Be interesting to see how he goes. Will add a bit of needle maybe to the Nix verus Auckland FC rivalry.
But the Herald understands Hay has been in discussions with the fledgling Auckland club for some time.
He has a long association with Corica, going back to the early 2000s, when they both played at Walsall FC. Hay made 51 appearances for the Saddlers in the English second tier between 2002 and 2005, while Corica had 81 games at the East Midlands club in the same period.
For his part, Hay will bring extensive knowledge of the Kiwi talent pool, both here and overseas. His presence will help with the recruitment of some players, while his ideas about style of play broadly fit with Corica.
The Australian still has one more assistant to confirm, along with a goalkeeping coach. Former All Whites and Phoenix goalkeeping assistant Jonathan Gould is believed to be the frontrunner for the latter role.
But the Herald understands Hay has been in discussions with the fledgling Auckland club for some time.
He has a long association with Corica, going back to the early 2000s, when they both played at Walsall FC. Hay made 51 appearances for the Saddlers in the English second tier between 2002 and 2005, while Corica had 81 games at the East Midlands club in the same period.
For his part, Hay will bring extensive knowledge of the Kiwi talent pool, both here and overseas. His presence will help with the recruitment of some players, while his ideas about style of play broadly fit with Corica.
The Australian still has one more assistant to confirm, along with a goalkeeping coach. Former All Whites and Phoenix goalkeeping assistant Jonathan Gould is believed to be the frontrunner for the latter role.
At last week’s launch of the name and kit, Corica told the Herald the team have nine confirmed players, with seven from this country and two from Australia. The locals are believed to include Michael Woud, Cameron Howieson and Francis De Vries – who have all represented the All Whites – along with age-group internationals Luis Toomey and Jesse Randall.
Though Corica wouldn’t disclose any names, Marco Rojas remains a prime target, with the winger back in Australasia after a spell in Chile with Colo Colo.
United States-based defenders Michael Boxall and Bill Tuiloma are also seen as possible recruits, though they may be difficult to land for the inaugural season, given the timeframes and contract situation.
Lol- I just commented in another thread about no Kiwis on their team. And how they’d done well to have their home stadium sorted. 2 hours later….Danny’s been fairly involved on the Auckland scene going back! Wasn’t he a Knight with Emblen?
Ticks most of the boxes. Played at Waitak. Coached Ellerslie and Sacred Heart. Ex-AWs coach. Premier League pioneer as a Kiwi. Big baldy occasionally grumpy guy with experience of a variety of English accents. Doesn’t mind a trip to Perth. Only question is if he can be an assistant after his head coaching roles. And if there is the possibility of him moving to the academy or a larger role once things are up and running.