Back to Forum

2024/25 Women's Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

277 replies · 40,977 views
over 1 year ago
SamCoughlan
I'm stoked about this, I've been really hoping she would re-sign. I was starting to worry she wouldn't be back with how long it's taken.

She was great last season both in her play and the experience and leadership she gave on the pitch - I felt we really missed he late on last season when she got injured
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlapLT01Oi Oi EdgecumbeUn+1
over 1 year ago
Feel that Robertson wasn’t utilised as much as she could have been. Pretty sure she had the highest minutes per goals last season (?) … some more regular minutes, even as a sub, could have really helped the team.
SamCoughlan


Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Oi Oi Edgecumbe
over 1 year ago
One month till ALW kicks off. Still lots of holes to fill in this squad. Full backs is a big one. Midfield still a bit soft. Wingers. Does lack of signing news mean things aren't going to plan for Temple with his recruitment, or is he waiting on players that are still assessing there options overseas?
Errington, Lancaster, Moore, Satchell, Wilkinson, Chance. To name a few higher profile NZers unattached. Some of those I would prefer over others.
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Is Chance looking to play again, or is she happy being a mum?
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
MetalLegNZ
Is Chance looking to play again, or is she happy being a mum?

I think she is based in Melbourne currently? Her partner (now husband) is from there. If so she may look at a comeback with one of the Victorian ALW clubs.


Edit - had to use a non football website to get an update on Chance!
From January this year when she was preggers at 30 weeks, so she will be a mum now. Hubby is a strength & conditioning coach, so I guess he'll be helping with the transistion back to athlete
https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/lifestyle/weddings/football-fern-olivia-chance-wedding-48211/

And while Olivia is looking forward to being a mum, the talented midfielder insists she won’t be hanging up her football boots anytime soon, explaining that Rob will help her juggle her parenting and professional commitments. She adds that they can’t wait to tell their son about how he made his sporting debut in the World Cup, even if she was only in her first trimester.

Of their future together, Olivia enthuses, “As an athlete, it helps to have a partner in the same field because they understand the hours you have to put in and that you don’t get a lot of time at home. It’s going to be very interesting fitting a baby into our crazy lifestyle, but it’s exciting!

“It’s been nice taking time out because I’ve given so much to the sport and this is probably the first time we’re putting ourselves first. I’m looking forward to seeing what football will bring with a son in the stands.”
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
There has been signings just not officially announced, seems to have had a number of players trialling over the past month, I suspect announcement will be forthcoming 
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
brcoochieeLT01Ra
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Ranix
One month till ALW kicks off. Still lots of holes to fill in this squad. Full backs is a big one. Midfield still a bit soft. Wingers. Does lack of signing news mean things aren't going to plan for Temple with his recruitment, or is he waiting on players that are still assessing there options overseas?
Errington, Lancaster, Moore, Satchell, Wilkinson, Chance. To name a few higher profile NZers unattached. Some of those I would prefer over others.

With McCutcheon and Longo recently added, I wouldnt say the midfield was a bit soft. Id only want Errington from that list, and maybe Lancaster.  
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History


She's 28 years old and had played in both Japan and South Korea so should bring some good experience.

She's been given the number 14 shirt
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
FenixkwlapLT01Ra+4
over 1 year ago
Transfermarkt doesn't have women players in its database as far as I can tell, but does anyone know of women Kiwis playing overseas who are out of contract in December? It seems we have a local player joining us then from overseas according to Temps on this week's Pod. 

Also a 5th Visa signing incoming - but he didn't give any clues as to who that one is
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Half a Pint
Transfermarkt doesn't have women players in its database as far as I can tell, but does anyone know of women Kiwis playing overseas who are out of contract in December? It seems we have a local player joining us then from overseas according to Temps on this week's Pod. 

Also a 5th Visa signing incoming - but he didn't give any clues as to who that one is
Looks like the Danish league finishes up end of Nov. (Not totally familiar with the league but game 14 of 14 end of Nov just before there winter).
Kiwis Malia Steinmetz and Ava Collins play in that league currently. 
So I reckon Ava Collins could be a fair shout>
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Half a PintOi Oi Edgecumbe
over 1 year ago
Half a Pint
Transfermarkt doesn't have women players in its database as far as I can tell, but does anyone know of women Kiwis playing overseas who are out of contract in December? It seems we have a local player joining us then from overseas according to Temps on this week's Pod. 

Also a 5th Visa signing incoming - but he didn't give any clues as to who that one is

What podcast is this? Can you post a link??
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Elbo
Half a Pint
Transfermarkt doesn't have women players in its database as far as I can tell, but does anyone know of women Kiwis playing overseas who are out of contract in December? It seems we have a local player joining us then from overseas according to Temps on this week's Pod. 

