A-League Men: Perth Glory sign former Wellington Phoenix, Leeds and Manchester United defender Scott Wootton

Perth Glory have taken steps to improve their sieve-like defence with the signing of experienced centre-back Scott Wootton on a two year-deal. After more than 100 appearances over four years for Wellington Phoenix, the 33 year-old former Manchester United and Leeds defender has signed for Glory. It follows Monday’s announcement Wootton’s Wellington teammate Sam Sutton had also joined Perth on a three-year deal. Wootton was named in the Professional Footballers Australia’s A-League Team of the Year in 2023-24 and has consistently been one of the league’s stronger defensive options since his arrival in 2021. Perth have been crying out for defensive reinforcements over the past two seasons, having conceded a staggering 125 goals over the past two seasons. With only young centre-backs Andriano Lebib, Kaelen Majekodunmi and Zach Lisolajski contracted to Glory, Wootton’s arrival should provide a considerable boost in the heart of defence. Experienced defenders Tomi Mrcela and Takuya Okamoto are also out of contract, as is another mid-season arrival in Tas Mourdoukoutas, although none of the trio were included on the club’s departing players list last week. Wootton was on the books of both Liverpool and Manchester United as a youngster and eventually made four appearances at Old Trafford, before moving to Leeds in 2013 after a number of loan spells. A former England under-17 international, Wootton played 74 games for Leeds before spells at MK Dons, Plymouth Argyle and Morecambe. The ex-Phoenix centurion said he was excited to begin a new chapter in Perth. “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,” Wootton said. “At first he was very honest about the situation 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. “He, along with the Gaffer (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. Wootton said he was determined to help Perth turn around their fortunes on-field. “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 Glory are competing towards the top of the league,” he said. Lazaridis hailed Wootton’s arrival as a top-tier signing. “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.