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Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

7736 replies · 1,286,321 views
13 days ago
RR wrote:
 Jazzy Jeff wrote:
I'm sure I can remember us being linked with Foxe years ago. Can't remember if it was after Kalezic, Rudan or Uffie but I vaguely recall there being rumours
For a while, after the WSW interim manager stint, his name was thrown into any available manager speculation. It has been awhile since his name has come up.
There was also Jean-Paul de Marigny in that same conversation too. Seemed to be the bookie's favourite for a minute before a sideline set-to with the Nix bench when we played Wanderers.

Think Rudan won a few fans here when he really bit back against him in the moment!
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12 days ago
I didn’t want to say it at the time, but it does give vibes of a Nix appointment 

Auckland will rise once more

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12 days ago
for some reason I think the next coach will be left field. Corica was a surprise IMO and since Eddie Howe, all the managers have been left field at AFC Bournemouth.
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12 days ago · edited 12 days ago · History
From training pics that I've been sent and seen about on social media - Daniel Normann, Ronan Wynne, Bailey Ferguson & Isa Prins are in for pre season. 

Some other images where I couldn't clearly make out a player, but will assume with the world cup contingent given extended time off that a lot of their reserves squad have been called up to fill some gaps.

Looks like they're keeping Oli Sail too.


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Endorsed by
ni
12 days ago
https://www.facebook.com/AucklandFC/

I really hope they sign Isa Prins.

For about 3/4 of the OFC Pro League, Prins looked very average, struggling with the step up from dominating Central League.
But for the last dozen or so games of the OPL, it just all switched for him, and he looked quality.

Took his goal really well against SIU late on in that tight semi final. By the end of the season seemed to be AFC II's starting striker ahead of older guys Faulds and Donkers. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1465872958072351 

Though Jonty Bidois also had a few starts late season (incl the final) coming down from the A League squad.

But Prins has those nice futsal skills in his locker. With a full tough pre A League season, some extra muscle on that 20 yr old body, and banging up against Sakai and Pijnaker at training every day he could become a top quality player. Is he more a winger or a striker?  Looks to be well over 6 ft.

I just want some young exciting Kiwi striker prospect to pop up somewhere. It's overdue. Jack Perniskie seems to have a bit of buzz about him
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Endorsed by
AucklandPhoenix
12 days ago
YoungHeartHM wrote:
From training pics that I've been sent and seen about on social media - Daniel Normann, Ronan Wynne, Bailey Ferguson & Isa Prins are in for pre season. 

Some other images where I couldn't clearly make out a player, but will assume with the world cup contingent given extended time off that a lot of their reserves squad have been called up to fill some gaps.

Looks like they're keeping Oli Sail too.


 
Think on here it was said Normann was on his way to Cambodia.

Do we think he has been signed as the cheap Verstraete replacement?

Auckland will rise once more

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12 days ago
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
 YoungHeartHM wrote:
From training pics that I've been sent and seen about on social media - Daniel Normann, Ronan Wynne, Bailey Ferguson & Isa Prins are in for pre season. 

Some other images where I couldn't clearly make out a player, but will assume with the world cup contingent given extended time off that a lot of their reserves squad have been called up to fill some gaps.

Looks like they're keeping Oli Sail too.


 
Think on here it was said Normann was on his way to Cambodia.

Do we think he has been signed as the cheap Verstraete replacement?
Yeah that was probably from me when the OFC Pro League was still in season. Forgive me as I can give updates on what I am told, but out of respect to the sources and the players as well I purposely include a bit of a delay between what I get passed on and what I post on here.

He had a contract offer on the table from Cambodia (poor money) and then Auckland came in once the Pro League had finished.

Very cheap visa signing, and with Gallegos, Cosgrove and Sakai already on the books that leaves Auckland with one visa spot to fill.
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Endorsed by
AucklandPhoenixcoochiee
12 days ago
Sorry to see  Verstraete go but it was inevitable as he was too good for the A league.

Very interested to see how Normann goes. Size wise complete opposite but he does have an engine  on him and really put himself about against the island teams.



