Auckland FC are on the lookout for a new Head Coach with confirmation Steve Corica has resigned from his position.
The bombshell news broke on Friday morning with the club confirming Corica has stepped down in in order to pursue an opportunity overseas.
Corica joined Auckland FC in January 2024, becoming the club’s first-ever Head Coach and after two impressive seasons, leaves the Black Knights with a Premiers Plate and Isuzu UTE A-League Championship in the trophy cabinet.
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Corica was keen to thank the fans and the people of Auckland for the warmth and support they have shown him.
“It has been a fantastic two years with a city, a fan group and a team that have all been way beyond my expectations,” says Corica.
“I didn’t know quite what I was getting into when I joined two years ago, but what an experience it has been.
“We started with nothing. Then year one we’re Premiers, winning the first piece of A-League silverware for any Kiwi club, and then year two we’re riding a bus down the middle of Queen Street parading the Championship Trophy.
He added: “It has been an incredible journey. Right from the very beginning, from game one, the city came out to support us. I’ll remember that and be forever grateful.”
Majority owner, Bill Foley, recruited Corica as an experienced Head Coach who understood the A-League, the players, and knew how to win trophies and Foley was quick to praise the now former boss.
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“Right from the start, we wanted to set Auckland FC up with the best coach in the A-League, and Steve was the obvious candidate,” said Foley.
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“He had won it as a player and as a coach at Sydney FC.
“He was also committed to launching the club into the community, building a team that would be competitive from the start and creating pathways for talented young players.
“We wish Steve all the best in his new role, and he is always welcome back at the Black Knights.”
As well as capturing both the 2024-25 Premiership and 2025-26 Championship, Corica and his football department also blooded a number of young players into the first team set-up.
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So far, twelve scholarship and youth players have debuted for the club, with five coming through the reserves pathway this season. These include Luka Vicelich and Van Fitzharris, two young prospects who made an impact in the most recent championship-winning season.
The search for a new coach will now begin, led by Auckland FC Director of Football, Terry McFlynn.
Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, believes the fans will always have a special place in their heart for Corcia.
“Steve embedded himself in Auckland and will always be remembered as the coach who delivered silverware in the club’s first two seasons. He has laid the foundations for future success and set the benchmark for Auckland FC,” said Becker.
“We will all miss his passion on the sidelines and his connection to the fanbase, especially the Port. We wish him the best for his next journey, and we will be supporting him from afar.”
