The Wellington Phoenix have continued their signing spree with the addition of defender James McGarry on a one-year contract.
The 22-year-old All White joins the A-League club from Dutch side Willem II, where he made six appearances through two seasons.
McGarry spent four seasons with the capital-based club from 2014-2018, making two appearances for the first team and 52 appearances for the Phoenix Reserves in the ISPS Handa Men’s Premiership, for whom he scored 11 goals.
In November, he made his debut for the national side against Lithuania, after representing New Zealand at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
McGarry's addition is the third signing for the Phoenix this week, with David Ball extending his deal a further three seasons and All White midfielder Clayton Lewis inking a one-year contract.
McGarry says that it "means a lot" to be able to return to the club.
"The potential to come back to the Phoenix was on the cards with Libby [Cacace] leaving, so when the opportunity came up I kinda grabbed it with both hands," he notes.
"It's a good opportunity to come back and get some experience with a good side that I watched a lot of last season.
"I know a lot of the players on the squad, obviously [Alex] Rufer, [Louis] Fenton and [Oliver] Sail from when I was last there, and I’ve played with others in the national squad."
McGarry has already spoken with coach Ufuk Talay around his expectations for next season and where he sees himself fitting into the squad.
"Ufuk outlined to me the style of play, what he wants from players – including myself – and made it clear that he sees me in that attacking left back role, which is where I want to play," he says.
"I'm really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started... I really want to come in and show what I can do."
McGarry will get every opportunity to make an impact on the squad, says Talay.
"We welcome James back to the team and we’re confident he’ll be able to contribute next season," he says.
"We're already aware of his ability and his two seasons with Willem II have only helped to grow him as a player and a defender."