Auckland will rise once more

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12 days ago
Unless Auckland moved him Prins is more a CM/AM, which is still a position we could do with some young national team players in, but nowhere near as much as ST.

Personally I'm a bit skeptical. He absolutely turned it up against SIU but really he spent much of the season looking pretty average. Not even like SIU were a standout OPL side either and they particularly struggled to turn up against Auckland.
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Endorsed by
ni
12 days ago
Auckland imports for this season looking pretty uninspiring then, probably want to make that last one a marque quality winger like Lolley.
Otherwise Normann (don't know too much about him, but seems like he impressed at OPL level, is he quality enough for an import spot at A-League level? Seems like OPL is the highest level he's played at so far), Gallegos always less nailed on than Verstraete in their 11 and at 34 is he going to be slowing down?, Sakai at 36 might finally be slowing down too? Guessing he'll move to CB though, Cosgrove I don't really rate but did score goals but he's that kind of striker that does need good service to get those goals.
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12 days ago · edited 12 days ago · History
Normann deserves a crack at the ALM. Voted best player in the OPL.

Prins was frequently mentioned as one of the best young players in the CL, and someone the Nix should consider. 
He's obviously a very skilful young guy, who enjoys the fancy stuff. But watching some of those early OPL games, he was often trying little futsal flicks etc that weren't coming off. Maybe coach Casserly told him just to stop doing that low precentage stuff.

You go into a full time pro setup you have to really want it, to succeed. From memory at Olympic, Prins was still juggling playing football and futsal.
Anyway I hope Auckland sign him, as there could be a proper player there in the right environment.

Young Bailey Ferguson another to watch if he gets signed. Kiwi heritage who has come through the QLD NPL scene, and only had a couple of OPL games before Corica promoted him briefy to the ALM squad. Pacey winger, that might replace Francois?
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12 days ago · edited 12 days ago · History
In terms of imports, possibly.

However assuming they sign a decent left winger to replace Randall we might find the pace of their play actually improves on transition and attack.

Whilst  Verstraete had many great defensive qualities, he wasn’t the guy to distribute the ball quickly and centrally to front runners. Think that Norman may actually be suited to a faster transitional game.

Likewise Bayliss, I would rate over May in providing quick drives and passes to front runners.

Great however to see the photos today of players returning to training.

Gives hope that there will be some football shortly in the longest off season in the world.

Auckland will rise once more

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12 days ago
Only 16 days until AFC play Spurs.
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Endorsed by
AucklandPhoenix
11 days ago
Southernix wrote:
Unless Auckland moved him Prins is more a CM/AM, which is still a position we could do with some young national team players in, but nowhere near as much as ST.

Personally I'm a bit skeptical. He absolutely turned it up against SIU but really he spent much of the season looking pretty average. Not even like SIU were a standout OPL side either and they particularly struggled to turn up against Auckland.
I think Prins is the real deal.

His physique and movement reminds of of Eli Adams.

Think in a couple of years in a pro environment he will be at his level and heading to greener pastures.



Auckland will rise once more

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Endorsed by
TonyHibbert
11 days ago
People are being a little harsh on Prims. He’s just a kid who is very promising. It’s obvious that he needs time in a pro environment to see how far he can progress. The fact that he finished the OPL on an upward curve is a good sign. Looks like he is going to AFC…grrrrrrrr!!!!!!! If he works hard and gets the right training he can be a good player. He is certainly rated by plenty of old pros like Ifill.
 Apparently the Nix looked at him but Gil said we can’t sign everyone. In a couple of years time when he scores against us in a derby those words may come back to haunt us.
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Endorsed by
coochiee
11 days ago
austin111 wrote:
People are being a little harsh on Prims. He’s just a kid who is very promising. It’s obvious that he needs time in a pro environment to see how far he can progress. The fact that he finished the OPL on an upward curve is a good sign. Looks like he is going to AFC…grrrrrrrr!!!!!!! If he works hard and gets the right training he can be a good player. He is certainly rated by plenty of old pros like Ifill.
Apparently the Nix looked at him but Gil said we can’t sign everyone. In a couple of years time when he scores against us in a derby those words may come back to haunt us.
Prins gives me the Randall vibes, shoulda woulda coulda but ultimately will have a couple of decent seasons at AFC and will head overseas.

