The Wellington Phoenix have made a move before the men’s registration window closes, signing Corban Piper from Birkenhead United.
The combative midfielder has put pen to paper on a one-year scholarship contract with the Phoenix after a successful trial with the club.
Piper (22) was an integral member of Birkenhead’s midfield this year and scored seven goals in the team’s first eight Northern League matches.
But he’s joined the squad to give head coach Giancarlo Italiano more defensive cover for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season.
“Corban has all of the attributes to be a really good ball-playing central defender,” Italiano said. “He’s quite a tenacious defender, he’s strong and he’s got a good physique.
“He’s got better and better every training session since he’s been with us, which means he’s hungry to do well and will embrace the opportunity. And by all accounts Corban’s a really good person as well, which is really important.
“We’re going to spend the next couple of months to get him up to speed and build on all of the attributes he already has.”
Piper may make his debut for the club as early as tomorrow. He’s travelling to Sydney today for the men’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Newcastle Jets.
“It’s all happened so quickly,” Piper said. “It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been great.
“I’m absolutely stoked. I love getting up in the morning and coming to training and being involved with the boys.
“I’ve been working really hard behind closed doors for quite a while now and I’m really grateful to get the opportunity to show myself at a professional club.”
Corban Piper grew up on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, north of Auckland and played his junior football for Hibiscus Coast.
He has played most of his senior football for Birkenhead United but already has experience abroad. He played for Wexford FC last year in the League of Ireland first division.
And Piper is looking forward to switching to centre back, despite “banging in goals” playing as a 10 for Birkenhead.
“Physicality is probably my greatest strength. I can’t wait to make some big tackles!
“I was playing a more advanced midfield role this season, but last year I was playing more of a defensive role as a centre back and a defensive midfielder.
“The way Chiefy plays he wants the centre backs to be ball players and I think I have the ability to do that.
“Being a 10 this season has really helped me develop my awareness and my one touch passing.
“Like any other footballer, I just want to be playing, so that’s my big goal.”
Corban Piper will wear the no. 3 shirt for the Phoenix and is the men’s 23rd contracted player for the 2024-25 season.
This story was first published on September 16, 2024.
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