Western Sydney Wanderers have announced the signing of former Central Coast Mariners defender Paige Hayward ahead of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
Hayward made 24 appearances for the Mariners in the club’s first year back in the league since 2009, after a two-season stint at Adelaide United.
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Described by the Wanderers as the club’s “newest superstar”, Hayward spent time in the US College System at the University of Texas Brownsville and Texas Southern University, and also played for United Women’s Soccer League side Houston Aces before a move to Austria with FFC Vorderland in the ÖFB-Frauenliga before joining the Reds in 2021.
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A versatile defender who can play forward, Hayward says joining the Wanderers provides her the opportunity to bring her attacking threat to the Wanderers squad whilst operating in a defensive role.
“I think the environment with the girls is amazing – coming in and not knowing too many people, it has been so welcoming and so amazing, which has made me enjoy coming to training every day so far,” Hayward said.
“I think I will be very physical, and one of my best traits is my ability to connect my passes and create chances for my teammates. I am defensively always strong, but have been able to score a fair few goals over my career so I hope to add to that this year.”
Hayward is the fourth player to sign for the Wanderers ahead of Round 1, joining Milly Bennett (scholarship contract), Sienna Saveska and Talia Kapetanellis at the club.
Wanderers head coach Robbie Hooker added: “We all have seen her class as a defender over her time in the A-League, however, believe that her time playing overseas will give her a different perspective than a lot of current players in Australia, and one that we hope she can pass on to the less experienced members of our squad.
“Paige will hopefully be a great example to those around her and will most certainly set the standard amongst the team with her hard work and professionalism throughout the year.”
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