Ex-Portsmouth defender Foxe happy with one-year deal at Sydney

Former Portsmouth, West Ham and Leeds United defender Hayden Foxe is happy with the one-year deal he agreed to with Sydney FC.

The 32-year old, who has represented Australia on 15 occasions, originally signed a short-term deal with the club as an injury replacement player but has now penned a further year which he is completely content with.

''The club came to me five or six weeks ago to tell me they want me to stay, and even though it's not been done in black and white yet, it's not going to get complicated,'' he said.

''I won't need any convincing to sign, it's a formality. The set-up is bloody good, the manager is fantastic, and at my age and with my record, a one-year deal is perfect. I learned a long time ago not to look too far ahead.''

Foxe has emerged as a key player in Sydney’s chase for a title as veterans Steve Corica and John Aloisi are out of this Saturday’s Grand Final against the Melbourne Victory and his experience will be invaluable.

But he admits he will be happy just to play any part in the 2009/10 decider.

''For the first time in a long time, the body feels good,” he added.

“Coming on for the last few minutes, which is what I've done since I got here, has worked out well. It's given me the chance to get back into the fold again after I hadn't played for 18 months, and right now I feel ready to be able to play week-in and week-out. Obviously that's not going to happen until next season, and a full pre-season will help.

''But if the manager wants me to play five minutes, 20 minutes, 90 minutes, in the grand final, then I'm up for it.

''I've only been here a couple of months but I can feel that the rivalry with Melbourne is genuine and I want to be part of it.”