New Zealand international goalkeeper Oli Sail has joined Auckland FC.
After two seasons with Perth Glory, Sail, 29, returns to the city of sails and reunites with former All Whites goalkeeping coach, Jonathan Gould, and head coach, Danny Hay.
Sail played 43 games for the Glory across two seasons. Prior to that, he played 84 times for the Welllington Phoenix, ending his time there as vice-captain.
The six-foot-six-inch shot-stopper will bring quality and experience to the Black Knights, having played 116 A-League games and collected nine caps for the All Whites.
“As was the case last year, we wanted two exceptional goalkeepers to help us achieve our goals,” says Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica.
“Oli brings experience to the team as well as competition to the group. We saw last season his quality; he was great in both games against us last year, pulling off some exceptional saves. He will be an asset to the club.”
Sail’s arrival means the battle behind club number one, Michael Woud, also a New Zealand international with six caps, remains intense.
“Michael has worked hard and has kept two clean sheets in the Australian Cup. So it’s a very competitive position,” added Corica.
Sail jumped at the chance to return to the city he was raised in and join Auckland FC.
“The chance to play professional football in the city I grew up in was a huge draw,” says Sail.
“I was there on the night the club lifted the Premier’s Plate; that was some atmosphere and an incredible crowd. It would have been hard to imagine in Auckland not so long ago, so when the opportunity to be a part of the club was presented to me, there was only ever going to be one answer.
“I know both Danny and Jonathan really well; they have both supported me a lot during my career, and I’m looking forward to the coaching and encouragement they can provide.”
Although cup tied so unable to feature, Sail has joined up with the team ahead of their Australia Cup quarter-final clash against Sydney FC. The team travel to Sydney on Thursday with the game set to take place on the evening of Saturday, August 23rd.
