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Scott Wootton

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Scott Wootton
Scott Wootton playing for the Wellington Phoenix in 2024.
Personal information
Full name Scott James Wootton[1]
Date of birth (1991-09-12) 12 September 1991 (age 33)
Place of birth Birkenhead, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
Wellington Phoenix
Number 4
Youth career
2004–2007 Liverpool
2007–2010 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2013 Manchester United 0 (0)
2010–2011Tranmere Rovers (loan) 7 (1)
2011–2012Peterborough United (loan) 11 (0)
2012Nottingham Forest (loan) 13 (0)
2013Peterborough United (loan) 2 (1)
2013–2016 Leeds United 66 (1)
2014–2015Rotherham United (loan) 7 (0)
2016–2018 Milton Keynes Dons 39 (1)
2018–2021 Plymouth Argyle 69 (1)
2021Wigan Athletic (loan) 7 (1)
2021–2022 Morecambe 10 (1)
2022– Wellington Phoenix 77 (3)
International career
2007 England U17 3 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 December 2024

Scott James Wootton (born 12 September 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.

Wootton also gained three caps for the England U17 national team.

Club career

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Manchester United

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Born in Birkenhead, Wirral, Wootton began his career with Tranmere Rovers before joining Liverpool at the age of 13. After making his under-18s debut at the age of 14, he left Liverpool for Manchester United two years later. After captaining the academy team in 2009–10, he was promoted to the reserves for the 2010–11 campaign, where he became a regular player in the early part of the season.

On 30 September 2010, he joined Tranmere Rovers on a month's loan.[3]

He made his debut on 2 October 2010, scoring a late equalising goal in the 1–1 draw with Brighton.[4] He went on to make five appearances for the club while on his loan spell. He re-joined the club on 25 November on a second loan spell.[5] His first confirmed league goal came on his second debut for Rovers on 11 December against Leyton Orient.[6]

Wootton made his Manchester United senior debut in Gary Neville's testimonial game in May 2011. He came on to replace Neville in the 85th minute of the match.[7] On 1 July 2011, Wootton joined teammate Ryan Tunnicliffe at Peterborough United, with a loan contract confirmed later in the month.[8]

Wootton made his Peterborough United debut on 20 August 2011 in a 7–1 win over Ipswich Town.[9] On 23 January 2012, he returned to Manchester United after having his loan spell terminated.[10]

Wootton completed a loan switch to Championship side Nottingham Forest on the 31 January 2012 deadline day, where he remained on loan until the end of the season.[11]

Wearing the number 31 shirt, Wootton made his competitive, first-team debut for Manchester United on 26 September 2012, in a 2–1 win against Newcastle United in the League Cup at Old Trafford.[12] On 2 October he made his UEFA Champions League debut, coming on as a second-half substitute for Jonny Evans in a 2–1 win against CFR Cluj.[13] On 31 October 2012, Wootton started for Manchester United in a 5–4 loss against Chelsea, with Wootton conceding a penalty in injury time which was converted by Chelsea winger Eden Hazard to send the tie into extra time.[14]

On 9 January 2013, Wootton joined Peterborough United on loan until the end of the season alongside his Manchester United teammate Davide Petrucci.[15] Wootton scored on his debut on 12 January, in a 2–1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.[16] However, his loan spell was cut short when he picked up a hamstring injury that ruled him out for a number of weeks, forcing a return to his parent club.[17]

Leeds United

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On 20 August 2013, Wootton joined Championship club Leeds United on a three-year contract.[18][19] Wootton cost Leeds £1 million.[20] Wootton was allocated the number 22 shirt for the 2013–14 season. Upon signing for Leeds Wootton revealed that it 'wasn't a difficult decision to join a club the size of Leeds'.[21] On 27 August 2013, Wootton made his Leeds United debut in the League Cup, scoring in 3–1 victory over Doncaster Rovers.[22][23] Wootton made his league debut against Queens Park Rangers on 31 August, replacing Tom Lees.

Despite the summer sale of Tom Lees, Wootton found himself dropping down the pecking order after the summer signings of Giuseppe Bellusci, Liam Cooper and Dario Del Fabro, Wootton found himself as fifth-choice centre-back (also behind captain Jason Pearce), on 27 November 2014 Wootton joined Rotherham United on loan until 10 January 2015.[24] After an impressive run of form for Rotherham United, a permanent transfer was blocked at the last minute on 15 January 2015 by Leeds owner Massimo Cellino. Wootton subsequently returned to Leeds from his successful loan spell.[25] Wootton came immediately back into the Leeds starting line-up against Birmingham City on 17 January.

