Ben Waine, 21-year-old, is ready to set his feet at Home Park, known as the Theatre of Greens, stadium of Plymouth Argyle, top team of English Football League One (3rd-tier of England) in season 2022/23. The young All White and previous Wellington Phoenix striker is already in Plymouth, Devon, England and joined the team officially on 1st of January 2023.
Waine made a deal with The Pilgrims until the end of the 2024/25 season, however the transfer fee keeps unrevealed by both parties. “It was a though competition to have him on board as Argyle have fought off strong interest from a number of clubs, including Championship sides,” said Argyle boss Steven Schumacher.
The young footballer calls the transfer as a “dream coming through” in his career. “I’ve always had this desire and kind of addiction of wanting to move over to the UK and play over here”, stated in a video he recorded for Phoenix fans.
It is expected to see his debut in the next Argyle’s away game which is on Saturday (7th of January – England time) against Bolton Wanderers.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR WAINE
The young player had a brilliant career so far performing for Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand national team (including the Olympic games in Tokyo 2020). The expectation is to see him shining as his All Whites colleague Chris Wood who is playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League.
“We will miss a great component of our team, but he’s got a great attitude. He wants to become better and hopefully we’ve helped him to get where he wants to be“, said Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay.
Another curiosity is Waine will not be the first kiwi to play for Plymouth Argyle. Also, former All Whites striker and Phoenix Academy coach Rory Fallon played for the Pilgrims in 149 appearances between 2007 and 2011, netting 22 goals for the greens. Defender English Scott Wootton currently playing for Wellington Phoenix also played for Plymouth Argyle.
Waine’s Numbers
Wellington Phoenix:
73 Appearances – 17 goals
New Zealand national team:
7 Appearances – 1 goal
New Zealand U20:
6 Appearances – 2 goals
New Zealand U23:
10 Appearances – 8 goals
Oceania Football Center 
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