newcastlefootball.net

All Newcastle Jets fans thank Andrew Durante for his hard work for the club over the past three seasons, from the lows of suffering a broken leg on debut, to the highs of a Man of the Match performance in the Grand Final. Thanks Dura!

New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix have signed defender Andrew Durante, the man-of-the-match in the Newcastle Jets’ A-League grand final victory.

The Phoenix, who finished last this season, announced the signings of Durante and former Socceroos defender Jon McKain in their build-up to their second season in the Australian competition.

Durante, linchpin of the Jets defence in their championship season, was awarded the Joe Marston Medal as best player in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners in last Sunday’s grand final here.

Durante and McKain, who has 12 caps and is returning from club stints in Romania, join the Phoenix on two-year deals.

Their signings will bolster the Phoenix’s defensive stocks, while the search continues for a strike partner for prolific scorer Shane Smeltz, as well as another attacking midfielder and a right-back, the club said.

Former Perth Glory and New Zealand international winger Leo Bertos signed a two-year deal with the Wellington club last month.

Fox Sports