New Zealand representatives Tony Lochhead, Tim Brown and Ben Sigmund have signed two-year contracts to remain in Wellington, while fans’ favourite Daniel has also committed to Phoenix for a further two years.

Playmaking midfielder Michael Ferrante has also signed on for another season in the A-League.

The five join currently contracted players Andrew Durante, Jon McKain, Leo Bertos, Vince Lia, Troy Hearfield, David Mulligan and Costa Barbarouses for next season and beyond, while the club is continuing to talk with several other members of the current squad with a view to re-signing them.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said head coach Ricki Herbert had identified Lochhead, Brown, Sigmund, Daniel and Ferrante as key signings.

“Ricki and the club targeted these players over the last few months," said Pignata.

"It’s taken a while to agree terms and lock them in, so we’re pleased they’ve made a further commitment to Phoenix and we’ve been able to secure their services for the seasons to come.

“We’re still speaking with other players in the current squad, so there’s still some work to do there in the coming weeks.”

Having a core group of players locked in would allow Phoenix to invest time and resources in finding and signing key players in key positions, he said.

Pignata added: “Finding the right players is an important consideration for us and certainly something we want to take our time with.

"With these players re-signing we can now concentrate on specific needs, particular signing some quality strikers.”

The re-signings were a significant vote of confidence in Phoenix and the club’s future, Pignata said.

“Although we’ve lost two very good players in Shane Smeltz and Glen Moss, it shows that the club is developing players with huge talent and potential and that other clubs are out to poach them. That’s a positive sign.

“More importantly, we’ve been able to re-sign players identified as important to the club in the coming seasons. The professional environment we have established is attractive to players and indicative of our commitment to excellence and longevity.

"That reputation will allow us to bring more top players here and we already have the makings of a very, very strong squad for next season.”