Struggling Phoenix Part Company with Sarpong
Published: 31st January 2016 12:45 PM | Last Updated: 31st January 2016 12:45 PM | A+A A-
WELLINGTON: Struggling Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix have parted company with their Dutch-born midfielder Jeffrey Sarpong as their string of disappointing results continues.
The announcement from the New Zealand-based Phoenix on Sunday came a day after they were beaten by the Central Coast Mariners 3-1, extending their winless streak to eight matches.
"The Wellington Phoenix and Jeffrey Sarpong have reached a mutual decision to terminate their contract and go their separate ways," the club said in a statement, adding that Sarpong was returning to the Netherlands and there would be no further comment.
The 27-year-old former Ajax player in the Dutch first division and an under-21 international for the Netherlands, was hailed by the Phoenix as an attacking midfielder when he joined the club five months ago.
However, he has not scored a goal for the side who are now eighth on the ladder.
Coach Ernie Merrick had described the latest loss as a "huge blow" to making the top-six finals.
"You can't play a team at the bottom of the league and get beaten 3-1. It's huge," he said.
"I'm pretty disappointed we let our fans down as well. I thought it was a good crowd and atmosphere. Because we can't score goals, we're letting them down."
