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Pennington moves on

Nicholas Pennington is leaving the Wellington Phoenix after three Isuzu UTE A-League seasons.

The Australian midfielder joined the Phoenix in 2021 on an initial two-year deal from Olbia Calcio 1905 in Serie C, the third division in Italy where he was born and raised.

Pennington made 36 A-League appearances over the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, but was limited to just 15 starts.

He re-signed with the Nix for the 2023-24 campaign and established himself as a key member of the side which narrowly missed out on the Premiers’ Plate and fell just short of the A-League grand final.

Pennington featured in 25 of the team’s 29 league matches last season, making 22 starts, and he scored the opening goal in Wellington’s 2-0 win over Western United in February.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – FEBRUARY 10: Nicholas Pennington of the Wellington Phoenix celebrates scoring during the A-League Men round 16 match between Wellington Phoenix and Western United at Sky Stadium, on February 10, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)

Nicholas Pennington has fond memories of his time with the club.

“This last year especially was amazing and I’m gutted we didn’t win anything in the end,” Pennington said.

“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the Phoenix and Nix fans. I know it’s something everyone says, but it’s true.

“I wish everyone luck for next season.”

The Wellington Phoenix thanks Nicholas Pennington for his contribution to the club over the past three seasons and wishes Pennington and his young family all the best for the future.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 25: Nicholas Pennington of Wellington (L) and Mohamed Al-Taay of Wellington (R) celebrate a goal during the A-League Men round five match between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium, on November 25, 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)