Scott Wootton retires to join Perth Glory as academy technical director

Defender Scott Wootton has announced his retirement from professional football after a 16-year career. The 34-year-old will immediately transition into a new role as the Technical Director of the Perth Glory Senior Academy.

Wootton, who served as co-captain for Perth Glory during the 2025-26 A-League season, played in every match for the club before deciding to focus on player development. He holds a UEFA B Licence and previously spent over three years with the Wellington Phoenix, where he made 100 appearances.

His professional background includes training in the academies of Liverpool and Manchester United, with senior career stints at clubs such as Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Plymouth Argyle, and Wigan Athletic. Perth Glory football director Stan Lazaridis noted that Wootton’s experience in elite youth systems makes him well-suited to developing the club’s emerging talent.