ex-Nix: Where/what are they now?

So what were Blake Powell's "personal reasons" for the cancellation of the contract?

Does "I got a contract on the table from a club closer to home, you guys don't rate me that much anyway, how bout we cut a deal" count as a "personal reason"?

Or was it "we dont need you blake, if you can find a contract elsewhere we'll happily release you"?

What other "personal reasons" could there be?

See: Smeltz, Nikki

Sarpong is apparently heavily involved in some sort of crazy mega church here in Wellington, so I wonder if he's putting the football to the side and focusing on some sort of religious career.

What I was getting at was that contracts in this league are essentially worthless when stuff like this goes on. 

Plenty of players in big european leagues probably get homesick etc, but I doubt their clubs will just say "oh diddums, lets cancel that for you, pat on the bum, thanks for the memories."

No one seems bothered this time because no one really rates Powell when it comes down to it, but what if Finkler says tomorrow "wellington aint what I thought it would be, I'm homesick, can we please cancel this contract for personal reasons?"

What then? All good? See ya later?

If both the club and the player agree to terminate the contract then I don't really see what the issue is

It is somewhat different in a non salary capped league where they can just hang on to players so that they can't go to another club 

The "personal reasons" thing is almost certainly a salary cap legality. 

Ordinarily, if the Phoenix cancel a player's contract then the balance remaining to be paid under that contract continues to count against the club's salary cap.

There is a mechanism built in to the system for situations where that rule would be unfair. Such as when a player's personal circumstances change.

So by claiming "personal reasons" the club can not count Powell's remaining payments under their cap.

At least that is my understanding/read of it. Disclaimer: I'm quite out of date on this stuff, so take my view of this with a pinch of Terry-era salt.

And yes, we all know that Terry-era salt was in fact something else.

I have nothing to go on, but given the club only re-signed him back in March I find it hard to believe the club wanted to move him on. There could be numerous reason why he wants to live back in Sydney (family illness, partners work, etc). And usually when these 'transfers' happen between clubs, they are announced almost simultaneously. There is nothing yet from CCM. So I'm inclined to think there isn't anything more to the story.

Interesting comments, wasn't aware of a lot of that stuff. Makes a heap more sense to me now. 

Powell listed as a trialist on CCM's team sheet tonight, no mention of Appiah.

Goal!!! Blake Powell slots a great one past the keeper to get the scoreboard ticking over early 1-Nil Mariners

— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) July 12, 2016

Appiah was in the 2nd CCM team that played in a double header.

10’ | 1-0 | GOAL! Kwabena Appiah opens the scoring against the Mariners Academy #CCMFC

— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) July 12, 2016

Can't see this anywhere else and not sure where exactly it should go suppose here's as good as any

Ben Sigmund now Football Development Manager for North Wellington

Press release from North Wellington -

Exciting Changes Afoot – North Wellington Football Signs Ben Sigmund

Wellington Phoenix and All Whites stalwart Ben Sigmund may have hung up his professional boots as an All White (2000-2014) and Wellington Phoenix player (2008-2015) but the Wellington resident’s love and involvement with football has not diminished.
Sigmund and local senior football club North Wellington AFC have joined forces to provide a unique blend of football and personal development opportunities for footballers in the western and northern suburbs. Mr Sigmund has joined North Wellington as its Football Development Manager and his aim is to help young footballers in particular further enjoy and improve their football experience while at the same time helping them plan for the challenges in life outside of sport.

North Wellington AFC is part of a football partnership involving Onslow and North Wellington junior football clubs, Newlands and Onslow Colleges. This Northern Hills Pathway aims to provide a seamless transition from first kicks through to Masters football with all 5 organisations joining together to enable a positive football experience for players of all ages and experience levels. Mr Sigmund’s Fully Committed programme dovetails into the on field experience and addresses a number of disciplines including attitude, communication, goal setting, resilience, career aspirations and financial literacy. 

According to North Wellington Club Chairman, David Rayner, “We see the chance to work with Ben and provide some value added opportunities for young people as a real positive for everyone involved in the Pathway organisation. We have a part to play as the destination club for children and youth in the area and having Ben available is a partnership that we value.” According to Mr Sigmund “It’s been a pleasure to be involved with a grass roots football club that is thinking outside the square and is really going places on and off the field. I’m very much looking forward to working with the local community and helping to shape people’s future.” “North Wellington have demonstrated a sound vision for the future, and are working to lift our focus to be more professional” said Chairman, Rayner. “North Wellington have a very clear, cohesive pathway and plan for the future, which will be beneficial for players at all levels” said Sigmund.
Mr Sigmund is currently still playing football for Cashmere Technical until the end of the current season and according to Mr Rayner, North Wellington is hoping that Sigmund will be progressing his on field involvement with North Wellington’s Premier team in 2017. For more information on the club’s activities, go to www.northwellingtonfootball.com

Powell confirmed at CCM, sounds like he might see a bit of time in the #10 role for them.

And they just announced Appiah

Phoenix B, Phoenix B, Phoenix B

26' | GOAL CITY! Kamau lays off Muscat as the full back curls it into the bottom corner to make it 0-2! #KNIvMCY

— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) July 26, 2016

Man, it felt in my head like Manny had retired, I suppose because everyone has been talking about Siggie and Albert in the same breath. Hate the idea of us playing against him

Hopefully he will see the red mist.

Vinnie will sort him out

Sarpong just signed with Veria FC in the Greek Superleague

Feel for @CoreyGameiro . Third ACL injury. Stay strong mate.

— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) September 15, 2016

How long till he pulls the pin?

Who? Sarpong? Gamiero would have been awesome here if he had stayed. Shame about his injury issues. Best wishes to him.

He'd be cheap though. I'd probably take the punt.

Paul Ifill, top notch man

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/85406378/wairarapa-academy-aims-to-create-aleague-stars-of-tomorrow

Herbert taking football academy at St Peters in Cambridge.

So, Reece Crowther:

https://medium.com/kickstarter/how-zano-raised-millions-on-kickstarter-and-left-backers-with-nearly-nothing-85c0abe4a6cb#.96h6u12pf

Involved in a kickstarter Drone that was funded and has, all in all, gone a bit wrong.

It seems clear that everyone was sucked in by a dreamer, only losers in this story :(

That was interesting, thanks.

He sold his TV set for this?!

SIGNINGS | Green Gully is pleased to welcome Jonathan Bounas and Josh Brindell-South to the club. #GGSC https://t.co/5mRsSDpdG0 pic.twitter.com/fmuGW2MvOy

— Green Gully SC (@GreenGullySC) November 29, 2016

Why isn't Benji Totori on  this list?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wellington_Phoenix_FC_players