The Wellington Phoenix have farewelled seven members of the men’s 2025-26 squad.
Josh Oluwayemi, Paulo Retre, Carlo Armiento, Manjrekar James, Dan Edwards, Luke Supyk and Nikola Mileusnic are off contract at the end of next month and won’t be re-signing with the Nix.
The club thanks them for their contributions to the Phoenix and wishes them all the best for the next steps in their footballing journeys.
Josh Oluwayemi is leaving the Nix after making 36 appearances in the A-League over the past two seasons.
The English-Nigerian goalkeeper started 18 matches for the Nix during the 2025-26 campaign, missing the other eight because of an ankle injury.
“My time at Wellington Phoenix has been an important chapter in my career, and one I’ll always look back on with appreciation,” Oluwayemi said.
“I want to thank the coaches, staff, teammates and supporters for everything during my time at the club. It’s been a privilege to represent Wellington Phoenix and play in front of the fans week-in, week-out.
“I’ve grown a lot both professionally and personally during my time in Wellington, and I’m grateful for the experiences and relationships that came with it.
“I leave with a lot of respect for the club, the city and everyone connected to it, and I wish Wellington Phoenix nothing but success moving forward.”
Paulo Retre has also been a key member of the men’s squad for the past two years.
The Australian midfielder featured 37 times for the club in the A-League and scored three goals, most recently in January when he netted the clincher in the 3-0 win at Brisbane Roar.
“I’d like to thank the players, coaches and fans for the two years I had in Wellington,” Retre said.
“And I wish them all the best for the future.”
Fellow Australian Carlo Armiento enjoyed the best season of his A-League career after arriving in Wellington on a one-year deal.
The winger was converted to a wingback and shone, scoring five goals, two of which came in the opening two rounds, and creating two others in 22 appearances.
“Just wanted to say a massive thanks to all the fans for the support this year,” Armiento said. “I loved every minute of my time at the Phoenix.
“We had a special group and created so many great memories together that I’ll always cherish.
“Wishing the club all the best for the future.”
Centre back Manjrekar James also leaves the Nix after one season.
The former Canada international made 20 appearances in the A-League, 16 of which were starts, and scored two goals.
“Thank you to the club for having me,” James said. “I wish the Phoenix good luck in the future.”
Dan Edwards was limited to nine appearances in his maiden season as a professional.
A knee injury sidelined the left back for the middle third of the A-League and four of his six starts came in the final six rounds.
“I’d like to thank the club for giving me my first taste of professional football,” Edwards said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past eight months with a great group of guys and fantastic fans, and I feel I’ve grown on and off the pitch.
“I wish everyone involved with the club all the best for the future.”
Fellow Kiwi Luke Supyk is ending a five year association with the Phoenix which started in 2021 at the club’s academy.
The young striker made 11 appearances for the Nix over the past three seasons, one of which was a start.
“Although it hasn’t worked out the way I hoped, I’m incredibly grateful to all my teammates, coaches, fans, and family for their support over my three years at the club,” Supyk said.
“I’ve made plenty of great memories and friendships along the way, and I’m excited for whatever comes next.
“Wishing all the players and staff nothing but the best for next season.”
Injuries meant Nikola Mileusnic only played 86 minutes for the Phoenix in seven appearances off the bench.
However, the Australian forward will forever be the men’s 200th A-League player as the club reached that milestone when he made his Nix debut in January.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club and I wish them all the best.”
