Phoenix farewell trio

Wellington Phoenix FC has released three players from its inaugural squad as the club begins building toward its second season in the Hyundai A-League.



Ahmad Elrich and Felipe Campos have not had their one-year contracts renewed by the Phoenix, while short-term replacement Kristian Rees has also been released.



Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the decision had been a difficult one, with all three players making significant contributions to the club.



Marquee signing Elrich, who joined the Phoenix after being released by English Premier League club Fulham, played 13 games and scored one goal – the midfielder hitting a super strike against the Central Coast Mariners that was one of the best goals of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season.



Brazilian midfielder Felipe also scored a scorcher for the Phoenix, smashing a long-range left-footed drive past Sydney FC keeper Clint Bolton in the Phoenix’s 2-1 win at the Sydney Football Stadium in round four. Felipe played 17 matches for the Phoenix and scored three goals.



Pignata said the Phoenix had been interested in re-signing the playmaking Brazilian.



“Felipe had a one-year contract and we had the option to re-sign him for a second season. Unfortunately, we were unable to agree terms and Felipe opted to pursue other opportunities.”



Former Adelaide United defender Kristian Rees joined the Phoenix in November as a short-term replacement following the release of disappointing Brazilian players Cleberson and George Paladini. Rees, who came to the Phoenix from the Whittlesea Zebras in the Victorian Premier League, played nine games for the Wellington club and scored a goal against eventual Hyundai A-League 2008 champions the Newcastle Jets in a 3-2 boilover at EnergyAustralia Stadium in round 18.



“These guys have been part of something special here at the Phoenix and they’ll always be part of the club’s history,” Pignata said. “Wellington Phoenix thanks Ahmad, Felipe and Kristian for all their hard work and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours in football or otherwise.”