29 Jun 2017

Phoenix sign Australian international

9:44 am on 29 June 2017

The Australian under-23 football international Scott Galloway has signed a one year deal with the Wellington Phoenix.

Galloway, a defender is the second signing since new coach Darije Kalezić took over at the club.

Galloway, 22, has played over 75 A-League games in the past five years and having played last season for the Central Coast Mariners where former Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick is now based.

The Phoenix assistant coach Rado Vidošić said Galloway is a versatile player who can play left or right back.

New Phoenix signing Scott Galloway (left), playing for the Central Coast Mariners,  contests the ball with the Phoenix's Alex Rodriguez.

New Phoenix signing Scott Galloway (left), playing for the Central Coast Mariners, contests the ball with the Phoenix's Alex Rodriguez. Photo: Photosport

"Scott is the right type of player that will easily fit into our football model and we expect him to contribute towards our football culture."

After coming through the ranks of the Australian Institute of Sport, in 2013 the Perth-born Galloway caught the eye of then Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou, who was so impressed by the teenager he handed him a full A-League debut in a Melbourne derby.

A standout in a struggling Mariners outfit last season, Galloway earned trials in the Netherlands but was convinced by Kalezić and Vidošić his future lay with the Phoenix.

"Rado gave me a call, asked me what I was doing," said Galloway, "and he said he was coming to Wellington, and I was all ears. I loved everything I heard about what he and Darije want to do, so now I'm here."

"It was a great experience trialing abroad but (Rado and Darije) convinced me that this would be the best place for me, to develop my game.

"The fact that Darije has coached in Netherlands, and brought through some top young players means I'm confident if I work hard, he can help take me to where I need to be."

Galloway is the second signing since the new coaches conducted their review of the Wellington squad and follows the re-signing of goalkeeper Lewis Italiano.