Lewis re-signs with Nix ahead of homecoming
Local lad Clayton Lewis should get to experience more than just one game at Sky Stadium after signing a two-year contract extension with Wellington Phoenix ahead of Saturday’s homecoming fixture.
The New Zealand international has been rewarded for his strong debut season in the A-League after cementing himself as a regular starter in central midfield alongside either Alex Rufer or Cameron Devlin.
Lewis has featured in all 22 games for the Phoenix this season, but was initially deployed as an attacking midfielder before finding his feet in a deeper-lying role.
Due to the team’s relocation to Wollongong in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, this Saturday’s game against Western United will be the Wellington Olympic product’s first for the Phoenix at Sky Stadium.
‘‘It means a lot to me to re-sign, growing up and watching the club, always being a fan and now this season I’m putting the jersey on – that’s quite a big thing for me and to be able to walk out at Sky Stadium with the fans out there this Saturday is going to be special,’’ Lewis said.
‘‘I didn’t really expect to play as much as I have done, so obviously I’m really happy about that.
‘‘Playing in the [number] 6 [role] is a little bit different to my usual position, but I get the ball a lot more and I can showcase my passing abilities from a little bit further back.’’
Lewis scored his first goal for the Phoenix in a 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory in March.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay said the 24-year-old’s contract extension was deserved after a series of consistent performances.
Lewis joined the Phoenix from
Auckland City and before that played for English club Scunthorpe United.
‘‘Clayton has done well for us this season, he’s shown good character and passing range, he’s been solid for us,’’ Talay said.
Lewis is the first of 16 offcontract players to re-sign with the Phoenix for next season and his signature comes amid reports from Australia that captain Ulises Davila has agreed to join A-League rivals Macarthur on a three-year deal worth $2 million.
The Phoenix yesterday declined to comment on the reports linking Davila with a move away from the club.