Auckland United's Will Stephen (R) with Phoenix Reserves Fin Conchie during the 2022 National League Championship Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fin Conchie is the latest Wellington Phoenix academy player to graduate to the professional ranks but his debut will be delayed as he's currently serving a ten game ban.
The central midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix, joining reserves team-mate Lukas Kelly-Heald in the men's first team squad for the upcoming A-League.
However Conchie, 19, is currently serving a ten game ban for making homophobic comments during a recent Central League match for the Phoenix reserves against Petone.
He won't be able to make his first team debut for the Phoenix until late October and won't be able to take part in the team's Australia Cup campaign, which starts on Friday night.
Conchie is still able to train with the squad during the week.
"It's frustrating not being able to join the boys out on the field in a competitive match.
"But at the same time it's allowed me to step back and look at some of the things I need to change and work on over the next couple of months so when my time does come in the A-League I can step up as best as possible."
Conchie played every minute of New Zealand's matches at this year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
He has been training with the first team for the past month and has impressed Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano.
"Since Fin's joined us from the reserves he's done exceptionally well at training and in our internal games," Italiano said.
"I wanted to see how he coped in the environment with the senior players and he's adapted well to the pace, so for me it was a no brainer to sign him.
"He's a smart player, good in tight areas, technically sound, and he's versatile. He's a six but he can also potentially play as a 10."
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Originally from Hamilton, Conchie played his junior football at Claudelands Rovers and Melville United before moving to Wellington in 2019 to join the Phoenix academy.
"To sign my first pro contract with the Phoenix is a very proud moment," he said.
"I moved away from home when I was 15 to join the Phoenix academy so the club is really close to my heart."
Fin Conchie with the New Zealand under-20 team at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"Because I'm a Kiwi through and through, and I have no other passport, I always saw the Phoenix as the place where I'd begin my career and progress into professional football.
"I've really enjoyed playing for the club over the last four and a half years and this is the next step in my career, which is just starting."
Conchie will wear the no. 5 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix this season.
He is the men's 17th signing for the upcoming season with the final places in the squad to be decided over the next six weeks.
-RNZ