The Wellington Phoenix has announced that Scott Wootton and Sam Sutton will be departing the Isuzu UTE A-League squad.
The pair will make their final appearances for Wellington in the upcoming Australia Cup play-off against Brisbane Roar on Wednesday night.
Wootton, a former Manchester United defender, and Sutton, an academy product, leave after contributing significantly to Wellington’s remarkable 2023-24 season, where the team just missed clinching the Premiership and qualifying for their first Grand Final.
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“Both Sutts and Scotty leave behind a significant legacy,” remarked Shaun Gill, the Phoenix’s director of football.
“Sutts has truly grown up with the Phoenix, having joined the academy as a 14-year-old in 2016.
“He made his professional debut just days after turning 18 and has since made over 100 appearances for the ‘Nix across all competitions during the past five seasons, including the first two while the team was based in Australia.
“Scotty joined us at the beginning of 2022 and has been a vital part of the Phoenix defence, featuring in 100 matches since then.
“He played every minute of our unforgettable 2023-24 A-League season and was rightfully recognised in the PFA team of the year.
“Scotty has begun his coaching journey at the academy as well.”
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New Zealand international Sutton has achieved over 100 appearances for the Phoenix. He stated, “This club has been a significant part of my life, and it has meant everything to me.
“The Phoenix is my home. I’ve been here for nearly a decade, and not securing any silverware is quite heartbreaking for me.
“The fans have been incredible since I joined, and it’s been a privilege to represent them. I hope to return one day to bring home some silverware for them.”
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Wootton, who hails from England and joined in 2022 after spells with clubs like Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, shared, “I can sincerely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.
“I’ve formed lifelong friendships, and it has been fantastic for both me and my family. I’ll always be thankful to Gilly (Shaun Gill), Uffy (Ufuk Talay) and Chiefy (Giancarlo Italiano) for having faith in me and bringing me on board.
“Playing under Uffy and Chief has been a joy; they are both excellent managers. I wish Chiefy all the best as he continues with the team.
“A special nod goes to Adam Griffiths as well. He’s been an outstanding coach and has contributed significantly to my development at this point in my career.
“I also want to express my gratitude to the academy staff for giving me my first experience in coaching. They were incredible and have helped clarify my future aspirations in coaching.
“Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes out to the fans for the immense support they have shown to me and my family.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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