Wales’ former Spurs and Southampton star finding success in Australia
Megan Wynne is now playing her football down under in Australia. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
This summer has certainly been one full of adventure for Wales’ women, and for Megan Wynne, it’s no different.
Wynne has spent the last two seasons at Southampton, and it’s been a rollercoaster journey for the Saints, who have become a settled Championship side since they were promoted in 2022.
While for many it’s been a happy period at St. Mary’s, for Wynne, the latter part of her stint there posed plenty of questions.
“It was mixed emotions for me at the end of the season. I really enjoyed my time at Southampton, but with the formation that we played, it didn’t particular suit my style and as a result, I didn’t play as much as I wanted to and didn’t make the impact that I wanted to either.
“I was ready for something new at the end of the season and wanted a new challenge after spending so much time in the Championship.”
After the Saints finished 4th, Wynne was ready to seek a new challenge, and she had plenty of offers to ponder over.
“I had a couple of offers to stay in England, but I was at a point in my career where I had been in the Championship for so long and been around football in the UK for a long time.
“Mentally and physically, I needed to do something a little different. When the offer came in to go to Australia, I jumped on it straight away.”
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Chasing Glory down under
The club who won the race for Wynne’s signature were A-League side Perth Glory.
The 31-year-old had a long checklist that her next club needed to match, and it’s fair to say the Western Australia based side was the ideal landing spot.
“I know a couple of girls who have moved over to Australia, and they had enjoyed the lifestyle and the competitiveness of the league. The Championship is competitive, but in the WSL, there is that gap between teams.
“The A-League last season, however, was very competitive, and that was something that appealed to me.
“Perth are also a team with a lot of young players, so I also wanted to move somewhere where I would be one of the more experienced players where I could bring all the things I’ve learned in my career into and help the younger ones push on.
“Then there’s obviously things like the weather here is far better than in England! But the lifestyle over there too is a little hectic. At Southampton, it was a busy schedule, so speaking to some of the girls here, there is a better work-life balance, so overall, I’m in a really good place.”
While a lot of Welsh players are getting to grasp with new languages with their different clubs, Wynne doesn’t have that issue and doesn’t have to battle with Duolingo on a daily basis.
However, Australia does bring about its challenges on and off the pitch. A 7-hour time makes communication with those in the UK harder, while training on Christmas Day and being away from family will be tough.
Yet, Wynne has been made to feel right at home in Perth and is enjoying getting to know the squad day by day.
“We’ve had a lot of new signings and a new manager too, so there’s been a lot of gelling together during preseason. With where we are in Australia, it’s been hard to get competitive friendlies.
“We’ve played a couple of games against the state team, but the system is different over here. Things do take a while when a lot of new people come in, but the manager’s system does suit my style being an aggressive, high-pressing winger.
“I’ve been really impressed with the girls so far and there’s a lot of young talent coming through.”
The A-League works much like the NWSL, with the top section of the table breaking off into a playoff system and battle out for the title.
The Glory missed out on the end of season showdown last time out, but Wynne is determined to get them back there.
“We want to take it game by game this season. Last season the team missed out on the end of season finals, but we are a team that want to push and get back there.
“Maybe last season was a bit of a disappointment, but we want to put things right this campaign.”
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Hiraeth
While Wynne is rediscovering her joy for football out in Australia, her heart is still very much set on Wales.
The winger has 24 caps to her name and was last involved with the squad in last year’s Nations League game against Germany.
Wynne has not been selected for a squad in the Rhian Wilkinson era but was on standby for the games against Slovakia.
Wilkinson has been in close contact with Wynne, and the forward is delighted that the manager still has her in her thoughts.
“I’ve been in good contact with Rhian. She reaches out every now and then, and we have a good chat and keep in touch. I’m really hoping I can get back involved with the team.
“I am missing being around the girls, but hopefully with game time and regular minutes, I can get myself back in there.”
“It’s massive to know I have Rhian’s support and to know that she’s keeping an eye on what I’m doing. It’s really nice to know I haven’t been completely cut-out of the national team frame.
“I know what I need to be doing to get back in there, and it’s nice to have that belief from someone like her.”
All footballers, however, want to play for their country, and Wynne admitted it has been difficult watching the team from afar.
Yet, she is proud of what they’re achieving and believes this tournament could be the one for Wales.
“It’s tough watching on, but I am so proud of all the girls for what they’re doing. When you miss out, it is disappointing, especially because I’ve been involved for a long time.
“But what this time has done is given me the extra motivation to want to stay involved with Wales.”
With the hope of donning the Welsh shirt lingering, Wynne, for now, wants to rediscover her form and find the joy in football again.
The last few seasons have been difficult, but with Perth Glory, the former Spurs favourite is confident she can fight her way back into the national team.
“The main thing for me is that I want to bring that enjoyment back into my football. I feel very lucky to be in Perth and to be with this group of players; this is an experience not many people in their careers will get to have.
“I want to play my best football and bring everything I’ve learned in my career to this team.”
