New Phoenix coach spurs Rufer to resign
WELLINGTON: All White midfielder Alex Rufer has signed a new oneyear contract with the Wellington Phoenix.
The Wellington Phoenix Academy graduate and nephew of All Whites great Wynton Rufer has committed to another year with the Phoenix after appearing in 11 games last season.
Rufer said he was looking forward to pushing on and helping the team to compete in the ALeague this season.
‘‘I am very happy to have signed a new deal and I can’t wait to help the team this year.
‘‘We have a fantastic vibe at the club and I wanted to be a part of that.’’
Rufer highlighted the impact head coach Mark Rudan had had since his arrival for the reason he signed the new contract.
‘‘Mark is the type of coach you want to fight for on the pitch because he instills belief in his players,’’ Rufer said.
Rufer debuted in February 2014, coming on in the 32 away win against Newcastle Jets and he will hope to be in line to face them again in this season’s opener.
Rudan said he was impressed by what he had seen of Rufer 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 and I can see him really developing in the squad we have.’’ — RNZ