Former Wellington Phoenix defender Sam Sutton has made a significant move, joining Perth Glory on a three-year contract, bridging the Distance Derby rivalry.
The 23-year-old New Zealand international departed the Phoenix in mid-May after nearly ten years with the club. Sutton began his journey in Wellington’s academy at just 14 years old and ultimately made 98 appearances in the Isuzu UTE A-League while wearing the iconic yellow and black. He ended his time with the Phoenix after spending six seasons in the top-flight squad.
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Having represented the All Whites five times, Sutton made his senior international debut in 2024, with his first three caps earned during New Zealand’s OFC Nations Cup victory.
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The left-back becomes the first new face at the Glory following the conclusion of their 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season, during which David Zdrilic’s team finished at the bottom of the table for the second straight year.
Sustaining the squad, Trent Ostler, Luke Amos, and Lachie Wales have all extended their contracts, while Jaylan Pearman, Anas Hamzaoui, Lachie Barr, Patrick Wood (ended loan), and Riley Warland have all moved on following the conclusion of their contracts.
“I chose to sign with Perth for a multitude of reasons,” Sutton remarked.
“Firstly, I’ve visited several times, and it’s undoubtedly my favourite city in Australia. More significantly, the passion, confidence, and ambitions expressed by David Zdrilic and (Glory football director) Stan Lazaridis were pivotal to my decision.
“Their desire to capture trophies aligns with my own, and I am eager to kick off the season already.
“I have faith in the quality of players we’re retaining and those we plan to recruit, and I am hopeful we can secure some silverware.”
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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