The OPL is good for AFC as it gives them a try before you buy for prospects, which is actually more important than some let on and is the main reason why I was annoyed by us not getting in (has anyone ever asked to see our bid).

Also Gil saying we can't sign everyone is a lazy excuse, there are probably a handful of players in the academy that will never make it to the first team and are identifiable, release them if it's preventing highly recommended prospects from joining our club.
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10 days ago
observerfromuh wrote:
for some reason I think the next coach will be left field. Corica was a surprise IMO and since Eddie Howe, all the managers have been left field at AFC Bournemouth.
But very heavily scouted with plenty of due diligence and all have been fairly successful you’d say?


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10 days ago
observerfromuh wrote:
 austin111 wrote:
People are being a little harsh on Prims. He’s just a kid who is very promising. It’s obvious that he needs time in a pro environment to see how far he can progress. The fact that he finished the OPL on an upward curve is a good sign. Looks like he is going to AFC…grrrrrrrr!!!!!!! If he works hard and gets the right training he can be a good player. He is certainly rated by plenty of old pros like Ifill.
Apparently the Nix looked at him but Gil said we can’t sign everyone. In a couple of years time when he scores against us in a derby those words may come back to haunt us.
Prins gives me the Randall vibes, shoulda woulda coulda but ultimately will have a couple of decent seasons at AFC and will head overseas.

The OPL is good for AFC as it gives them a try before you buy for prospects, which is actually more important than some let on and is the main reason why I was annoyed by us not getting in (has anyone ever asked to see our bid).

Also Gil saying we can't sign everyone is a lazy excuse, there are probably a handful of players in the academy that will never make it to the first team and are identifiable, release them if it's preventing highly recommended prospects from joining our club.
The OPL is the subject that will not be talked about by the Domesters.

Even rumours will not be discussed 😂

Auckland will rise once more

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10 days ago · edited 10 days ago · History
Can't even stop himself in the AFC thread. This obsession with David Dome cannot be healthy for you.

Valley FC til I die?

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Endorsed by
Bullion
10 days ago
FYI, I wasn't hating on Dome/Gill, I just wanted to state that it would be interesting to see every bid.
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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History
More chance of the entire Epstein files being released.

No one is allowed to mention the bid.

Auckland will rise once more

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Endorsed by
ob
9 days ago
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
More chance of the entire Epstein files being released.

No one is allowed to mention the bid.
I know it wouldn't shock me if it came out that they didn't even bid and just assumed they would get in.
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9 days ago
Nelfoos wrote:
Can't even stop himself in the AFC thread. This obsession with David Dome cannot be healthy for you.
Just gotta shake your head and laugh at some of the rubbish some like to continually post on here. You do wonder why some of them are even here, guess just to stir.
Cant wait for them to all end up with egg on their faces over some of the stuff they have posted.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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Endorsed by
brNelfoos
7 days ago
With a bit of a delay for our Northern neighbours.

17th October
Melbourne City FC (H) 

24th October
Western Sydney Wanderers (A) 

30th October
Brisbane Roar (A) 

7th November
Wellington Phoenix (H) 

FIFA BREAK 

21st November
Melbourne Victory (H) 

28th November
Central Coast Mariners (A) 

12th December
Sydney FC (H) 

19th December 
Wellington Phoenix (A) 

27th December
Melbourne City (A) 

1st January 
Adelaide United (H) 

9th January
Newcastle Jets (A) 

15th January
Melbourne Victory (A) 

24th January
Perth Glory (H) 

31st January
Brisbane Roar (H) 

6th February
Macarthur FC (A) 

13th February
Wellington Phoenix (H) 

27th February
Sydney FC (A) 

7th March
Central Coast Mariners (H) 

13th March
Newcastle Jets (H) 

20th March
Western Sydney Wanderers (A) 

FIFA BREAK 

4th April
Macarthur FC (H) 

10th April
Perth Glory (A) 

18th April
Brisbane Roar (H) 

23rd April
Sydney FC (A) 

1st May 
Adelaide United (A) 

8th May
Western Sydney Wanderers (H)
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Endorsed by
AucklandPhoenixSouthernix
7 days ago
3 matches against Wanderers, Nix, Sydney & Roar
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7 days ago
Two away against the two Sydney teams.

