Jonno Ross interviews Auckland FC fans about the club’s newest signings, getting their first impressions and bold predictions. The fans had plenty to say about how the new faces are shaping the future of the Black Knights.
SAM COSGROVE
The type of player AFC supporters were crying out for in the off season. The target man, the 6”4 giant up front, the experience of high level, professional football. Sam Cosgrove arrived at Auckland FC with one expectation – score goals. ‘Cozzee’ (29) is well experienced, with Auckland FC being the 14th professional football club he’s signed for over the course of his career.
His most successful clubs being Plymouth Argyle, scoring 12 goals in 40 appearances, and Aberdeen, where he averaged nearly one goal every two games – 47 goals in 103 appearances. That’s the kind of form AFC fans want from their number 9, and with a promising start in pre-season it’s exciting to see what’s to come.
“I can see what Cosgrove is trying to do, I like his runs and movement off the ball. I am sure the partnerships between Guillermo May along with Randall and Rogerson will develop.”
“As a target man he’s been able to receive and play the easy ball off, and doesn’t stop pressing.”
“The people that doubt Cosgrove simply don’t understand the game that well, it’s not their fault, they just don’t get it.”
Don’t write the big man off just yet. Give him time to adapt to his new surroundings, and we’ll soon see why AFC were so keen on signing him.
LACHLAN BROOK
Fans were wondering who and how AFC were going to replace Neyder Moreno in the off season. Introducing Lachlan (Lachie) Brook. For a 24 year old, this lad has an impressive CV. Plenty of A League experience bodes well for the club, having played for Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United.
He’s had experience at higher levels too – he was on the books for English Premier League side, Brentford United for 3 years, and more recently, played for Real Salt Lake in the MLS. His most successful season was with A League giants, Western Sydney Wanderers, where he scored 9 goals and 2 assists.
The man is an absolute competitor and loves his football. If he’s not playing football on the pitch, he’ll be playing it on FC26. Fast becoming a fan favourite.
“Brook has looked exciting. He brings some unpredictability to the attack at times, which is key in this modern era of safe build up, then recycling the ball wingers.”
“Brook impressed most. He looks confident on ball and creative with the freedom he seems to have been given by Corica.”
“Brook is 9/10 for me, he’s an absolute machine!”
“Super Lachie Brook, I see big things.”
“So far so good. He received a standing ovation when he was subbed off, and walked in front of The Port. Great on the ball, distribution and supporting Verstraete.”
JAKE GIRDWOOD-REICH
In need of an another centre back, Girdwood-Reich heeded Auckland’s call. Just 21 years old, the young Australian came in on loan from St. Louis City SC. Versatility is this young man’s strength. His natural position is a defensive midfielder, but he’s opened his campaign with AFC as a centre back.
Fans are pleasantly surprised with the new addition to the squad, the only thing he needs to learn off Tommy is how to take a team selfie. Last weekend’s player of the match, after the opening couple of games.
“G-R is just so solid and comfortable at the back. Nando has a job on his hands getting back in.”
“Girdwood-Reich has been class so far. I was nervous about Nando being out, but JGR has slotted in like he’s been in the squad as long as everyone else. He’s providing solid defending, good positioning, and he’s calm on the ball. He fully earned Player of the Match vs Western Sydney Wanderers. He cleaned up everything and didn’t put a foot wrong.”
“JGR has been solid, composed.”
“JGR has been very comfortable, solid in Game 1, even better in Game 2. He has settled in very well and has set a high standard for himself to continue.”
“We have nothing to worry about.”
“JGR had two huge games. He puts his body on the line on many occasions. Great partnership with Hall. Fully committed to winning the ball but smart enough to know when to not go in.”
MICHAEL WOUD
Out of all the signings AFC made in the off season, Michael Woud was probably the most well known player. When we say ‘new signing’, well, not quite, but it feels like one. Kept on the bench all of last season, behind Alex Paulsen, Woud’s patience and persistence has paid off.
After a good pre-season, and proving himself in training. And what a start he’s made – two games, two clean sheets. Some assumed Oli Sail would instantly start for AFC after signing, being the more experienced A-League keeper of the two, but Woud has proven them wrong.
“I was surprised to see Woud starting the season. I thought Corica would start with experience. Looks like it’s paid off, good on him too.”
“Woud has kept two clean sheets and made important saves in the opening 2 rounds.”
“Michael Woud is just doing his job. He’s made two or three important stops. He’s looked good and fans can have few complaints.”
