Signing news: Talay adds English striker Ball to his Phoenix squad

Wellington Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay has made his second import signing, securing English striker David Ball on a two-year deal.

Needing to replace the goals of Johnny Warren Medallist and Golden Boot winner Roy Krishna, Talay has identified the 29-year-old striker as his main man.

"David is vastly experienced and having played in the EFL for a long period, brings in the qualities we are looking for in a front man,” Talay said on Phoenix’s official website.


"He has proven to be a goal scoring threat wherever he has played, and we are looking forward to him continuing that in the Hyundai A-League."

Ball comes from English outfit Rotherham United, although he spent the 2018/19 season on loan with Bradford City in League One.

In 42 appearances for the Bantams, he scored seven goals.

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The speedy attacker has enjoyed a long career in English football, with the highlight coming in March 2015.

Ball scored a stunning goal with a classy chip against Preston North End, becoming just the second Englishman to be nominated for a FIFA Puskás, alongside Wayne Rooney.

He has scored 83 goals in 373 appearances in the English Football League over a 10-year period and helped Rotherham to promotion to the Championship in the 2017/18 season.

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"I have always enjoyed watching overseas leagues and the Hyundai A-League is a competition that gets stronger with each year,” Ball said.

"The coach has big plans for the team over the next couple of years so I’m looking forward to calling this my home and meeting the supporters.

"I am very competitive and want to win every game so I can’t wait to get stuck in."

Ball started with Manchester City’s Youth Academy and made one appearance for the first team on the bench in the 2009/10 Premier League campaign.

He has also played for Swindon Town, Peterborough United, Rochdale and Fleetwood Town.

David Ball in action for Rotherham against Everton
David Ball in action for Rotherham against Everton
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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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