Union backs McGlinchey over Phoenix
All Whites midfielder Michael McGlinchey is training with Wellington Phoenix under legal advice from soccer's players' union.
McGlinchey is at the centre of a club tug-of-war between Central Coast Mariners - his club since 2009 - and Wellington Phoenix.
The Mariners are considering legal action to prevent McGlinchey from playing for any club without its authority until January 1, 2015, when it says his contract will expire.
But McGlinchey, who has made 26 appearances for New Zealand, trained with the Phoenix on Monday under the eye of coach Ernie Merrick.
The Professional Footballers Australia says McGlinchey sought its advice regarding his contractual status after finishing a loan stint at Japanese club Vegalta Sendai, following changes to the Mariners' ownership and license.
Through its lawyers, the PFA advised McGlinchey that, after the loan period, he became a free agent and is therefore entitled to sign with the club of his choice.
Neither the PFA nor McGlinchey had received any formal correspondence from the Mariners contesting this position, a statement from the players' union said.
The PFA has written to Football Federation Australia seeking confirmation that McGlinchey will be registered with Wellington Phoenix.
The Phoenix are seeking an attacking midfielder to replace Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez along with a versatile defender who can play at fullback and centre back.
That would take their list of contracted players to 22. They will leave a 23rd roster spot open until close to the October 7 contracting deadline for the sake of flexibility.
Merrick won't rule out veteran forward Paul Ifill, 34, filling the 23rd slot.
Former Barbados international Ifill hasn't played since rupturing his Achilles tendon just before Christmas but is making progress as he seeks to regain his fitness.
Ifill said on Twitter that he had completed his first run in nearly seven months on Monday.
"A bit rusty but great to be back out there. The rehab continues - I see light at the end of the tunnel."
