The A-Leagues’ newest club Auckland FC have added two more exciting acquisitions to their inaugural squad, with two New Zealand internationals putting pen to paper.
On Tuesday, centre-back Tommy Smith and centre-forward Max Mata became signings five and six for the club, who will enter the Isuzu UTE A-League in the 2024-25 season.
Smith is already accustomed to life in the competition after spending six months with Macarthur FC and the 34-year-old brings bags of experience to the table, having made 247 appearances for Premier League bound English side Ipswich Town.
He also boasts 51 caps for the All Whites and a total of over 460 professional appearances.
“I’ve played all over the world but the opportunity to come and play back in NewZealand and for Auckland FC ahead of the club’s debut season was just too good to turn down.
“There’s a lot of excitement amongst players and the wider football community for what the club can achieve and I’m eager to be part of it.
“I hope to bring a bit of experience to the team as well as showing the younger lads a thing or two.”
Auckland-born Mata, who has nine caps for New Zealand, arrives on loan from Shrewsbury Town and most recently played for Irish outfit Sligo Rovers, netting four goals in 14 matches.
The 23-year-old has also played at both the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cup.
“Auckland is a special place for me, I was born here and after some time in theUK and Ireland I’m pleased to be able to return home,” Mata said.
“I can’t wait to run out in front of the fans and see the faces of my friends and family in the crowd.
“The club has been great and we’ve talked a lot about the future pathways that the club can offer, and not just for me, but to young players from across the country keen to prove they’ve got what it takes to make it as a pro and see where their careers take them.”
The pair take Auckland’s total signings to six to date, joining the likes of Cam Howieson, Michael Woud, Francis De Vries and Jesse Randall.
Each has represented New Zealand in some form.
“Tommy and Max are a couple of really exciting signings that were eager to come to Auckland,” Auckland head coach Steve Corica said.
“Tommy is an experienced player that is going to be a great leader to the rest of the squad; he’s played all over the world, was the youngest captain in All White’s history and was a part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.
“Max has an exciting future ahead of him.
“He’s returning home having become an established player at international level. He has really brought into the style of football we as a club want to play and the pathways we can offer to him and players like him.”
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker added: “What I’m particularly proud of is how we have blended youth and experience and nearly all have international level experience.
“All are aware of the energy and buzz that currently surrounds Auckland FC and are eager to be a part of it.
“It is all about momentum and today is another significant milestone for the club, with full season memberships now on sale to the public.
“This is a rare opportunity for football fans to be part of our inaugural season and I’m sure Aucklanders will jump on-board.”
Auckland FC inaugural season memberships are now on sale. Visit https://aucklandfc.co.nz/membership/ to find out more.
