TVNZ.CO.NZ
Promising young Australian attacking midfielder Troy Hearfield has been granted a release by the Newcastle Jets and will join Wellington Phoenix for the next two Hyundai A-League seasons.
The 20-year-old had been embroiled in a contract dispute with Newcastle, with the case set to be heard by a Football Federation Australia tribunal. However, on Friday the Jets granted Hearfield a release with one year left on his contract, clearing the way for him to link with the Phoenix.
The signing of Hearfield completes the trio of under-21 players required on the Phoenix roster, with Costa Barbarouses and Greg Draper the other young players.
Hearfield comes to the Phoenix having represented Australia at under-17 and under-20 level. He is a current member of the Australian Olyroos (under-23) squad that has qualified for the Beijing Games.
Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said Hearfield would be a real asset for the Phoenix.
"We've been searching for that third under-21 player and Troy fits the bill. He played quite a few A-League matches last season [for the Jets, 14 matches] and he's a player that can make an impact for us straight away at a young age.
"He's a very quick player and speed is something that we've really looked to inject into the squad for the coming season. Having a current Olyroo, as well, is great and he'll really fit well into the club."
Meanwhile, defender Steven Old has been released from his contract.
The Phoenix have secured a playing contract for Old in the New South Wales Premier League, where he will turn out for the Macarthur Rams.
"Steven can go there, play out the rest of the season and get ready to represent New Zealand at the Olympics. The most important thing for him right now is to be playing regular, competitive football." Pignata said.
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