Phoenix get their man

Reuters

NEW STRIKE POWER: Paul Ifill, pictured being tackled by Manchester United's Mikael Silvestre while playing for Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup final, has signed with the Wellington Phoenix.

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A cloud has lifted over the Wellington Phoenix's A-League season with the significant signing of former Sheffield United and Crystal Palace player Paul Ifill.

Just 18 days out from their A-League opener against the Newcastle Jets, the Phoenix look to have secured a quality striker, though Ifill's lack of goals in the English Championship will be a talking point.

In 33 games for Palace last season the 29-year-old found the back of the net just four times.

But Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata is adamant that was due to circumstances beyond Ifill's control, with Palace preferring the Barbados international in a midfield/right wing role.

"His preference is to play up front as a striker and it had been the coach's decision that he didn't," Pignata said. "We'll put him up there and see if he can do the job.

"I'm delighted with this signing. It has taken a while, the fans and everyone have been anxious, but we were determined to get the right person and patience has paid off."

Pignata is predicting Ifill and fellow Englishman Chris Greenacre (Tranmere Rovers) will cause plenty of headaches for defences.

"They've both played at [English] Championship level, Paul probably a bit more, but with what we have seen of Chris over the last couple of weeks he is quality."

Ironically the Phoenix were initially chasing another Palace player, before stumbling upon Ifill. Former Miramar Rangers player Phil Alexander now the chief executive at Palace played no part in stitching the deal together, Pignata said.

The 1.85m and 82kg Ifill has strong credentials. He was signed as a centre forward by Millwall in 1998 and played 234 games, including the 2004 FA Cup final which they lost to Manchester United.

Ifill signed for Sheffield in 2005 for 800,000 and was part of the side that won promotion to the Premiership. He fell out of favour in 2007 after 42 games and nine goals and joined Palace for 850,000. He was released by Palace on May 6 after two mixed seasons, which included struggles with fitness.

Pignata is confident they are getting a fit player at good value.

"We are keen to get him to Wellington as soon as possible and go from there. He'll be subject to medical clearance but, quite honestly, it's not a concern.

"It's just exciting. He fits within the [salary] cap, it is not huge dollars that we can't afford him."

Wellington football expert David Chote gave Ifill the thumbs up, saying he had seen him in action at Palace last season.

"He has a good history so he looks a quality signing," Chote said. "It looks like he has been in the Palace lineup more often than not. I guess the question is, `is he an out and out striker'. The stats suggest not but time will tell.

"At 29 he's not too old but you do wonder about the fitness struggles, but all in all I'm surprised the Phoenix have got someone with his pedigree."

Former Manchester United reserve team player James Derbyshire, who is playing for Miramar this season, said Ifill was not a player or a name he was familiar with.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix are hopeful of confirming their last squad member after the overnight match against the Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals.

It is expected to be either Brazilian Anderson Potty or Chinese under-23 international Jiang Chen.

PAUL IFILL

Age: 29

Height: 1.84m

Weight: 82kg

Position: Striker/attacking midfielder

Club history: 2007-2009 Crystal Palace, 67 appearances (11 goals); 2005-2007 Sheffield United, 45 (9); 1998-2005 Millwall, 256 (43)

International history: 2004- Barbados 10 (6)

- © Fairfax NZ News