A-Leagues expansion club Auckland FC has appointed former All Whites captain and coach Danny Hay as their men’s assistant coach ahead of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
Hay returns to New Zealand after 18 months at NPLM Western Australia club Perth SC, where he worked as head coach and high-performance director, to join head coach Steve Corica’s staff at the A-Leagues’ newest club ahead of their introduction into the league next season.
The former New Zealand captain represented the likes of Perth Glory, New Zealand Knights, Leeds United and Walsall throughout his playing career.
Hay and Corica played together at Walsall in 2002-03.
“I’ve known Steve Corica for over two decades and I have always been impressed by his level of professionalism and passion for the game,” Hay said upon his appointment as Auckland assistant.
“That has really shone through at Auckland FC with the level of expertise that is already around the club.
“Personally, it’s a huge opportunity to continue to develop as a coach and to be part of something that could truly change the landscape of football in Auckland.”
Hay coached the New Zealand international men’s team between 2019 and 2022, becoming just the second person in the nation’s history to both captain and manage the All Whites, along with Ricki Herbert.
Auckland CEO Nick Becker says Hay’s appointment was a no-brainer after the recruitment process conducted by Corica and Auckland director of football Terry McFlynn.
“Steve and Terry McFlynn have conducted a rigorous process for the recruitment of every position in our coaching team. Danny Hay was easily the best candidate for the role. He brings a shared philosophy and desire to play high tempo, attacking football.”
