Wellington Phoenix add two late signings
The Wellington Phoenix men have bolstered their attacking options at the end of the A-League transfer window.
The Nix have added American Bryce Duke and Australian left back Walter Scott on a one-year deal.
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Duke, 25, has joined the Wellington Phoenix on a one-year deal, with an option for a further season if certain criteria are fulfilled.
The attacking midfielder brings over 150 games of experience in Major League Soccer, spanning spells with San Diego FC, CF Montréal, Inter Miami, and Los Angeles FC.
Head coach Chris Greenacre is delighted to get a deal over the line in an important position.
“We’ve been looking for an attacking midfielder, and Bryce’s characteristics and where he’s playing were of interest immediately,” he said.
“Ultimately, he’s someone who wants to play football. We feel that he would be the perfect fit for how we want to build things here in Wellington.
“He’s technically very very good, he brings quite a lot of creativity, he’s got the ability to unlock a defense with his weight of pass. Those are the attributes that we want in our squad.”
Being battle-hardened from the MLS is a bonus.
“MLS is one of the top 20 leagues in the world, and he’s played over 150 games so he’s fit and ready to go.
“The level that he’s playing, it’s fair to say that the MLS has gone from strength to strength.
“To have a player who’s experienced those moments in a tough, competitive league will add loads of value to us and our squad.”
Duke is “stoked” to be joining the Wellington Phoenix.
“I’ve been putting this into the world for a while now, I’ve always wanted to experience Australia, the A-League, New Zealand,” he said.
“It happened pretty quick, literally in a 24-hour timespan.
“I couldn’t be more excited to experience a whole new world, to be part of the community, part of the team, and I’m just looking forward to giving my all for the badge.”
Meanwhile Scott spent the 2019-20 season in Wellington, making three A-League appearances as the primary backup to Liberato Cacace.
Now 26, he arrives back in the capital after three seasons with Macarthur FC, including 49 appearances across the A-League and Asian Champions League Two plus an Australia Cup title in 2024.
Greenacre believes Scott is an important signing.
“Walter brings a wealth of experience and he’s played a large number of A-League games,” Greenacre said.
“He’s up to speed with the league, and arguably one of the best pros that we’ve ever had at the club in terms of his application to his craft.
“As we were building the squad, we had a left-back position that we felt we could potentially strengthen at some point, things materialised and we’ve decided to do that.”
And it will be easy for Scott to bed in.
“He understands what we’re trying to build at the Phoenix, having been here before, and what the club needs to go forward.
“There’s been an ongoing connection for a long time for him and his family