During 2015, Wootton became Leeds regular right-back in a 4–2–3–1 formation, with Sam Byram playing in a right wing role. On 23 February, Wootton signed a new one-year contract extension to his original deal.[26]

On 31 July 2015, Wootton was given the number 4 shirt for the 2015–16 season.[27] On 12 August 2015, Wootton started in a new role under Uwe Rösler as a defensive midfielder against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup; Leeds lost 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, with Wootton giving away a penalty in the first half.[28]

On 20 February 2016, Wootton scored a memorable own goal in a 1–0 defeat against Premier League side Watford in the FA Cup, to send Watford through to the quarter-finals of the Competition.[29] Wootton played his last game for Leeds in the final game of the 2015–16 season on 7 May 2016 against Preston North End in a 1–1 draw.[30]

On 10 May 2016, Yorkshire Evening Post revealed that Wootton was set to be released by the club, amid confusion over a contract extension announced on 23 February 2015, believed to be until 2017, that paperwork was never actually finalised.[31]

Milton Keynes Dons

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On 5 August 2016, Wootton joined League One club Milton Keynes Dons on a two-year deal.[32] Wootton made his debut for the club on 9 August 2016 in his more natural position of centre back, captaining a young Dons' side in a 2–3 EFL Cup first round away win against League Two team Newport County.[33]

On 20 August 2016, Wootton started his first league game for the club and scored a 95th-minute winner with a header in a 0–1 away win to Rochdale.[34]

On 30 August 2016, during an EFL Trophy group stage tie against Barnet, Wootton suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). On 1 September 2016, Milton Keynes Dons announced that due to his injury it was anticipated that Wootton would be sidelined for up to nine months.[35]

He made his first team return against Wigan Athletic on 5 August 2017, the first day of the following league season; however, he was sent off as they lost 1–0.[36]

Plymouth Argyle

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On 27 June 2018, following his release from Milton Keynes Dons, Wootton signed for League One club Plymouth Argyle effective from 1 July 2018.[37] Following a troubled first season through injuries and the Pilgrims getting relegated from League One, the 19–20 season in League Two proved something of a redemptive season for Wootton. Given the no.5 shirt, Wootton went on to play the majority of Argyle's games as the right-sided centre half in a 3–5–2 formation.[38][39] He scored his first goal for the club on 7 September 2019 against Oldham Athletic in their 2–2 draw at Home Park.[40]

Argyle were promoted, finishing third in League Two on PPG. Wootton was offered a new contract at Argyle, and signed it on 25 June 2020.[41]

On 1 February 2021, Wootton joined League One side Wigan Athletic on loan for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.[42] He scored his first goal for Wigan, a last minute winner, in a 2–1 win at Bristol Rovers on 23 February 2021.[43]

Wootton was released by the Pilgrims at the end of the 2020–21 season.[44]

Morecambe

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On 10 August 2021, Wootton joined League One side Morecambe on a one-year deal.[45] On 7 January 2022, Wootton had his contract with the club terminated by the request of Wootton and his agent.[46]

Wellington Phoenix

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On 7 January 2022, following his release from Morecambe, Wootton agreed to join A-League side Wellington Phoenix for the remainder of their season.[47] On 16 February 2022, Wootton scored his first goal for the Phoenix in a 3–0 victory against Brisbane Roar.[48] The Phoenix renewed his contract for three more seasons on 24 March 2022.[49]

International career

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Wootton appeared three times for the England U17 team in the 2007 Nordic Championships.[50][51]

Career statistics

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As of 7 May 2023[52]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League Cup Other[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester United 2010–11 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2011–12 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012–13 Premier League 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 0
Total 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 0
Tranmere Rovers (loan) 2010–11 League One 7 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 9 1
Peterborough United (loan) 2011–12 Championship 11 0 1 0 2 0 14 0
Nottingham Forest (loan) 2011–12 Championship 13 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
Peterborough United (loan) 2012–13 Championship 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1
Leeds United 2013–14 Championship 20 0 1 0 2 1 23 1
2014–15 Championship 23 0 0 0 2 0 25 0
2015–16 Championship 23 0 2 0 1 0 26 0
Total 66 0 3 0 5 1 74 1
Rotherham United (loan) 2014–15 Championship 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
Milton Keynes Dons 2016–17 League One 1 1 2 0 1 0 4 1
2017–18 League One 38 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 42 0
Total 39 1 3 0 2 0 3 0 46 1
Plymouth Argyle 2018–19 League One 24 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 26 0
2019–20 League Two 35 1 3 0 1 0 3 0 42 1
2020–21 League One 10 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 16 0
Total 54 1 5 0 5 0 5 0 84 1
Wigan Athletic (loan) 2020–21 League One 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 1
Morecambe 2021–22 League One 10 1 1 0 0 0 3[b] 0 14 1
Wellington Phoenix 2021–22 A-League Men 19 2 0 0 19 2
2022–23 A-League Men 21 0 3 0 24 0
Total 40 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 43 2
Career total 262 8 16 0 15 1 13 0 306 9
  1. ^ Includes other non-friendly competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

