Football Ferns forward Milly Clegg has turned down an offer to sign a multi-year professional contract with the Wellington Phoenix, opting to join women’s A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
Clegg (17) was the Phoenix’s top goalscorer in last season’s Liberty A-League with four goals, and she has earned a place in the Football Ferns for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Main photo: Milly Clegg in action for the New Zealand U-20 women’s team.
However, Clegg has been unveiled as a new signing by Wanderers, whose head coach Kat Smith said:
“As touted by the local media and experts, Milly Clegg is the best centre-forward prospect New Zealand has produced in at least a decade.
“It was evident that when given A-league minutes, her presence on the pitch was pivotal and, in most cases, resulted in the ball in the back of the net. This notable emergence has caught our eye and can turn the dial on our attacking plights.
“She’s got pace, skill, technique, vision and thrilling, raw ability.”
Milly Clegg: ‘I love scoring goals’
Clegg, who spent last season at the Phoenix on non-professional terms, said:
“I’m really excited to join Western Sydney Wanderers and be based in a professional environment overseas.
“I enjoyed my first season in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix and learnt a lot from the experience. I can’t wait to take on this new challenge.
“The Wanderers is a great opportunity for me. I love scoring goals and hope to be adding to this next season with Western Sydney.”
The Wellington Phoenix posted on their Facebook: “We wish Milly all the best.”
Director of football Shaun Gill told Stuff Clegg had been presented with numerous options for next season, including a multi-year professional contract, but she informed the club last month she would not be returning.
READ MORE: Profile: Meet Milly Clegg, the young striker with the world at her feet >>>>
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