Wellington Phoenix have announced that Australian defender Luke DeVere has re-signed with the club on a one-year contract.
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“I’ve always been looked to and seen as a leader, I like to think I’m quite vocal on the field and can contribute as a leader there.
31-year-old DeVere was a consistent presence at the centre back position during the 2019/20 season, making 24 appearances – all starts – and racking up over 2,100 minutes for the Phoenix. He ranked second on the team with 26 blocks, while also recording 1,425 passes and 107 interceptions.
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach, Ufuk Talay says that DeVere gives the Phoenix both added stability and a veteran presence in the backline.
“You know what you’re getting with Luke; a quality defender and a solid presence at centre back, who is a true professional and a mentor to the younger players.
“Like all the players in the squad earlier this year, Luke sacrificed a lot to make sure the Phoenix’s season went ahead – putting the team first – so it’s great to have him back.”
DeVere says that he is keen to build on last season’s success and help push the team even further in the 2020/21 season.
“Last season was a great season for the team, a historic effort for the club and we were very confident heading into the season re-start even with the bubble situation – we just fell a little short in that first semi-final, which unfortunately I wasn’t able to be part of.”
DeVere says it has was great to have returned home to Brisbane for the off-season to spend time with his family, including 7-month-old daughter Henley who was born days after the 2019/20 season was initially postponed in April. He and his family will re-locate to Wollongong for the Phoenix’s pre-season camp, prior to the 2020/21 A-League season starting on 27 December.
“While it’s been an uncertain and turbulent time for us and for so many people, it’s been nice to settle into some quality family time with the wife and children before the start of next season.
“People have spoken highly to us about Wollongong and the beach area there, so the family is looking forward to the move and I’m keen to get back into training.”
DeVere is looking forward to bringing his style of leadership back to the squad.
“I’ve always been looked to and seen as a leader, I like to think I’m quite vocal on the field and can contribute as a leader there.
“In the past few years its shifted more to the mentoring side of things, passing on what I’ve learnt to younger players like Te Atawhai [Hudson-Wihongi] and Liam [McGing] which is great.
“I think it’s vital for those of us with that experience, to be able to pass it on to others in the team and help them out, especially with the Nix being a young squad.”
