Happy for the guy - he's worked hard and earned the contract.
"The signing of Muscat brings to 13 the number of current Phoenix players contracted by the club for next season and beyond. As well as Muscat, the re-signed players are: Daniel, Ben Sigmund, Tim Brown, Tony Lochhead, Andrew Durante, Jon McKain, Leo Bertos, Michael Ferrante, David Mulligan, Vince Lia, Troy Hearfield and Costa Barbarouses."
Remaining unsigned;
CONTRACT EXPIRES END OF THIS SEASON:
#1) Mark Paston
#2) Jeremy Christie
#5) Karl Dodd
#8) Vaughan Coveny
#9) Shane Smeltz
#12) Richard Johnson
#15) Adam Kwasnik
#19) Greg Draper
#20) Glen Moss
#1) Mark Paston
#2) Jeremy Christie
#5) Karl Dodd
#8) Vaughan Coveny
#9) Shane Smeltz
#12) Richard Johnson
#15) Adam Kwasnik
#19) Greg Draper
#20) Glen Moss
With 13 signed, 2 goalies to sign and, I think, 2 strikers (2x Smeltz), an attacking midfielder (a Fred) and a defensive midfielder (a Ross Aloisi) to get that leaves 4 places for the unsigned existing squad members. I think Tony / Ricki will hold back 2 places to help manage the salary cap (2 strikers won't be cheap) and keep options open for plugging any gaps.
That would leave 2 spots for existing unsigned squad members (excluding Paston).