The roster for the Wellington Phoenix continues to take shape with the signing of Kiwi midfielder Matt Ridenton on a one-year contract.
Ridenton returns to the Phoenix after making his professional debut for the Wellington side in 2013, appearing in 72 matches across five seasons, scoring four goals.
Phoenix coach, Ufuk Talay says that Ridenton will help shore up the depth in the midfield and provide another versatile option.
"It's always good to add another talented young Kiwi player into our ranks, as well as someone with Matt’s level of experience – both internationally and in the A-League," Talay says.
"He'll have every chance to contribute next season and to show his skills. I know he's got a solid work-rate and a wide passing range which we hope will fit into our style of play."
Ridenton says that he is looking forward to a return to the club, albeit based in Wollongong for the start of the season.
"It’ll be a different sort of feeling to meet up with the team in Wollongong as opposed to Wellington, but that’s the world we’re living in at the moment."
"It’s always great to play in front of your home fans in New Zealand, but hopefully we’ll get some support from the fans in Wollongong."
Ridenton says he is looking forward to playing under Talay and the setup he put in place last season with the Phoenix - especially after seeing it first-hand when his Brisbane Roar side took on the Nix during the season restart.
"Ufuk has brought a great playing style to the squad, I watched the team grow last season into a really good ball possession team - probably the best team alongside Sydney FC and Melbourne City to watch, which is a real credit to the coach and the players."
Ridenton will travel from Brisbane to Wollongong on Saturday to join the squad at their pre-season training camp, as they prepare for the season start on December 27.
The Phoenix have also announced on Friday that Australian defender Luke DeVere has re-signed with the club on a one-year contract.
