Paul Ifill

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2014/11/20/...

Training with the Phoenix reserves.

Could of been arguing in my spare time

Signed for Team Wellington according to the news on the radio.

And a fairly positive article on that from Sam Worthington

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/domestic/65093015/team-wellington-sign-paul-ifill-for-rest-of-asb-premiership-season

Team Wellington have pulled off a coup with the signing of former Phoenix star Paul Ifill for the remainder of the 2014-15 ASB Premiership.

The 35-year-old is ready to return to the park after recovering from an Achilles rupture in December, 2013.

The club's all-time leading goal-scorer, Ifill still has aspirations of returning to the A-League and has been training with the Phoenix for several months.

But ASB Premiership rules made it impossible for him to turn out for the Phoenix's reserve team given he does not have a professional contract and the rest of the roster is required to be filled with youth players.

Team Wellington swooped and will provide Ifill with the game-time he needs to impress Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick.

"There was a bit of interest but I wanted to stay local," Ifill said.

"I've been a Wellington boy since I've been here and it just made sense to sign for Team Wellington. I let Ernie know what I was going to be doing. For me, my rehab will be complete when I sign a contract with the Phoenix. If my body doesn't hold up or Ernie doesn't think I'm good enough then at least I've given it a good go."

Ifill said he could hold his own at Phoenix training but recovery remained an issue.

"The next day, sometimes I can hardly bloody walk so the Achilles needs to get stronger. I still can't push off like I could before the injury so it might take a couple of games to get my confidence back."

Ifill is targeting the January 25 home game against Hawke's Bay United as his Team Wellington debut.

........

Ifill's signing is also a welcome boost for the ASB Premiership's profile off the back of Auckland City's surprise third-place finish at last month's Club World Cup."

Good on him; hopefully he settles back in okay

Completing level 3 coaching course 8n Taupo over next week or so

Good Luck Paul playing for Team Wellington,  looking forward to seeing you on the paddock again and its a step back towards the Nix.

For sure.Would be great to see.Good luck

Paul Ifill academy trials in Nelson were very classy.  Free physio's for the triallists, etc etc.  Also, he is such an extra nice geezer with kids and pushy parents alike....good times ahead for those who win places.

Bump

Why?

I was lazily hoping for an update on him.Ok?

got an assist today. played 70 odd minutes. (from the team welly twitter feed)

had a good game. Played up front this week. 

Set up goal number two.....typical Ifill....always beats a player

How laboured does he look?

Much better this week.  Was actually seen running on a number of occassions.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/267032/ifill-retires-from-football

sad to see this on YF news

All the best to him for his academy and whatever else he plans next.  And many thanks for everything he brought to Phoenix football.  Skill, entertainment and an all round decent person from all accounts. 

Legend.

Dead set club legend. Hope he stays involved with the club somehow.

It's a bit of a shame to see him bow out like this. Maybe the club could organize some sort of testimonial game, or charity game, so that the fans get a chance to acknowledge his service to the club.

So the big banner is out of action. Alternatives? Chant on the 8th minute?

Without question our greatest ever player. There are few players in the HAL that people would turn up specifically to watch. He is certainly one of them.  Always generous with his time and would chat to anyone. Model pro.

Next game, 8 Goals for him!

Is there a montage anywhere with all his goals?? If not can someone smart put one together??

Next Game get Ifill on the Bull horn leading the Chants.

All the best Paul. Thanks for the impeccable service to this club and the many, many memories you've provided us. True pro, absolute legend.

LEGEND

Without a doubt the best player to ever wear a Nix shirt. A great guy on the feild and even better off it Hope his academy and that all work out for him and that he puts a book out.

my longest lasting (ever) screen saver, me and Paul shaking hands. 

You have been a great servant and ambassador for the club, for New Zealand football and the game in general. Best of luck mate, hope to see you in the stands.

"Pass to Ifill" T for the next home game... possibly rest of the season.

Wot 2B said x gazillion.

Sad news; but huge credit to him for fighting for a year to come back - he can retire knowing he did everything possible to come back.

Best ever player to play for a NZ team, no doubt. Classy guy on the field and off it. Hope to still see him on FoxSports every now and then and around the Nix camp.

A new tee shirt? Ifill face masks? New comments man for Sky and lose Fred de Jong. Paul ifill chant. Invite him to join us in the zone. So e form of coaching role in the Nix. 

legend, so glad to have seen him play.

Love you Iffs!

We should retire the number 8 shirt. It's a bit of an American thing, but I think it is so appropriate.

#RetireNix8

Ifill and Piney combo?

Might rival the Ifill-Greenie club sandwich

Gorrin be like :<

Rodriguez is a good player, but he is no Ifill.