WaiBOP United is pleased to announce that All White, Aaron Scott, has re-signed with the franchise ahead of the 2014/15 ASB Premiership season. Scott was WaiBOP United’s inaugural captain, leading the side during the 2013/14 ASB Premiership season.
“I’m pleased to sign on for another season with WaiBOP United,” says Scott. “Family and work commitments mean it’s a sensible decision to stay with WaiBOP. I’m also happy with some of what we achieved last season but I think we have more to do. We have the potential to make a genuine impact this summer and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Peter Smith, WaiBOP United Head Coach, is pleased to be able to retain Scott’s services. “As captain, Aaron was a key part of our leadership group last season,” says Smith. “We’re looking to create a team full of character that gets results and that people will want to come and watch, and having Aaron with us is an important factor in helping achieve those aims. Of course, Aaron is also a very good player and I’m happy we can continue working together. I’m pleased he’s shown faith in what we’re trying to achieve here.”
Merv Williams, WaiBOP United Chairman, says re-signing Scott is an important pillar for the franchise as it enters its second season. “Aaron is the sort of player that local fans will want to come and watch,” says Williams. “Having Aaron on board gives the franchise playing integrity and will hopefully let everyone know that we remain serious about doing well on the field this season.”
Williams says it is important for the United to build a team that couples quality with a local flavour, so is pleased to have been able to retain a top line player who plays his winter football in the region. “We need our local heroes. The plan is for the best players in Waikato and Bay of Plenty to be able to play with and learn from some of the best players in the country, without having to leave the region,” explains Williams. “WaiBOP United provides a clearly defined pathway for the next generation of Waikato and Bay of Plenty stars like Marco Rojas, Tyler Boyd and Chris Wood.”
Scott has six caps for the All Whites. He appeared in all three games for New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and played in the historic 0-0 draw with Iraq at the 2009 Confederations Cup. Scott played in ten of WaiBOP United’s fourteen games during the franchise’s inaugural ASB Premiership season. Previous to that he made more than 50 appearances for Waikato FC over four seasons up to the end of the 2007/08 NZFC campaign, before transferring to Waitakere United. He has regularly played for Melville United in the Northern Region Football League during the winter since making his debut for the club in 2003, racking up more than 150 appearances.
Announcements on further player signings will follow soon.
For more information please contact:
Peter Smith, WaiBOP United Head Coach
