Starlet Louis Fenton extends Wellington Phoenix contract

Wellington Phoenix defender Louis Fenton has agreed on a one-year deal which will see him stay at the club until at least 2016.

Fenton, 21, joined the New Zealand outfit back in 2012 from Melbourne Knights and made his debut for the club in that same year in October against Sydney FC, scoring with a diving header courtesy of Manny Muscat cross.

Despite an injury ravaged 2013-14 season in which he only managed 10 appearances, the right-back has expressed his delight at being given the chance to continue his development at the club.

“I want to keep on improving and establish myself in the A-League and I believe Ernie is the coach who can help me do that,” Fenton told the club’s official website.

“Ernie is always trying to improve me and I am learning all the time.

“When I came here I could probably only play one position, but I think I can now put my hand up to play anywhere.

“I would love to play striker because that is where I started out and, like every footballer, I like to score goals.”

Meanwhile, coach Ernie Merrick has hailed Fenton’s decision to re-sign with the club as a ‘sensible career decision’, and believes that he has the qualities needed to become a success.

“He has done the right thing by having another season here and not just jumping on a plane and going overseas thinking he is ready,” Merrick said.

“I’m confident he will eventually be ready and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he does end up playing in Europe.

“Louis has come a long way in the last 12 months. He now has a range of skills that allow him to play defensively, creatively in midfield as well as up front in goal scoring areas.

“No longer does he play with his head down. He now has it up and looks for the forward pass before going off on a dribble.

“It won’t be long before he is back in the All Whites and is pushing hard for a place in the starting XI at the Phoenix.

“That won’t be easy with the arrival of some fantastic new players but if he continues as he has done you never know what might happen.”

Since signing for Phoenix, Fenton has made 35 appearances for the club, scoring three goals in the process.

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