McKain extends Wellington Phoenix contract

Jon McKain has extended his Wellington Phoenix contract by a further two seasons.

The 27-year old Australian defender was due to come out of contract at the end of next month but the high-flying Phoenix have managed to retain him in a major coup for the club.

McKain turned back the clock this season, performing at a consistent level and coming under notice from Australian national team coach Pim Verbeek who selected him for an Asian Cup match earlier this month and Phoenix chief Tony Pignata was delighted to announce that he was staying on.

“It’s fantastic he’s agreed to stay for a further two years,” he said. “Jon’s been sensational for us this season since coming back from injury and he’s formed a great partnership at the back with Andrew Durante, who of course will also be staying on in Wellington for at least the next two seasons.

“Jon was very much in demand with other Hyundai A-League clubs, at least six of them, because he’s an excellent player. But he’s enjoying Wellington and being part of the club and that’s what ultimately made it a pretty straight-forward decision for him.”

McKain admitted he was happy to finally put pen to a new deal.

“I know it took a while to get things over the line but it wasn’t a stalling tactic at all – there were a lot of factors to consider on top of football, including the fact I have a young family,” McKain said.

“But as a team we had a great second half of the season and that ultimately convinced me to stay. We had a successful season and made the Finals Series, so I’m happy to remain at the club and push for bigger things next season.”