Auckland FC have revealed their first four inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League signings ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Jesse Randall, Michael Woud, Francis De Vries and Cameron Howieson are the first confirmed players on the Black Knights’ inaugural squad; all four players have either represented New Zealand at senior or under-23 level.
Auckland head coach Steve Corica said the Kiwi quartet represent the club’s intention to forge a bond between the playing group and the local community.
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“We are building a club that has a strong connection to Auckland. We wanted our first player announcements to be talented New Zealanders who have experience both locally and internationally,” Corica siad.
“Michael is a great shot stopper and is really excited to be returning home. I know he will be fighting for the chance to play in front of his friends and family. Both Francis and Cameron have been two of the most consistent players at a national level and we have been tracking Jesse for a while now and he has a huge amount of potential.
“All four players suit our attacking style of football, they will all be making their A-League debuts next season and will want to impress the home crowds.”
Woud, 25, returns to his home city after nine years, joining Auckland from Japanese club Kyoto Sanga. Formerly signed to Sunderland AFC in England, Woud has six All Whites caps and represented New Zealand at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, as well as the 2017 and 2019 U20 World Cups and the 2015 U17 World Cup.
“This is special for me because I grew up here, having spent my childhood playing club football in Auckland,” Would said.
“I have been away from home for the last nine years and I’m so excited to come back and prove myself in-front of my friends and family.
“It is about time Auckland had a football team to call its own and I can’t wait to see the home fans at Mt Smart this October.”
Central midfielder Cameron Howieson joins the club at 29 years of age. Born in Scotland, Howieson began his career at English club Burnley before a stint at St Mirren and has since accrued more than 100 appearances for Auckland City.
Capped 17 times by the All Whites, Howieson says returning to professional football was his goal ever since he joined Auckland City in 2016.
“Football growth in New Zealand has exploded massively,” Howieson said. “Having a second club in Auckland FC will give the country a healthy dose of rivalry between the two clubs which makes it entertaining.
“I’m so excited to be part of this movement in our home country, it’s such an exciting time.
“Playing professionally again is something I’ve been working towards since coming back home.”
Left-back and six-cap New Zealand international Francis de Vries joins Auckland FC from Northern League side Eastern Suburbs. The 29-year-old won the Swedish second-tier championship with IFK Värnamo in 2021 but after five years in Sweden between Nyköpings BIS and Värnamo, returned to Auckland to ply his trade for Eastern Suburbs in 2023.
“It’s an honour to be part of what Auckland FC will create for young players, their families and the wider Auckland communities in getting everyone motivated and inspired by football,” De Vries said.
Wellington native Jesse Randall has signed a scholarship contract with the club. He arrives from Wellington Olympic having garnered a reputation as a prolific goalscorer.
“I grew up watching Winston Reid and more recently, Chris Wood in the English Premier League, and it just felt so far away from NZ,” Randall said.
“With Auckland now having a team in the A-League and part of a wider group of clubs across the world, younger players can now see a pathway into professional football.
“It is so exciting for young boys and girls across NZ.”
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker said: “All four players signed today represent what we have said we would do from day one. We are building a club that is embedded in the community and creates new opportunities for players in Auckland.
“It is really special to have players who have a genuine connection to Auckland and its football clubs. Cameron Howieson has played over 114 games locally, has enjoyed a lot of local success with Auckland City and is incredibly popular with the local football community.
“Cam now has the opportunity, along with the others, to showcase their talent in the A-League and potentially overseas through our multi-club ownership.
“The level of energy and excitement for the club from the grassroots, social leagues and on the street has been incredibly humbling.
“This is just the start and we’re going to make Auckland proud.”
