Lochhead links with Boro

Wellington Phoenix FC has granted Tony Lochhead permission to spend 10 days in England to begin contract discussions with Premier League club Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old left back was invited to Boro by manager Gareth Southgate on the recommendation of Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert and will train with the Premier League club’s first team as the first step in securing a contract to play in professional football’s top competition.

If Lochhead can agree terms with Middlesbrough he is in line to become just the fifth Kiwi to have made it to the Premier League, joining Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn), Simon Elliott (Fulham), Danny Hay (Leeds United) and Lee Norfolk (Ipswich Town) in an elite group with top-flight experience.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the club was behind Lochhead in his bid to join Middlesbrough, despite the ramifications of losing the New Zealand representative so close to the start of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season.

“It’s an opportunity the club simply couldn’t deny Tony. It is every player’s ambition to play in the Premier League and it’s fantastic for Tony and the club that he has this chance.

“If Tony signs then he leaves the Phoenix with our blessing. If not, he’ll return to the squad in time for the start of the season.”

Southgate said he wanted to bolster the depth of his squad in the lead-up to the English season and that Lochhead had plenty to offer.

“Given Ricki’s recommendation we are very keen to take a look at him, judge him against the players we have here already and see if we can use him. At the moment we have several great young players but we are probably lacking a bit of experience.

“That’s why it will be good to take a look at Tony.”

Herbert’s close relationship with Southgate had been instrumental is getting Lochhead his big chance.

“We were already aware of Tony’s background with the Phoenix and with the All Whites. We’ve had good discussions with Ricki and he recommended Tony as a player we should keep an eye on. Ricki has worked with the best players in New Zealand and he feels many have the potential to take a step up.”

Herbert said Lochhead was a talented player and a level-headed young man who understood the significance of the opportunity he had been given.

“I don’t think Tony wants to put too much pressure on himself but it is a wonderful opportunity.

“Whether he does sign or doesn’t sign, it’s a chance and it’s important that we’re able to provide that. The A-League is a top league and it is evolving, but the chance to play in the Premier League is something the club couldn’t deny Tony. It’s great for Tony, the Phoenix and football in New Zealand.”

Lochhead had mixed emotions about leaving his Phoenix teammates so close to the start of the season but was thankful the club – led by Herbert, Pignata and owner Terry Serepisos – had given him its blessing to chase his Premier League dream.

“It is pretty unique that I’m even allowed to go over. I think most clubs would probably say no, but it’s a huge favour from the club to let me go. Hopefully I can repay the club’s faith by going over there, doing well and helping to raise the profile of the Phoenix and the A-League.”