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Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers Wigan Athletic" (PDF). English Football League. p. 54. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  2. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 495. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  3. ^ "Rovers Recruit Manchester United Defender". Tranmere Rovers F.C. Tranmere Rovers. 29 September 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
  4. ^ "Tranmere 1–1 Brighton". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
  5. ^ "Wootton Returns To Rovers on Loan". Tranmere Rovers F.C. Tranmere Rovers. 25 November 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
  6. ^ "Tranmere 1–2 Leyton Orient". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 11 December 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
  7. ^ Bostock, Adam (24 May 2011). "United 1 Juventus 2". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
  8. ^ "Peterborough sign Man Utd's Ryan Tunnicliffe on loan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1 July 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
  9. ^ "Peterborough 7–1 Ipswich". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 20 August 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  10. ^ "Scott Wootton calls time on Peterborough United loan". BBC Sport. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
  11. ^ "Cotterill on New Boys". NottinghamForest.co.uk (Nottingham Forest). 31 January 2012. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
  12. ^ "Man Utd 2–1 Newcastle" BBC Sport. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  13. ^ "CFR Cluj 1–2 Manchester United" BBC Sport. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  14. ^ Winter, Henry (1 November 2012). "Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4; aet: match report". The Telegraph. The Telegraph. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  15. ^ Thompson, Gemma (9 January 2013). "Duo agree Posh loans". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  16. ^ "Nott'm Forest 2–1 Peterborough" BBC Sport. 12 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  17. ^ "Scott Wootton returns to Manchester United from Peterborough due to injury". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 5 February 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  18. ^ Marshall, Adam (20 August 2013). "Wootton signs for Leeds". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  19. ^ Dews, Paul (20 August 2013). "Club wins race for Wootton". LeedsUnited.com. Leeds United FC. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  20. ^ Anderson, David (24 August 2013). "Scott Wootton hoping Leeds fans won't hold Manchester United past against him as he prepares for debut". The Mirror. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  21. ^ Dews, Paul (22 August 2013). "SCOTT CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED". LeedsUnited.com. Leeds United FC. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  22. ^ "Doncaster 1-3 Leeds". BBC Sport. 27 August 2013.
  23. ^ Dews, Paul (28 August 2013). "THREE AND EASY CUP SUCCESS". LeedsUnited.com. Leeds United FC. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  24. ^ "Wootton departs on loan". Leeds United AFC. 27 November 2014. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
  25. ^ "Leeds United: Cellino put block on Wootton deal, says Evans". Yorkshire Evening Post. Johnston Publishing. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  26. ^ "Scott Wootton: Leeds United defender extends deal". BBC Sport. 23 February 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  27. ^ "2015/16 squad numbers announced". leedsunited.com. Leeds United FC. 31 July 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  28. ^ "Doncaster: United exit cup on penalties". Leeds United FC. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  29. ^ Cox, Gerry (20 February 2016). "Watford 1 Leeds United 0, match report - Scott Wootton own goal decides error-strewn FA Cup clash". The Telegraph. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  30. ^ "REPORT: SPOILS SHARED AT PRESTON". Leeds United Official Site. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  31. ^ "Leeds United: Wootton poised to leave United after contract confusion". Yorkshire Evening Post. 10 May 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  32. ^ "Defender Scott signs for the Dons". www.mkdons.com.
  33. ^ "Newport County 2-3 Milton Keynes Dons". BBC Sport. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  34. ^ "Report: Rochdale 0-1 MK Dons". www.mkdons.com.
  35. ^ "Devastating blow for defender". Milton Keynes Dons Official Site. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  36. ^ "MK Dons 0–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  37. ^ "Plymouth Argyle sign former Manchester United youngster Scott Wootton". Plymouth Herald. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  38. ^ "Scott's Second Chance - Wootton Ready for a Healthy and Successful Season". pafc.co.uk. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  39. ^ "New Lease of Life - Wootton Showing His Real Form". pafc.co.uk. 11 August 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  40. ^ "Argyle 2 Oldham Athletic 2". pafc.co.uk. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  41. ^ "Scotty Stays On". pafc.co.uk. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  42. ^ "Latics bring in defender Scott Wootton from Plymouth Argyle". Wigan Athletic FC. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  43. ^ "Bristol Rovers 1-2 Wigan". BBC Sport. 23 February 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  44. ^ "Wigan Athletic receive major boost in pursuit of Plymouth Argyle man". The 72. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  45. ^ "Scott Wootton is a Shrimp!". Morecambe FC. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  46. ^ "Scott Wootton departs". www.morecambefc.com. 7 January 2022.
  47. ^ "Phoenix men add experience to young squad". wellingtonphoenix.com. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  48. ^ "Football: Wellington Phoenix continue unbeaten run with rout over Brisbane Roar". The New Zealand Herald. 16 February 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  49. ^ Rollo, Phillip (24 March 2022). "Scott Wootton commits to Wellington Phoenix for three more seasons". Stuff. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  50. ^ "Sheldon's fine finish". thefa.com. The Football Association. 27 July 2007. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  51. ^ "U17s miss out on final". thefa.com. The Football Association. 2 August 2007. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  52. ^ "Games played by Scott Wootton". Soccerbase. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  53. ^ Rollo, Phillip (16 May 2024). "Wellington Phoenix dominate PFA A-League Men team of the season". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  54. ^ "A-League All Stars Men lock in final 21-player squad to take on Newcastle United this Friday". A-League Men. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
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