All Whites legend, Rory Fallon has been named as the new Head Coach for the Auckland FC Reserves Squad.
Best known to Kiwi football fans as the player who sent the All Whites to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Rory headed home the winning goal in a qualifying match against Bahrain. He then played the entirety of New Zealand’s campaign at the World Cup, where the All Whites went undefeated, including a famous draw against Italy.
Beyond the All Whites, Fallon has an impressive portfolio of professional playing experience across the UK; running out for clubs such as Barnsley, Swansea, Plymouth Argyle, and Aberdeen.
Still a player, he started coaching in the Aberdeen Academy, before moving on to similar coaching roles with Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City. Upon moving back to New Zealand, Rory began as the assistant coach for the All Whites, alongside Head Coach Danny Hay.
Rory then coached the Wellington Phoenix Academy for two years and has most recently coached Upper Hutt City in the New Zealand Central Regional League.
Terry McFlynn, Director of Football for Auckland FC, believes that Fallon will bring valuable experience to the team.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Rory Fallon to the club as our Reserve Team Head Coach. Rory has competed at the very highest level in Europe and will forever be remembered for scoring the goal that took the All Whites to the World Cup, moments like that define leaders,” says McFlynn.
“Beyond his playing career, his years of coaching and passion for developing young players for professional leagues and national teams make him an outstanding appointment. Rory brings credibility, experience, and a genuine commitment to shaping the next generation of talent, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on this journey with us.”
Fallon replaces Luke Casserly, who’s taken up the role of Head Coach of the new Auckland FC OFC Pro League team. The team are currently undefeated after winning three from three in Auckland last week.
The new season for Auckland FC reserves kicks-off on March 21, with the final campaign of the Northern League, before New Zealand’s regional competitions merge to create a new National Competition.
Fallon is looking forward to the quickly approaching Northern League season.
“I’m excited about this new chapter and to work with the young talent this Auckland FC reserve squad has amassed. Luke has done a great job, and I am inheriting an excellent squad and have some good ties with many of the staff here,” says Fallon.
“It’s great to see the chemistry and respect these lads have for each other, and we’re going to try and capitalise on that to start off the season strong.”
