A-League
All Whites Defender Commits Long-Term to A-League Club
Tim Payne has extended his contract with Wellington Phoenix until the end of the 2027-28 Isuzu UTE A-League season, solidifying his commitment to the club for nearly a decade.
The All Whites fullback, coming off a stellar season, has signed a new three-year deal that keeps him in the capital until 2028. The 30-year-old enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2023-24, scoring three goals, providing four assists, and earning a spot in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Men’s Team of the Season.
Payne’s Career-Best Form and Future Ambitions
Payne expressed his satisfaction with the decision, attributing his form to Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano’s leadership.
“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. 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.”
Payne’s standout performances at right back have also earned him a regular place in the New Zealand national team setup. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Payne remains focused on helping the All Whites secure qualification.
“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.
“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.”
Temptation to Return Home Dismissed
Despite growing interest from Auckland FC, Payne revealed that remaining with Wellington Phoenix was the best option for his career at this stage.
“It’s an interesting one. Auckland FC are doing fantastically well at the moment, and I have a lot of friends and family up there,” Payne admitted.
“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 Leadership Thrilled with Payne’s Commitment
Wellington Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill emphasized Payne’s importance to the squad, both on and off the field.
“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.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him score and create more goals for the Phoenix over the next three and a half years.”
Payne becomes the 16th player in the Wellington Phoenix men’s squad to be contracted beyond the 2024-25 season, cementing the club’s long-term planning and stability.
