New Phoenix signing CJ Bott.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Football Ferns defender CJ Bott is returning home to Wellington signing a two year deal with the Phoenix in the women’s A-League competition.
Bott has spent the past four seasons playing for Leicester City in the Women’s Super League in England.
Bott, 30, has 50 caps for New Zealand and joins fellow national teammates Vic Esson, Grace Jale, Mackenzie Barry and Manaia Elliott in the Phoenix squad.
The club had also recruited Nepal’s all-time leading goal scorer Sabitra Bhandari, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and 44-time Dutch international Tessel Middag, as well as re-signing Lebanon defender Tiana Jaber.
Bott was new coach Bev Priestman’s first signing since being appointed Phoenix head coach.
“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,” said Priestman.
Bott grew up in the Wellington suburb of Karori and played her club football at Waterside Karori.
“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.”
Wellington Phoenix coach Bev Priestman.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Bott said she had wanted to play for the Phoenix since the women’s team was established in 2021.
“To be able to come back to Wellington and play professionally for the Phoenix in my hometown is really special. I didn’t have that dream when I was a kid. We didn’t have a women’s team to aspire to….I’m proud to be part of the club.
She said the Phoenix offer came at the right time.
“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.”
Bott will join the Wellington Phoenix for the start of pre-season early next month, with the A-League season kicking off on October 31.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.