Wollongong in the running to host A-League club Wellington Phoenix

The Wellington Phoenix announced on Tuesday morning that their A-League squad will be based in NSW for the start of the 2020-21 season due to travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.

The Mercury understands that Wollongong is among the options being considered by the Phoenix.

The concept has the backing of former Wolves coach Jacob Timpano, who believes it would be terrific for football in the Illawarra.

"I think it's a great thing for us. It gives the community to see some A-League football in our backyard over the summer period. Wellington have been a pretty exciting team over the last couple of years so it gives someone for our locals to follow," he said.

"I don't think the region should be judged on Wellington's success of pulling crowds in games here because ultimately, it's not our team here. But playing out of WIN Stadium and being based here, it shows the potential for a team in the A-League down the track."

Timpano, who is also a former A-League player, said he saw potential for the Wolves to work with the Phoenix.

"I'm friends with [Wellington coach] Ufuk Talay. I played with him at Sydney FC and North Queensland Fury, and have a good relationship with him. Luke's [Wilkshire] got a good relationship with Ufuk too so I think naturally, we will see some collaboration," he said.

"I'm sure there's going to be some working together because there's some existing relationships there. I think there will be some engagement between the two clubs, whether it's formal or informal."

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The A-League season kicks off on December 27, but Wellington plans to have players assembled in NSW by November 1. The club will continue to monitor the COVID situation, but plans for games to return to New Zealand later in the season.

The Phoenix are expected to reveal signings for their 2020/21 A-League squad in the coming fortnight.

Tuesday's announcement comes seven weeks after the Phoenix flagged their intentions to field a side in the W-League competition.

The club have stated a willingness to base their women's team in the Sydney region, with Wollongong again among the nominations as an ideal location. That idea was backed by Illawarra Stingrays president Kathy McDonogh, who saw it as a great opportunity for the two clubs to work together.

"Even if we're just a training hub or they're based here, to see, interact with, and have a relationship with them can invigorate our girls and women's football in our area to that next level. They can see that pathway, they can actually see the girls training," she told the Mercury last month.

"Canberra United and the Western Sydney Wanderers are as local as it can get for our girls. If the Phoenix come here, that opens up even greater options for our girls. Football South Coast have a relationship with Sydney FC, this gives us an opportunity to have a relationship with a W-League team ourselves directly, and locally."