The Wellington Phoenix have brought back another Football Fern.
Milly Clegg has signed with the club after experiencing some of the top women’s leagues around the world, including spells with Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League, Halifax Tides in the Canadian top flight, and most recently Vittsjö GIK in Sweden.
The Nix have lured Clegg back to Wellington, the team that she began her A-League career with, on a two-year deal.
The forward, 20, was the side’s top goalscorer as a teenager during the 2022-23 A-League Women season before departing to join Western Sydney Wanderers.
She’s also chalked up 23 senior caps for New Zealand, scoring four goals.
Head coach Bev Priestman is convinced this is the right move for club and player.
“I’m delighted to bring another Football Fern home, someone who can play in front of friends and family,” she said.
“Heading into a big World Cup year, for someone of Milly’s quality to feature week-in, week-out, is fantastic.
“It’s fantastic to bring someone who is a true number nine, and adding her to the squad is great for us.”
And her overseas endeavours will only help.
“At the very young age of 20, Milly’s accumulated a lot of experience playing professionally around the world.
“To bring that and bolster the squad, looking at the forwards that we’ve got, we have positional depth with players being able to play across positions.
“It adds a few strings to our bow in how we attack.”
Priestman believes there’s plenty of room for Clegg to grow further.
“I’m excited to help Milly develop. Having someone who is committed to a two-year period, we really have the opportunity to keep adding to her development.
“I think she’ll develop partnerships with other players who are also here beyond this year.”
Milly Clegg is ready to contribute in her second spell with the club.
“I was talking with my agent, and then both parties started chatting,” she said.
“The more I spoke with my agent, my family, Bev, it all just made sense and was a really exciting opportunity.
“I’ve just got my feet on the ground and looking to have a good season here.
“I want to help the team in any way I can and impact them positively.”
Her time outside of the A-League has served her well.
“I was really young when I was here last time, I’ve grown up a lot.
“I’ve lived overseas, lived alone, I’ve matured a lot outside of the field and added a lot to my game on the field through playing in different countries.
“I’ve become a lot better of a person and a player, and I’m excited to show that.”
The home comforts of Wellington are also proving a major bonus.
“It’s been great, the weather has turned up the last few days, so it’s been nice.
“My little brother [Phoenix academy player Jack Clegg] is here, my family is here, I’ve got a lot of friends in the team.
“It’s been great to be back here, for sure.”
Milly Clegg will wear the no. 8 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix, and is the 19th women’s player contracted for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League.
Further squad announcements will be made in the lead up to the women’s season opener against Melbourne City at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
