate his contract early was instigated by Fox, and Rudan did not stand in his way.

A request for an interview with Fox was declined by the club.

Already preparing for Fox’s longterm absence due to injury, the Phoenix last week promoted 20-year-old Gianni Stensness from the reserves team to fill the void.