David Ball has made the agonising decision to cut short his time at the Wellington Phoenix.
The Phoenix have mutually agreed to terminate the remaining six months of Ball’s playing contract, ending his hugely successful five and a half years at the club.
The affable English forward arrived in Wellington in July 2019 and leaves a Nix legend. He is one of just 16 men to play 100 A-League games for the club and he helped the team reach the finals in four of his five full seasons.
Ball scored 15 goals and assisted a remarkable 26 others for the Phoenix in all competitions, while endearing himself to fans with his tireless work-rate.
But he says all good things come to an end.
“It’s been a tough call to make,” Ball said. “There have been a lot of tears coming to this decision as the Phoenix have been a huge part of mine and my family’s life.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into the club since I got here and I’ve fallen in love with the Nix, the people around it and the fans.
“It’s probably been the toughest decision of my career.”
Ball made an instant impact in the capital and was named player of the year in 2020 after scoring six goals and setting up four others to help the Nix to what was their highest regular season finish of third.
As one of two vice-captains, he remained a key part of last season’s record-breaking team that narrowly missed out on the premiership and fell just short of a maiden grand final appearance.
“I wanted to help solidify the Phoenix as a club that regular plays in the finals and challenges for titles.
“We’ve surpassed every bit of history the club’s had since I arrived and I believe I’ve left the club in a better place than when I first came to it.
“I think that’s the most important thing to me is that I’m remembered for being in those sides that created history.”
David Ball plans to take a break with his family before deciding his next step but has made it clear he’s not hanging up his boots.
“I haven’t made that decision yet. I want a bit of time to digest leaving the Phoenix because there are a lot of emotions.
“I’ll do that with family and make the right decision for our future, but it definitely isn’t the end for my time in New Zealand.”
And Ball hasn’t ruled out returning to the Nix in the future.
“The club’s been fantastic with me throughout this process.
“We’ve finished on great terms and if the opportunity comes to be part of the football club in the future I’d jump at the opportunity.
“I appreciate Shaun Gill, David Dome and the Welnix Group for the faith they’ve put in me for the five and a half years that I’ve been here.
“And obviously everyone behind the scenes that people don’t see like the office staff and the volunteers, and of course the Yellow Fever.
“They’re all crucial parts to the growth of this club from where we were five years ago to where we are right now. It’s a big difference so I’d like to thank all of them as well.”
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Ball for his immense contribution to the club.
“Bally is the ultimate pro,” Gill said. “He’s been a tremendous role model for the players coming through our academy and has been influential in the team’s success over the past five years,” Gill said.
“He’s also been incredibly professional in how he’s conducted himself through what has been a difficult process.
“We wish Bally all the best for his future and have no doubt he’ll still have a major role to play in football in Wellington in the coming years.”
Club captain Alex Rufer says Ball has been a fantastic teammate.
“When Bally first arrived it took me a little bit of time to get used to his English banter,” Rufer said. “But we’ve developed a very close friendship,” Rufer said.
“We went through possibly the toughest time any footballer has had to go through, relocating to Australia for two seasons, and Bally played a key role in keeping the group together.
“He gave everything for the team and he was also a massive part of the success we had last season.
“Bally was great around all the young lads, in particular. If they ever had any problems, he’s someone they could go to, and he’s showed them how to be a professional through what he does everyday in training and in games.”
