Nix players reflect on Knott’s departure
Chloe Knott’s departure from the Phoenix came as a shock, team-mates say, but they are determined to continue their winning ways as they head into their first game back at Porirua Park since November.
Knott announced her departure from the squad last week, saying pay and culture were contributing factors. The salary cap for women’s A-League teams is approximately $600,000 per season, and women are contracted only part-time, while for men the salary cap is about $2.6 million per year.
Captain Annalie Longo said Knott’s announcement and subsequent post on social media came as a surprise as no issues were raised with her before the midfielder’s exit. Longo said it was devastating news, but the players are supportive of Knott’s decision.
She said the squad has “reflected on our environment” since Knott’s comments about team and club culture.
“There's certainly some positives we can take away from this, and ensuring that the group we have here … feel valued, respected, we work hard, and we're here to perform. We've done that on the field, and you see the unity and the connection off the field as well,” she said.
“I appreciate what Chloe has done in coming out and being brave and fighting for more. That's what we want. We’re pushing the APL. We’re pushing for longer contracts and I think that’s positive for women’s football.”
Goalkeeper Rylee Foster said the culture and support at the club are some of the best she has experienced, but said there’s “no hiding the fact there’s been some turbulent times”.
“I've played … at Liverpool, I've played with Celtic. I've experienced the top of the top and the stuff that's going on here is better than what I've experienced there,” she said. “We have the opportunity to lay a foundation for the generations to come and the history .. and the future of this club.
“Making sure that we're vocal about what we need, and want, but also being respectful and being aware of what's happening behind the scenes, and listening with two ears rather than speaking with just one mouth. That's what this is about.”
She said the issues weren’t just a Phoenix issue, they were an A-League issue. She took a “50% pay cut” to play for the Phoenix this season, and said “it is what it is”, but it was the right move to kick her football career back into gear.
“This incident at our club may have been the one piece of straw that broke the camel's back, and now it's gonna wake everyone up.”
“Listening with two ears rather than speaking with just one mouth. That’s what this is about.”
Phoenix goalkeeper Rylee Foster