AKL Football 24 have named Terry McFlynn as their director of football ahead of the club’s inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League season in 2024-25.
As they build towards their first season, AKL have appointed Sydney FC legend McFlynn, who will oversee the club’s player and coach recruitment for the men’s, women’s and Academy teams, football operations and sports science.
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After joining Sydney in 2005, he amassed 214 appearances and won two Premierships and a Championship, having also captained the Sky Blues.
At the conclusion of his playing career, McFlynn was appointed Sydney’s general manager of football in 2016 and oversaw a successful period in which the Sky Blues won a pair of Championship and an Australia Cup before leaving in 2019.
“Terry really impressed us from the first time we spoke to him. His knowledge of the A-Leagues players in New Zealand and Australia and his passion for developing youth players really shone through,” said Foley.
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve talked with Terry about how we can develop a club that not only challenges on the pitch, but also creates a pathway for young players to succeed both locally and through our multi-club ownership in the European leagues.
“He wants to play an exciting style of football that the fans will love, and we are confident he will build a team that will bring us success.”
McFlynn added: “Until now, Auckland was the largest city in Oceania that didn’t have a professional football team. We are proud and humbled to be given the opportunity to build a team for all of Auckland.
“We are going to start by embedding ourselves in the local football community in Auckland and as we build the Men’s team for the 2024-25 season, we will take everyone along with us on the journey.
“Our plan is to play a high energy, attacking style of football that entertains our fans and challenges for silverware. This is just the start of a very exciting chapter for football in Auckland and I can’t wait for the first match in October 2024.”
