Wellington Phoenix have announced the signing of All Whites international and ISPS Handa Premiership-winning captain Tim Payne on a one-year contract, taking the number of Kiwis at the club to ten. 

The Auckland-born 25-year-old adds to the wealth of locally-produced talent at head coach Ufuk Talay’s disposal as he plans for the future.

Payne started his youth career with Auckland City before crossing town for Waitakere United where he made his mark, which contributed to his call-up to the New Zealand side for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

After an impressive campaign, Payne spent several months trailing with English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers before signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. 

The midfielder then returned home to Auckland City where he made ten appearances before heading overseas to American side Portland Timbers 2.

Most recently, Payne has been a figurehead for Auckland-based side Eastern Suburbs where he most recently captained them to their first national title since 1971.

Payne has also represented his country at all age-group levels and made his full All Whites debut in May 2012, coming on for Leo Bertos in a 1-0 win over Honduras in Dallas.

Payne is excited to have signed with the Wellington Phoenix. 

"It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to be back in a professional set-up," he says. 

"We’re a unique team being New Zealand’s only professional football club and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve this season.

"I know it’s not going to be easy to secure a spot in that starting line-up, with so much talent involved, but I know I have the ability and drive to succeed here in Wellington.

"Ufuk has a lot of belief in the younger players here and he’s been extremely encouraging which definitely helps my game."

Talay is excited to bring more Kiwi players in to the squad and believes Payne adds experience and maturity to the mix.

"Tim is a hard worker who has shown that, with drive and perseverance, good things can happen," he says.

"He’s a versatile player that fits well in to my vision for the season ahead and, having been involved in a professional set-up before, he brings a level of composure to the dressing room too. 

"His professional mentality and technical ability is something that excites me."

Payne has been training with the team this week and will permanently relocate this weekend before preparations continue ahead of the first pre-season friendly against Wairarapa United.  

Article added: Friday 19 July 2019