Riley Bidois has returned to the Wellington Phoenix after three and a half years away.
The young striker has joined the Phoenix on a season-long loan from United Soccer League (USL) Championship club Monterey Bay FC.
Bidois, 24, came through the club’s academy and scored 16 goals in 14 Central League matches in 2021 before making five first team appearances for the Nix during the following Isuzu UTE A-League while the men were based in Sydney.
He has played in the USL Championship for the past two and half years, first with Loudoun United in Virginia before moving to Monterey Bay in California at the start this season, after a year in Australia’s National Premier Leagues (NPL).
Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre is “delighted” to have Bidois back at the club.
“I had the privilege of working with Riley at the academy and he was a player I admired and respected,” Greenacre said.
“For whatever reason things didn’t materialise for him at the Phoenix four years ago, but I’ve seen how much he’s improved since then.
“Riley made the difficult decision to head overseas and live away from home to further his career.
“It took him a while to settle but most recently at Monterey he’s got back to doing what he does best and that’s playing well and scoring goals.
“Riley’s a player that can add a lot of value to our squad. It helps he already knows the environment and he knows the players.
“And as a striker his hold up play is very, very good, he’s got a good eye for goal, good speed and he’s a young player that needs an opportunity at this level.”
Despite scoring five goals in his first eight games for Monterey this season, Riley Bidois jumped at the opportunity to rejoin the Phoenix on loan.
“It’s awesome being back in the building and being around all the staff and players again,” Bidois said. “I missed them and I’m happy to be back home.
“Being back in New Zealand was the biggest pull. Greeny getting the head coach job and Steve [Coleman] being the assistant excited me a well.
“I’ve worked a lot with Greeny and Steve before and I like the way they operate. I think they can get the best out of me.”
Bidois feels he’s got a point to prove after only making five previous appearances in the A-League.
“I’m returning to the club a better and more confident player.
“I’ve played a lot of football and I’ve experienced a different league and culture.
“I definitely feel like I’ve grown a lot since I was here last time for sure.
“As a striker I want to score goals and that’s how I’ll be judged, but most important I want to help the team win as many games as possible.”
The three New Zealand derbies this season will take on extra significance for his family with younger brother Jonty in Auckland FC’s squad.
“We’re very close. We talk a lot, but when he found out I was coming here he went a bit quiet!
“It’s going to funny to play against each other and hopefully I can come out on top.
“I don’t know what my parents are going to do. They’re going to have to wear white or something.”
The Wellington Phoenix now have 18 men’s players contracted for the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League with further squad announcements to be made over the coming weeks.