Also a 5th Visa signing incoming - but he didn't give any clues as to who that one is

What podcast is this? Can you post a link??
This week's Fever FM pod

https://shows.acast.com/fever-fm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2sUmMVOLb_QWJKR7ErcxxZsjGz7D_-7sV9Jal_40x8i5rL0FSYZF_GrOk_aem_44fNsEIr9huECx4XwJ_v1w
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
ElOi Oi Edgecumbe
over 1 year ago
Ranix
Half a Pint
Transfermarkt doesn't have women players in its database as far as I can tell, but does anyone know of women Kiwis playing overseas who are out of contract in December? It seems we have a local player joining us then from overseas according to Temps on this week's Pod. 

Also a 5th Visa signing incoming - but he didn't give any clues as to who that one is
Looks like the Danish league finishes up end of Nov. (Not totally familiar with the league but game 14 of 14 end of Nov just before there winter).
Kiwis Malia Steinmetz and Ava Collins play in that league currently. 
So I reckon Ava Collins could be a fair shout>
 Ally Green plays in the Danish league too. Would be a crazy pull seeming she's from Sydney. 
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
But the Danish women's league is a autumn-spring league with a mid winter break? ie the league will resume presumably about March next year?

Could it be Gabi Rennie who plays in Finland, more a year to year summer league?

Alternatively these look like some Kiwi players still currently off contract - Meikayla Moore, Ria Percival, Paige Satchell, Erin Nayler, Deven Jackson, plus U20s mid Helena Errington, and the maternity duo of Liv Chance & Betsy Hassett.

Don't think Percival has retired completely (just from the Ferns) and she was keen to play on with Crystal Palace, but doesn't seem they wanted her back. Could Longo have enticed her old mate all the way downunder?

And of course you have the mooted idea of loan deals for either Fraser or Clegg. Note I haven't listened to Temple on the pod.
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
The ESPN website is showing Imane Chebel from Algeria in the squad.
 
It also shows kiwi Amelia Abbott who is currently a Senior playing college football in the States. Looks like her team the Texas Longhorns are playing in a tournament next month which would explain the late arrival?

https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/squad/_/id/21133/wellington_phoenix_women 
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Half a PintLT01
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
Well spotted EL. Looks like you have nailed it.
Temps also following Chebel on Insta. Canadian / Algerian. 29yr old defender. 
Abbott would be a good pick up just out of the US college system. Another member of that U17 bronze winning WC team.  Edit. Although looking at her US stats. Didn't get many minutes playing there over the years. So would be a work in progress.
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
coochieeHalf a PintLT01
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
In January this year Niche Cache did an extensive review of that 3rd placing U17 team from 2019, ie a 5 year anniversary followup summary.

Of course peers Rennie (Finland) & Jenkins (Turkey) have since both got their first pro deals this year. Them having also gone the US Collge route post that U17 WC

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2024/1/10/looking-back-at-new-zealands-u17-world-cup-bronze-medallists-five-years-later

Others have stuck with it: Gabi Rennie (Arizona State/Indiana), Genevieve Ryan (Rider U), and Maggie Jenkins (Central Florida) have gone the distance, while Blair Currie (Spring Arbor) and Amelia Abbott (U of Texas) each have one more year. As does Aniela Jensen (UC Pacific) while Rylee Godbold (Wofford) has two more – both of them were standby members of this squad.

And then there’s the issue of game-time. Abbott was one of the standouts in that U17 WC, a combative midfielder with a huge engine and a tidy sense of rhythm. Admittedly she attends one of the biggest universities in the biggest state in America... but in three seasons she’s played a total of 142 minutes. This is a player who has been capped at senior level and she’s barely getting a sighter in college.

Rennie transferred from Indiana after two years of not playing enough. Her fortunes improved once she got to Arizona though it wasn’t until her fourth and final year that she finally scored an NCAA goal. Same deal for Jenkins, whose senior year was by far her best.

Amelia Abbott (Football Ferns) debuted against Canada in 2021 as part of an understrength side for Jitka Klimkova’s first tour in charge (held when travelling restrictions during covid had depleted player availability).
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
The Ladies were putting in a big effort at Training today. I really hope they have a good season.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Big Pete 65ElOi Oi Edgecumbequeenofthequail+1
over 1 year ago
Limenation
The ESPN website is showing Imane Chebel from Algeria in the squad.
 
It also shows kiwi Amelia Abbott who is currently a Senior playing college football in the States. Looks like her team the Texas Longhorns are playing in a tournament next month which would explain the late arrival?

https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/squad/_/id/21133/wellington_phoenix_women 

Looks a good defensive signing.
19 caps for Algeria.
Canadian born Algerian:
Imane Chebel - Wikipedia
Has played in the top two tiers in France.
Also recently in the Norwegian top tier.
And is coming to the Nix from Flamengo in Brazil where she was on the bench in the first half of this year but failed to appear.
https://int.soccerway.com/players/imane-chebel/588987/
Interesting football journey spanning diverse continents!
It's a small world - Chebel once started for the Kazakh champs Kazygurt in the UEFA Women's Champions League round of 16 2019-20 against Ali Riley who started for Bayern Munich:
https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/557975/kazygurt-bayern-munich
Her Kazakh side had a good run to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 that season, and she played in those seven games:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Women's_Champions_League
Including three qualifying matches:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Women%27s_Champions_League_qualifying_round#Group_6
Two legged win over Anderlecht in the round of 32:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Women%27s_Champions_League_knockout_phase#Round_of_32
and those two legs in the round of 16 against Ali Riley's Bayern Munich:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Women%27s_Champions_League_knockout_phase#Matches_2

Big Pete 65, Christchurch

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Oi Oi EdgecumbeU037Un
over 1 year ago
Chebel departs by mutual consent due to "unforeseen circumstances"

Valley FC til I die?

