Elrich signed as marquee player

Former Fulham and Socceroos midfielder Ahmad Elrich has joined Wellington Phoenix FC as the club’s marquee player for its inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League.

The 26-year-old joins the Phoenix on a one-year deal, with the option of another year, having come off contract with English Premier League club Fulham. Elrich’s international credentials include 17 appearances for the Socceroos, scoring five goals, as well as representing Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and at under-20 level.

Having been courted by several Hyundai A-League clubs, Elrich said he was thrilled to have signed on with the Phoenix.

“I’ve been impressed by everything about the Phoenix, from the team’s on-field performances to the management of the club off the field. The set-up is first-class. Owner Terry Serepisos has built a truly professional club and the opportunity to play for a coach of the calibre of Ricki Herbert made my decision a pretty easy one in the end.”

Elrich signed a three-year deal with Fulham in 2005 from K-League club Busan Icons. He also previously played for Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League, the forerunner to the Hyundai A-League. He was loaned out to Norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo from April to May last year.

A midfielder renowned for his pace and ability to change games, Elrich’s signing is a boon for the Phoenix.

“He’s a talented, quality player who is accustomed to the demands of professional football,” said Herbert. “Ahmad will add another dimension to the team and provide us with even more options on the park. From a club perspective, securing Ahmad’s services is further reflection of the attractive profile the club has built in a relatively short time.”

Elrich said he was looking forward to turning out for the Phoenix as soon as possible.

“I’m feeling really good and I’m keen to get out there and help the club continue what’s been an extremely promising start to the season. This club has quality players and I know I’ll need to work hard to grab a spot in the squad every week.”

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Elrich was an exceptional signing for the club.

“To sign a player of Ahmad’s quality shows just how serious we are about competing at the highest level in this competition. We’ve demonstrated our commitment to doing things with the utmost professionalism and signing Ahmad is evidence that our efforts are paying off.”



AHMAD ELRICH

Date of birth: 30/5/1981, Sydney

Height, weight: 1.79m, 76kg

Playing position: Midfield/Winger

Club history: 2005-07 Fulham FC (England); 2006 FC Lyn Oslo – loan (Norway); Busan Icons (South Korea) 2004-05; 1999-2004 Parramatta Power (Australia)

Hyundai A-League statistics: None

Representative honours: Australia, 2004-07 (17 matches, 5 goals); Australia under-23, 2004 (Olympic Games Athens); Australia under-20

Biography: Elrich brings a wealth of experience to the Hyundai A-League and the Phoenix, having played in the English Premier League and representing Australia at senior, under-23 and under-20 level. Elrich excelled in Australia for Parramatta Power and then continued his stellar career in Europe and Asia. A pacey midfielder with a knack for goal, Elrich’s powerful runs from the midfield will be something to look forward to.