Auckland bolster inaugural squad with Championship-winning star

Auckland FC have signed “much-coveted” defender Dan Hall from Isuzu UTE A-League champions Central Coast Mariners, having withstood rival interest.

Dubbed a “defensive rock” by Auckland, Hall makes the move to the expansion club ahead of their inaugural season after winning an historic treble with the Mariners in 2023-24.

The 25-year-old centre-back won four titles in Gosford – back-to-back Championships, a Premiership and an AFC Cup triumph across 91 appearances.

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Hall now links up with Auckland, who are owned by American billionaire Bill Foley. He is also the general partner of the global multi-club football operator Black Knight Football Club – the group of investors who own Premier League side AFC Bournemouth while they also have a stake in French club FC Lorient and Scotland’s Hibernian.

“There were quite a few clubs vying for Dan’s signature. He’s an outstanding player, but he really brought into what we’re aiming to achieve here and the future pathways the club can offer thanks to Bill Foley’s multi-club network,” said head coach Steve Corica.

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“He’s going to slot right into that defence. He’s got a lot of experience and won a few trophies, so will likely act as a bit of a leader for some of the other lads at the club, particularly the younger scholarship players.

“We’re just delighted to have him here and can’t wait to see him on the pitch in the black and blue colours of Auckland FC.”

Hall, who joined Central Coast’s academy in 2018 before making his professional debut three years later, played a key role in the Mariners’ history-making treble-winning season in 2023-24.

He made 26 appearances in the Isuzu UTE A-League and scored once, while featuring a further 11 times in the AFC Cup.

“Auckland FC has a huge amount to offer; the pathways, the potential, and the chance to be part of a debut season,” said Hall.

“It’s too good to turn down to be honest. I’m excited to get my kit on, meet my new teammates and see what’s going on and what the city is all about.

“I’m grateful to the team at Central Coast, they are a great club and I’ve been there my whole career. But it was time for a change, to test myself somewhere new and take the next step.”

Hall is Auckland’s 13th signing after Cameron Howieson, Michael Woud, Francis De Vries, Jesse Randall, Max Mata, Tommy Smith, Luis Toomey (scholarship contract), Liam Gillion (scholarship contract), Finn Mckenlay (scholarship contract), Adama Coulibaly (scholarship contract), Oliver Middleton (scholarship contract), Jonty Bidois (scholarship contract).

“This week is a massive step forward for the club as the squad assemble and we start pre-season. It’s an exciting time to be a football fan in Auckland and it’s fantastic to see all the fans signing up to be members,” said CEO Nick Becker.