Auckland FC is thrilled to announce the appointment of New Zealand football icon Danny Hay as the club’s Men’s Assistant Coach. Hay’s extensive career as both a player and coach means he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Auckland FC. As the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League season approaches, Hay will work alongside head coach Steve Corica in selecting and developing the playing squad.
The former All Whites captain has played for various top-level football clubs, including Leeds United, Walsall and Perth Glory. Returning to his roots in New Zealand after an 18-month stint as Perth SC’s Men’s Head Coach and High-Performance Director, Hay’s homecoming is a significant milestone for the club in establishing the club’s coaching team.
Nick Becker, CEO of Auckland FC, on the appointment of Hay, said, “Steve and Terry McFlynn have conducted a rigorous process for the recruitment of every position in our coaching team. Danny Hay was easily the best candidate for the role. He brings a shared philosophy and desire to play high tempo, attacking football.”
Steve Corica and Danny Hay have a long-standing relationship and shared football philosophy. Having played together at Walsall during the 2002/03 season, the pair kept in touch as they both made the transition to coaching at the end of their playing careers.
Steve Corica, Auckland FC Men’s Head Coach, expressed his excitement to have Hay joining him at Auckland FC, saying: “I have personally known Danny for over 20 years, and we are all looking forward to having him join our staff. His football knowledge and experience, especially across the New Zealand footballing landscape. He will be invaluable to us as we continue to build out our inaugural Men’s squad and start to prepare for the 2024/25 season.”
Speaking on his latest venture in the footballing world, Danny Hay remarked, “I’ve known Steve Corica for over two decades and I have always been impressed by his level of professionalism and passion for the game. That has really shone through at Auckland FC with the level of expertise that is already around the club. Personally, it’s a huge opportunity to continue to develop as a coach and to be part of something that could truly change the landscape of football in Auckland.”
