FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Pat Phelan has celebrated the start of the second week of New England Revolution training camp by signing a contract extension with the club.
“Pat has played significant minutes for us during the past two seasons and is a professional both on and off the field.” Revolution vice president of player personnel Michael Burns said in a statement. “We’re pleased he has reached a new agreement to remain with the Revs.”
Phelan made 28 appearances for the Revs in 2010 – primarily in central midfield – and notched career-highs in goals (2), assists (1) and minutes played (2,167). Although the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Phelan would have entered 2011 in the final year of his contract.
“I've finally gotten it out of the way and I'm excited about it,” Phelan told MLSsoccer.com.
According to Phelan, he and the club had discussed a potential contract extension for the past several months, but other priorities took precedence before the two sides could resolve the final sticking points and agree to a new pact.
“It took a good deal of the offseason,” Phelan said. “Obviously, the organization was busy with recruiting trips and scouting and my agent was signing new guys out of college. It took a while, but the important thing is that it got done before [the bulk of] preseason and it's behind me now.”
With the negotiations now relegated to history and a new deal in place, the 26-year-old Phelan can focus on carving out a consistent role in a Revolution side expected to add a central midfielder shortly, and working with his teammates to build a squad capable of challenging for honors this season.
“It's still kind of a transition period for the club,” Phelan said. “I think things can only get better, which is a good sign. I'm excited to be a part of that.”
