10/8/23
Above: Rebekah Stott shows her delight at returning to Melbourne City. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City FC.
Melbourne City FC have announced this morning the signing of New Zealand international Rebekah Stott on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee from WSL side Brighton and Hove Albion.
Stott has made 93 appearances for New Zealand’s Football Ferns and re-joins the club following a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. The central defender started in each of the Ferns fixtures, playing a crucial role in the team securing their first-ever World Cup win.
In her last appearance for City, Stott joined an illustrious club, making her 100th A-League Women’s appearance. With 75 appearances for Melbourne City, Stott is the club’s all-time leading Women’s appearance maker.
An inaugural member of City’s Women’s side, Stott has won four championships and two premierships at the club – including two invincible doubles. Highly respected by her peers, Stott was crowned Players’ Player of the Year in City’s history-making 2019/20 season.
A technical defender with an innate ability to read the play and attack from the back, Stott brings a wealth of experience upon returning from England’s Women’s Super League.
Speaking about her return to the club, Stott said: “Melbourne City is a special place, it’s home to me and I’m so happy to be back. I have so many incredible memories here, both on and off the pitch, and I’m determined to do everything I can to help the team be successful.
“Having just experienced such an incredible World Cup, I can’t wait for the new season to start. We have seen amazing support in the stands, and I believe it’s a turning point for the game and for the fans.
“We are all excited about seeing City fans at our games and hopefully helping to inspire the next generation of players at Melbourne City.”
Stott’s signing marks the first for City ahead of the 2023/24 Liberty A-League season, with more to come in the coming weeks.
Liberty A-League Champions and Premiers Sydney FC have strengthened with the signings of three new players.
Tenacious 24-year-old midfielder Lucy Johnson, 21-year-old dynamic forward Aideen Keane and versatile 21-year-old defender Margaux Chauvet arrive as the Sky Blues prepare to break the Liberty A-League membership record and defend their titles.
Johnson joins from Newcastle Jets, Keane from Perth Glory, and Chauvet returns following an injury replacement spell in Sky Blue last season.
Head Coach Ante Juric is confident each player will add new vigour to the squad. “All three girls will bring a fresh energy and desire to the squad, and they have good experience in this competition,” he said.
“Lucy had a good last season and has proven to be a gifted midfielder. Aideen has enormous potential and is an exciting player. Margaux is a quality defender who can do several roles within a team. I am excited to have all three players join us this season.
“It’s important we refresh our squad for the new season and that our players continue to have competition for their starting places. These players, along with a few others, will do that.”
Johnson described her joy at signing for the Sky Blues. “I’m delighted to be signing with this huge club that is Sydney FC. I’m determined to continue the tradition of bringing success to this club. I can’t wait to get to work with Ante and the girls,” she said. “It’s a big club, with high expectations but I am looking forward to that challenge.”
Keane believes she can boost her young career and win trophies with the club. “I’m so excited to be joining the club, I want to learn from the environment and create successful memories.
“Sydney FC is a proven platform for players to progress and gain either international recognition or be rewarded with careers overseas and that is something I want to achieve.”
Chauvet is happy to be returning in a full-time capacity. “I got a good understanding for the culture within this club last season and I’m very grateful to be experiencing it again,” she said.
“I’m excited to help this double title defence and am determined to earn a starting spot.”
Meanwhile, the club has agreed to release defender Mary Stanic-Floody to allow her to pursue other opportunities.
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