Reddy to rumble for Phoenix

WELLINGTON Phoenix FC has signed former Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Liam Reddy till the end of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season as cover for the injured Mark Paston.

Reddy, 28, will join the Phoenix squad in Adelaide for their Hyundai A-League round 20 match against Adelaide United on Friday night – just days after being granted a release from the Roar.

After playing 23 games for the Newcastle Jets in the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League in 2005/06, Reddy went on to make a further 66 appearances for the Roar in more than three-and-a-half-seasons.

The 94kg, 1.88m Australian stopper will cover for the Phoenix’s injured World Cup hero Paston, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a fractured tibia.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Reddy was an excellent addition to the Wellington club.

“We’re obviously very disappointed to lose Mark for the remainder of the season given his form for us and the New Zealand national team. But in Liam we’re fortunate to have an exceptional replacement, a player who has extensive Hyundai A-League experience and who can play an integral role in our push for the playoffs.

“Along with Reece Crowther, Liam will significantly enhance our goalkeeping stocks and we’re fortunate to have lured him to Wellington.”

LIAM REDDY

Date of birth: August 8, 1981 in Sydney, Australia
Height, weight: 1.88m, 94kg
Playing position: Goalkeeper

Club history: 2006-09 Queensland/Brisbane Roar, 2005-06 Newcastle Jets, 2003-05 Sydney United, 2000-03 Parramatta Power.

Hyundai A-League statistics: 89 matches (debut v Adelaide United, Newcastle, August 26, 2005).