The Wellington-born 27-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Phoenix after securing an early release from his loan period at J-League club Vegata Sendai.
McGlinchey was on loan from Hyundai A-League side Central Coast Mariners, for which he made 121 appearances, but has opted to join the Phoenix rather than return to Australia.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Phoenix,” McGlinchey said from Glasgow where he is taking a break with wife Rachel and nine-month-old son Max.
“Results may not have gone their way last season and there were a lot of injuries, but I was impressed by the football they were trying to play.
“In two of the three games the Mariners had against them they outplayed us.
“The Phoenix have always been a hard team to beat but Ernie (Merrick) is also turning them into a good side to watch.”
McGlinchey said a factor in his decision was knowing a lot of the Phoenix players through the All Whites.
“When I was with the All Whites last week the lads said they thought Ernie would get the best out of me,” he said.
“The only thing missing last season was goals, but with the right sort of service someone like Brocks (Jeremy Brockie) will get 10 to 15.”
McGlinchey left Wellington as a one-year-old when the family returned to Scotland after his father Norrie had played for Stop Out and Hutt Valley United.
Brought up through the junior ranks at Scottish glamour club Celtic, McGlinchey was persuaded by then coach Martin O’Neill to turn down a contract with Manchester United, but unfortunately O’Neill left soon after and the youngster was sent out on loan to Dunfermliine.
Does McGlinchey regret that decision?
“No. I was 15 at the time when United invited me down to Carrington and offered me a four-year contract,” he said.
“Celtic was a top club and, being a Glasgow boy, they were all my heroes so I was happy there.”
Released by Celtic in 2009 McGlinchey joined Central Coast Mariners and remained at the club till going on loan to Japan earlier this year.
Now he is heading to the city of his birth.
“I always felt I would end up playing in New Zealand like my Dad,” he says.
“I want to help the Phoenix win things because the Wellington fans deserve some success.
“I like the make-up of the team Ernie is putting together this season and the All Whites boys tell me everyone at the club has bought into his philosophy.”
Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick is delighted to have secured McGlinchey’s signature, saying the midfielder was just the type of player he had been seeking.
“I was looking for an attacking midfielder, someone who could play No 10 or out wide, and Michael fits the bill perfectly,” Merrick said.
“He is a hard worker but can also provide quality, accurate passes to the strikers.
“Michael is very experienced having been a regular in a very good team and playing in two Grand Finals. He is also an established international player who has played in the World Cup finals for the All Whites.
“He might not be flashy but is a quality player who can also provide top-class delivery at set pieces.
“In my opinion Michael doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.
“Midfield is the engine room for any team and he is a real worker. I think it is major coup for the Phoenix to get his signature.”
Story via Football Federation Australia
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