Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that experienced defender Scott Wootton has joined the club on a two-year deal.
The Englishman established himself as one of the A-League’s most consistent centre-backs after joining Wellington Phoenix in 2021, chalking up more than 100 appearances for the club and being named in the PFA A-League Team of the Year in 2023/24.
Having been on the books of both Liverpool and Manchester United as a youngster, Wootton began his senior career at Old Trafford and after a number of loan spells, completed a permanent move to Leeds United in 2013.
He duly showcased his versatility by operating as a right-back and a holding midfielder, in addition to his more customary centre-back position, while making 74 appearances for the Yorkshire club in all competitions.
The former England Under-17 international went on to represent MK Dons and Plymouth Argyle, winning promotion from League Two with the latter and after a brief spell at Morecambe, completed a move to Wellington in 2021.
Wootton is now relishing the prospect of helping improve Glory’s fortunes in 2025/26.
“I’m really looking forward to starting my next chapter here at Perth Glory,” he said.
“After speaking initially with [Football Director] Stan Lazaridis, it very quickly became a very easy decision for me.
“He ticked every box you want to hear as a player.
“At first he was very honest about the situation that he inherited and extremely passionate and enthusiastic about the changes he wanted to make to the culture of the club and the direction he wants to take the team moving forward, which is to be competing at the top end of the league and winning trophies.
“It was refreshing to hear his determination and we share the same ambitions.
“He, along with the Gaffer [Head Coach David Zdrilic], then outlined their plans for the club and how ambitious he is going to be with the players he will be signing and the players that will be staying at the club and it was something that really excited me.
“I understand it’s been a frustrating number of seasons for the fan base, but I can assure them that myself and the team being put together for next season and beyond will be fighting for their club every single week to make sure that Glory are competing towards the top of the league.
“We need to start the season well and carry that momentum forward and the fans getting behind the team will be integral to that.”
Lazaridis, meanwhile, believes that the club’s latest recruit will be a key figure in the upcoming campaign.
“As well as being one of the very best central defenders in the A-League over the past few years, Scott is also a leader,” he said.
“His vast experience will be hugely beneficial for us as a team overall and in particular, for the up-and-coming defenders we have at the club who are still finding their feet at senior level.
“He provides a commanding, calming presence in the backline and is a good distributor of the ball as well.
“We’re looking forward to Scott playing a major role in driving the club forward this year.”
Further squad announcements will be made shortly.
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