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
brBullionLT01
over 1 year ago
Alivia Kelly announced as the replacement.

Valley FC til I die?

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
brHalf a PintHattyCWLT01
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History


Her first pro contract, seems to have played a bunch at college level.

What a roller-coaster this morning has been!
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
BullionHattyCWLT01Oi Oi Edgecumbe+2
over 1 year ago
I hope she is amazing

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Has this ever happened before? Wonder what could've happened to warrant her leaving so soon?
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Chebel not keen on the league after the assault on Longo? And previous injuries to players?


Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History
martinb
Chebel not keen on the league after the assault on Longo? And previous injuries to players?
Odd suggestion. Sounds like personal stuff.

Though if she popped up as a signing early 2025 in the new pro Canadian league starting next March, it wouldn't be a shock.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360494334/wellington-phoenix-import-imane-chebel-released-14-days-after-signing

“We got her to New Zealand but unfortunately some personal things and things that are tough for her meant she had to go back to her native Canada, which is a real shame obviously,” coach Paul Temple said.

“Both parties, Imane and the club, worked really hard to find a solution for everyone but it’s enabled us to have a very small window to bring in Alivia Kelly.

“From a squad it’s a bit disappointing to lose a centre back but we’ve been able to replace her in time for the window, which is good.” 
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
FenixMoOi Oi Edgecumbetheprof
over 1 year ago · edited over 1 year ago · History

Amelia Abbott incoming 
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
RR

Amelia Abbott incoming 

Macey fraser
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Window is closed. Abbott was registered but not announced before it closed.

So as much as I would like Macey back  it's unlikely. 
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Nix have sent an email announcing Amelia Abbott now.

She's in Wellington already after finishing her final exam last week.

She will wear the number 8
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
kwlap
over 1 year ago


Announced on twitter now too

Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
coochieeHattyCWLT01RR
over 1 year ago
Sounds like a good signing. Where does she play and where has she been?
I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological. 
Permalink Permalink
over 1 year ago
Midfielder. Went the College route, which is becoming less popular.
Joins Maggie Jenkins and Gabbie Rennie in turning pro in the last 12 odd months. All 3 n that 2019 U17 team that finished 3rd at their WC.

Abbott one Ferns callup during Covid, when Klimkova had many players unavailable (closed borders)

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2024/1/10/looking-back-at-new-zealands-u17-world-cup-bronze-medallists-five-years-later

You can witness the ups and downs of college ball from the varying stories within this squad. Anna Leat and Maya Hahn both spoke about it being a bit of a dream to get involved on the NCAA scene. Hahn already had a scholarship arranged with Oregon when the 2018 U17s took place, while Leat soon joined the Georgetown programme. Both then left when professional gigs in Europe came about (Hahn did still graduate despite only playing three seasons – presumably covering the distance with her online courses during covid – though all college athletes affected by covid were eligible to go back for an extra year if they wanted and clearly she did not).  

Others have stuck with it: Gabi Rennie (Arizona State/Indiana), Genevieve Ryan (Rider U), and Maggie Jenkins (Central Florida) have gone the distance, while Blair Currie (Spring Arbor) and Amelia Abbott (University of Texas) each have one more year. As does Aniela Jensen (UC Pacific) while Rylee Godbold (Wofford) has two more – both of them were standby members of this squad.

And then there’s the issue of game-time. Abbott was one of the standouts in that U17 WC, a combative midfielder with a huge engine and a tidy sense of rhythm. Admittedly she attends one of the biggest universities in the biggest state in America... but in three seasons she’s played a total of 142 minutes. This is a player who has been capped at senior level and she’s barely getting a sighter in college.

Rennie transferred from Indiana after two years of not playing enough. Her fortunes improved once she got to Arizona though it wasn’t until her fourth and final year that she finally scored an NCAA goal. Same deal for Jenkins, whose senior year was by far her best.
Permalink Permalink
about 1 year ago
The Herald understands some Wellington Phoenix players, too, have reached out to the new club about a possible move north.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/football-fern-anna-leat-eyed-by-auckland-fc-for-new-a-league-team/3KEQLXVAYFCRZDGUJ5RUWHIZFI/

Shouldn't really be a surprise since given the Auckland centric nature of Women's Football in NZ. Guess we will have to go shopping in ChCh again to fill up the squad.
Permalink Permalink
Endorsed by
Half a PintLT01Oi Oi Edgecumbe
Back to Wellington Phoenix Women Forum Home Back to top