Former Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss is returning to the Hyundai A-League club on a three-year contract.
Moss, 29, was between the posts for the Phoenix during the club-s first two seasons before moving to Melbourne Victory and then on to Gold Coast United.
A New Zealand international, Moss has spent the latter half of this season out injured after tearing his abductor muscle while taking a routine goal kick.
While Gold Coast are unlikely to be in the competition next season after owner Clive Palmer had his A-League licence revoked, the deal to take Moss back to Wellington was well advanced before then.
Moss said tonight the decision to return to Wellington was an easy one and he was looking forward to joining up with his old team-mates again.
“It was hard for me to leave in the first place,” Moss said.
“I-d had two great years with the Phoenix and it was just that the offer from Melbourne Victory, who had just won the league, was very enticing.
“Now I can-t wait to get back. I-ve been in regular contact with Ricki (Herbert) and many of the players.
“When I was first approached I rang Dura (captain Andrew Durante) and talked to Vinnie Lia and Tim Brown.
“Everything they said about the club and its new owners was very positive and it seems to be on a very good footing.”
Moss said another factor in his decision was the Phoenix re-signing Durante and Paul Ifill.
“That sends a message that Wellington is a great place to be and what the team has shown on the field this season confirms it,” he said.
“People on this side of the Tasman (Australia) were writing the Phoenix off from day one this season because of what had happened off the field, but it hasn-t surprised me that they finished in the top four.
“Outsiders don-t realise just how close the Phoenix players and management are, and how everyone pulls together.”
Moss said he was well on the way to recovery from injury and expected to be fit for New Zealand-s World Cup qualifying games in June.
“I-m probably three or four weeks away but I-ll be okay by then,” he said.
“After that I can-t wait for pre-season training and getting back into the groove again with guys who are good friends as well as team-mates.”
Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said he was delighted to get Moss back to the club.
“Mossy is a top-class keeper,” Herbert said.
“He was in great form last season, and it was the same this year till he picked up that injury.
“I am looking forward to having two top-class keepers at the club.-
