Wellington Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman has made her first signing since joining the club, recruiting experienced Football Fern CJ Bott ahead of the upcoming Ninja A-League 2025-26 season.
The 30-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the Nix and will add plenty of experience to the Wellington midfield under their new head coach.
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Born in Wellington, the 50-time New Zealand international now heads back to her home country after spending four seasons with Women’s Super League (WSL) side Leicester City and is the club’s sixth signing of the off-season.
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“To be able to come back to Wellington and play professionally for the Phoenix in my hometown is really special,” said Bott after signing her new deal.
“I didn’t have that dream when I was a kid. We didn’t have a women’s team to aspire to. So I feel very grateful to be given this opportunity now and I’m proud to be part of the club.
“It’s clear to see the investment in the women’s team. There are some great players joining the Phoenix and with the backing of Bev it’s a really exciting time.”
The recruitment of Bott is the latest piece of impressive business conducted by the Nix in this current Ninja A-League off-season.
After star winger Lucia Leon was recruited from Adelaide United the club also signed American defender Ellie Walker following an off-season shake-up which has seen six players leave including all five visa players from last year.
Two more eye-catching signings were then announced with Dutch international Tessel Middag and Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson both joining from Scottish giants Rangers while Nepal’s all-time leading goalscorer Sabitra Bhandari also signed on.
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“I’m really, really excited to be able to have secured someone of CJ’s calibre and experience,” said Phoenix head coach Priestman.
“She has played consistently in the WSL, which is a top league, and has experience playing at Olympic Games and World Cups, and I don’t think you can buy that.
“CJ grew up down the road in Tawa, played for Waterside Karori and she really
knows what it means to play for Wellington, and I think that’s critical.
She continued: “In terms of her attributes she’s got a big engine, loves defending but also brings some real quality and tempo on the ball including assisting us to get on the scoresheet.
“To be honest I think CJ could play multiple positions and she’ll allow us to be really adaptable in what we do and when we do it.”
Having shone in the WSL over a number of years, Bott had several offers to move elsewhere but admits the chance to head home and play for her local club was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“I had a few options after leaving Leicester and I looked around a little bit, but after being home for the past two months I didn’t really want to leave.
“It’s nice for me and my partner to be able to establish some roots and be closer to family and friends.
“It’s also great to know what I’m doing for the next couple of years leading into
the next World Cup.”
On her playing style, she added: “I love getting forward, but equally I love defending. That’s my pride and joy.
“I think you’ll see someone out there who will fight for the badge day-in, day-out with a lot of passion.
“I’m incredibly proud to play for the club. It’s my hometown so I think you’ll see someone who has a lot of pride for what she’s doing out there.”
