AKL Football 24 have appointed Steve Corica as their inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s head coach, ahead of club’s debut in the 2024-2025 season.
Former Sydney FC boss Corica is the club’s second football appointment, and will work alongside former teammate Terry McFlynn, Director of Football, on the recruitment of the men’s playing squad and style of football.
Corica, who won two A-League Championships, a Premiership and an Australia Cup as coach of the Sky Blues, helmed the club from 2018 until earlier this season, having worked his way up the club’s coaching ranks following his distinguished playing career, beginning as a youth team coach and Graham Arnold’s assistant before taking over from the current Socceroos boss.
“I am really excited about joining the new Auckland A-League club,” Corica said.
“It has all the ingredients needed to succeed, both on the pitch and in the community. We want to build a club that is known for its attacking and entertaining style of football and Aucklanders are proud to call their own.
“Bill Foley is passionate about creating pathways for young talented kiwis to firstly succeed in the A-League and then go overseas with the other clubs in the group. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.”
AKL Football 24 owner, Bill Foley said: “Steve is a proven winner, both as a player, as a head coach, and he plays an attractive style of football. His philosophy is aligned with what we want to achieve at the club, to be successful and to entertain the fans.
“He is passionate about developing young players to succeed in the A-League and we are confident his appointment will attract some of the best talent from around New Zealand.
“The next step is to start our player recruitment in the January transfer window.”
Corica has been an indelible part of the A-League’s history, including scoring the winning goal in the maiden Grand Final in 2005-2006.
He made 106 appearances for Sydney FC, where he is a club icon, scoring 23 goals between 2005 and 2010.
An attacking midfielder, Corica became the first national youth player to represent Australia at all age levels (U17 – U23) and went on to make 32 appearances for the Socceroos, scoring five goals between 1993 – 2006.
