Tim Payne has recommitted to the Wellington Phoenix through until the end of the 2027-28 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The All Whites fullback has signed a new three-year contract with the Phoenix, extending his stay at the club to the better part of a decade.
It follows a career-best year. The 30-year-old scored three goals and created four others during the Nix’s record-breaking 2023-24 A-League campaign, and was named in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) men’s team of the season.
“I’m very happy here and very settled,” Payne said. “I believe in what Chiefy (Giancarlo Italiano) and his coaching staff have done.
“They have given me the opportunity to play consistently at right back and I feel like they got some of the best football out of me last season.
“We had a very successful last season and we’re looking to build on that and hopefully go one better this season. And if it’s not this season then the year after, or the year after that.
“All of the players and all of the staff believe that we can go on and win the whole thing. That’s our aim and that’s what we’re going to try and do.”
His form for the Nix at right back has also helped the versatile defender become a regular for the national team.
“I’m really looking forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
“I’m in a good place to be in that squad and playing for New Zealand, should we qualify next year.
“I’m enjoying playing right back a lot. Prolonged time in one position has probably helped me push forward and play better.
“I think my performances last season and the start of this season have shown that.”
Payne was born and bred in Auckland and concedes the idea of returning home was tempting.
“It’s an interesting one. Auckland FC are doing fantastically well at the moment so there’s that aspect and I have a lot of friends and family up there.
“It’s a good thing for us players that there are now two professional clubs in New Zealand, but I’ve weighed up all possibilities, all of the pros and cons and I think the Phoenix is a very good place for me at the moment.”
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill is delighted Payne is remaining in the capital.
“It has been one of our priorities to re-sign Payney,” Gill said. “He’s a key member of the starting XI and an important part of the dressing room, and we didn’t want to lose him.
“So I’m thrilled we’re going to get to continue to see Payney bombing up and down the right flank for the Nix.
“And I’m looking forward to seeing him score and create more goals for the Phoenix over the next three and a half years.”
Tim Payne is the 16th player in the Wellington Phoenix men’s squad contracted to the club beyond the 2024-25 season.
