Departing striker Hamish Watson, left, scored five goals in 39 appearances for the Wellington Phoenix.

The Wellington Phoenix have reached a mutual termination agreement with fringe striker Hamish Watson.

The 24-year-old Kiwi scored five goals in 39 appearances, making just 13 starts. His game time has become increasingly limited, restricted to just 67 minutes of action across the 2017-18 Hyundai A-League season.

Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic said Watson's decision to seek more game time back in the ISPS Handa Premiership is the right one at this stage in his career.

"Hamish is a player who is very good to work with, he's very professional, and he's one of the local boys, which is important for the football club to have for connection and identity," Kalezic said.

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"Unfortunately he has not had enough match time over the past few seasons, and his expectations of future matches was not very high.

"We support his choice to take the step to Premiership level in order to play game time, build confidence and rediscover his love for football, and hopefully make a step forward again in the future."

The Phoenix have also released reserves team captain Liam Wood. The defender has signed with Team Wellington. Another reserves player, Luke Tongue, has joined Canterbury United.