Auckland FC’s recruitment drive has continued with confirmation the club has secured the signatures of Scott Galloway, Callan Elliott and Joey Champness ahead of their inaugural campaign.
Following a trophy laden spell with Melbourne City which saw him win three Premierships and the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship in season 2020-21, Galloway adds plenty of depth and experience to a new-look backline being assembled by head coach Steve Corica.
In addition to Galloway, three-time New Zealand international defender Elliott has also signed on for the club’s debut season following a stint with Scottish Premiership side Motherwell FC.
Keen to re-establish himself within the national team set-up, 24-year-old Elliott is the second player, after Galloway, to have been on the books of both Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC as the newest club rivalry in the Isuzu UTE A-League begins to take shape.
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Furthermore, Corica and Co have also recruited a name familiar to most A-Leagues fans having tied up a deal to bring Auckland-born Joey Champness back to his home city.
Previously plying his trade with Turkish side Adanaspor, left-sided midfielder Champness returns to the Isuzu UTE A-League for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign as he too looks to rejuvenate his national team career.
“Between the three of them they have played more than 400 professional games,” said Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica.
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“Scott is obviously the most experienced having won a decent amount of silverware and is a really versatile player capable of playing both right and left-back. Callan was
a regular with the Phoenix and Joey has played internationally in Turkey.
“These are three quality players who will provide the club with a solid foundation. I’m proud to bring them here and they are just as excited to play for us.
He continued: “With these three signings, plus the addition of centre-back Dan Hall earlier in the week, fans will start to see the type of team we’re trying to build.
“A team that is exciting to watch that mixes youth with experience and a good amount of local
talent.
“There’s also a lot more to come and I know there is a lot of excitement for our international visa players. All I can say is watch this space.”
Following the unveiling of four players this week – including the acquisition of treble-winning defender Dan Hall from Central Coast Mariners – the Isuzu UTE A-League’s newest club now has 16 players signed up ahead of their opening game of the season.
“We continue to strengthen the squad with three quality signings,” said CEO Nick Becker.
“It’s great to bring back two more kiwis to Auckland and in Scott we have a talented player who has won the premiership and championship at Melbourne City, so he knows what it
takes to succeed in the A-League.”
