Wellington Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre was delighted to put pen to a contract extension with the A-League club.

The 32-year old, who joined the Phoenix from English club Tranmere Rovers at the start of last season, will stay in Wellington until at least the end of the 2011/12 campaign and admitted it was a great relief to sign a new deal.

"I'm absolutely delighted. It's great to know where you future lies and thankfully it's here in Wellington. I've loved every minute of being here. It's a fantastically well-run club. The playing group is so tight-knit and I'm thankful (club owner) Terry Serepisos and (coach) Ricki Herbert want me to remain part of that," he said.

The West Yorkshire-born Greenacre, who netted close to 50 goals for Tranmere over four seasons following stints with Stoke City, Mansfield Town and Manchester City, said he was very comfortable at the New Zealand club and laid special praise on the coaching staff who have made him and his family feel so welcome in the capital.

"The coaching staff is amazing. The first time I spoke to Ricki I knew he was the coach I wanted to play for. What he brings to the club is second to none. I want to be a coach myself when I finish playing and the things I've learned from Ricki have been hugely beneficial to me," he added.

"And (assistant coaches) Luciano Trani and Jonathan Gould also deserve massive recognition - they do a huge amount of work behind the scenes. As a player you want the best coaching there is and we're fortunate at the Phoenix to have that.

"Ever since I came to Wellington everyone has been fantastic, making my wife and I feel welcome. The response of the Wellington public has been absolutely overwhelming and that's another big factor that influenced our decision to stay here."