Academy graduate Matt Sheridan is the first Wellington Phoenix player to commit to the club beyond the 2026-27 season.
The right fullback, who was promoted to the first-team squad on a two-year scholarship deal last December, has signed an upgraded three-year contract extension with the Phoenix, on full pro terms.
Sheridan (20) made four appearances for the Nix during the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season and featured twice for New Zealand at this year’s Paris Olympics.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano says it was a no-brainer to give Sheridan a contract extension and make him a full-time pro.
“Shez joined us late last year, and he really grew as the season went on,” Italiano said.
“He has lot of ability and I think if he can get some consistent minutes this season and work his way into being a starter he has a really promising career ahead of him.”
And Sheridan has all the attributes that Italiano wants as he evolves the Phoenix’s playing style.
“Shez is fast, has great endurance, and he’s technically very good.
“He can play right back, he can play as a six, he can also play as a winger and potentially even as a 10.
“He matches the sort of player that I want that can play across a number of positions.
Matt Sheridan didn’t need any convincing to re-sign with the Phoenix after a “really enjoyable” first season as a professional footballer.
“It was a pretty easy decision,” Sheridan said. “I grew with the team and the club last year and everyone saw how well we did.
“It’s obviously a lot easier when you’re winning games and there’s a good vibe around the team and training.
A midfielder throughout his junior career, Sheridan decided to make the switch to right back in 2022 as he was struggling for playing time for the Phoenix reserves.
It has paid off. After just one bench appearance for the reserves in the 2021 Central League, he started 17 of their 18 Central League matches the following year and was a key member of the side again in 2023.
“I saw an opportunity to go to right back and I haven’t looked back since.
“Obviously it comes with a lot of running, but with the way Chiefy plays there’s a lot of flexibility with how a right back operates.
“I enjoy it more than the midfield now because there are a lot more attacking opportunities and I get to do both sides of the game, which I enjoy.”
Goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald signs upgraded contract
Young goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald has also signed an upgraded contract with the Phoenix.
Kelly-Heald (19) joined the first team squad last December on a four-year scholarship deal.
The remainder of his contract is now on full pro terms.
It means 18 of Giancarlo Italiano’s 22-strong squad are now on full professional contracts, with four on scholarship deals.
This story was first published on September 12, 2024.
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