Vaughan Coveny told www.au.fourfourtwo.com that Wellington is a genuine sports city that will support the new A-League venture.

“Not only is it the capital of New Zealand, it’s full of real soccer people. And it’s a city that generally supports whatever sport they have on. I would’ve been disappointed if they didn’t get in.

“It’s a bit smaller than Auckland, where just getting to North Harbour stadium was a bit difficult as it was over the bridge and out of the city. Everyone enjoys going to the Cake Tin in Wellington.”

The Cake Tin is the nickname for the Westpac Trust stadium in Wellington, which holds around 35,000 fans.

Yesterday, FFA handed New Zealand Soccer (NZS) the licence for an A-League side, which will now sub-let that license for three years to Wellington. The financial backer who helped the bid get over the line is multi-millionaire local property developer Terry Serepisos.

Coveny, originally from Wellington, says playing for the franchise would be a wonderful way to complete the circle on his football career. “I began my career in New Zealand before spending the last 15 years here in Australia. What a fantastic way to end my playing career.”

The All-White revealed he’d spoken to national coach and probably Wellington A-League coach Ricki Herbert about his football career in general recently. And he’s issuing a come and get me to the new franchise: “I would love to have the opportunity to play for them.”

The big forward officially retired from the All-Whites a couple of weeks ago, a decision he hopes will extend his career in the A-League.