Football Ferns midfielder Kate Taylor has told the Wellington Phoenix she won’t return to the club for a fourth women’s A-League season.
The club has confirmed that Taylor (20) and forward Kelli Brown (23) are out of contract and will not be part of their next season’s squad.
“Taylor is looking to continue her football career overseas and the club has no doubt she will be a success wherever she lands,” the club’s announcement says.
“The Phoenix would like to thank Kate and Kelli for their contributions to the team over the past three seasons.”
Main photo: Kate Taylor … heading overseas.
Taylor has been a key member of the women’s side since the team joined the Liberty A-League in 2021, making 42 appearances, all but one of which were starts.
After being a mainstay at centre back for the first two seasons, Taylor moved into a defensive midfield role in the 2023-24 A-League, and thrived, earning selection to the Football Ferns.
Brown was limited to one start and eight appearances in her second stint with the club last season.
Three other players have already confirmed their departures from the Phoenix.
Football Ferns midfielder Grace Wisnewski is out of contract and has informed the club she will leave.
READ MORE: Midfielders Grace Wisnewski and Hope Breslin leave Wellington Phoenix >>>>
Two American imports are out of contract and will not be back.
Full back Hailey Davidson has signed for Texas club Dallas Trinity in the new USL Super League, while midfielder Hope Breslin is now a free agent.
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix fullback heads home to Dallas to join new pro’ league club>>>>
Players signed for next season
Phoenix women’s head coach Paul Temple has six players contracted for the 2024-25 A-League season, with discussions continuing with other off-contract players.
The players signed are Mackenzie Barry, Olivia Ingham, Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale and Rebecca Lake.
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix sign new deal with women’s vice captain Rebecca Lake >>>>
More football stories
