Meet The Assistant Coach: Danny Hay

Playing Career: The Journey of a Defender 

Danny Hay is an iconic name in New Zealand football. Over an impressive playing career, Hay graced the field in 163 games, showcasing his exceptional skills and passion for the game.  

His journey from a young Kiwi footballer to a celebrated international athlete is a tale of dedication. Hay’s talent has earned him 31 caps for New Zealand and achieved 32 clean sheets. 

Hay’s career is rich with achievements. Hay played as a central defender for Premier League club Leeds United and National Soccer League side Perth Glory. He also captained Waitakere United in the New Zealand Football Championship.  He played a crucial role in winning three New Zealand Premiership titles, two Chatham Cups, one OFC Champions League, and one ISPS Handa Grand Final.  

Coaching Career: The Path to Leadership

After retiring as a player, he brought his expertise to coaching. He has had an impressive coaching career including coaching the New Zealand U17’s and All Whites, making him the second person ever to captain and coach the All Whites. In his 90 games as a coach, he has secured 49 wins and maintained an impressive win rate of 54%.  

He has led his teams to one ISPS Handa Premiership, one OFC U17 Championship, and one Australia Cup. Hay’s coaching career has been marked by his ability to drive his teams to victory with his deep understanding of the game and strong leadership skills. 

Hay’s contributions to football have left a lasting legacy. We are thrilled to have him as the assistant coach for Auckland FC. 

Hay currently lives in Auckland and has two kids! 

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