Auckland will rise once more

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7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History
So AFC to give ALM contracts to Wynne, Normann, Prins, Ferguson and Fitzharris from the OPL squad.

Though Fitzharris was already with their reserves in Northern League stuff?  
The other 4 coming into the club from outside for the OPL. 

Shows the value of having an OFC Pro League team to effectively audition/trial guys for the ALM. Domey will be grumpy looking at that.

Normann could be that cheap visa ALM gem, that has almost accidentally fallen into their lap.
AFC's own version of Albert Riera?

And has someone ever looked more pure Norwegian than Normann?

https://twitter.com/andrewvoerman/status/2077197528098128052https://twitter.com/andrewvoerman/status/2077197528098128052

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7 days ago
Forgot Auckland had the FIFA Intercontinental Cup match in late August.
Throw in the Spurs match, and their pre season early days, looks much better than the Nix. Early days

https://aucklandfc.co.nz/news/pair-promoted-to-a-league-squad-following-historic-ofc-pro-league-triumph/

Wynne made 12 appearances across the campaign, earning the Auckland FC OFC Pro League MVP award for his consistent displays as a defender.  

The former New Zealand Under-23 International has spent most of his career playing in the United States, most notably at Atlanta United FC with their MLS Next Pro squad. 

Normann enjoyed one of the most decorated individual seasons in New Zealand football, making 14 appearances and claiming both the Auckland FC Players’ Player of the Season and the OFC Golden Ball, awarded to the best player across the entire competition.  

The Norwegian scored the opening goal in the OFC Pro League Grand Final, having previously played in Norway and won three conference championships at Missouri State University in the USA. Norman joined the club from Western Springs AFC after claiming the Northern League title in 2025. 

Their promotions are a powerful statement of Auckland FC’s pathway model, using the OFC Pro League as a stepping stone to elevate New Zealand’s best talent into the A-League.  

Wynne and Normann are the first players to come through this pathway, and they won’t be the last as the club looks to build on its success in the OFC and A-League competitions.

Auckland FC’s OFC Pro League coach, Luke Casserly, gives the pair his full endorsement as they progress through to the A-League squad. 

“Both players are ambitious and have a strong professional mindset, Daniel and Ronan played key roles in helping us lift the Pro League trophy and they’ll be a great addition to the A-League squad”
“I couldn’t be prouder of both of them,” said Casserly.  

The OFC Pro League’s championship qualification also secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where Auckland FC will play Al Ahli in late August. 
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7 days ago
Well if the rumours are true that with the young kiwi wingers up front, that the final import spot will be spent on a centre back, it could mean that in AFC’s third season that they only have two Australians in their squad (Brook and Brimmer)

Good to see and hoping that Brimmer can up his game making the starting team and not become an Australian journeyman.

Auckland will rise once more

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6 days ago · edited 6 days ago · History
Girdwood-Reich's departure to Motherwell confirmed.
The SPL definitely has a love affair with Australians.

So with Hall & JG-R both gone, it's looking like AFC will use 1 of the remaining 2 visa spots on a CB.
It wouldn't surprise if there was also some overseas interest in Pijnaker.

They will be hoping promising Luka Vicelich develops quick. The other son of an ex AW Luka Coveny would be a handy scholarship depth pickup.
Or maybe NZU20s James Bulkeley who I think his playing club football in the 09.

The other visa spot to be used on a winger/playmaker to replace May and Randall.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/07/16/auckland-fc-defender-jake-girdwood-reich-moves-to-scottish-premiership-club/
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6 days ago · edited 6 days ago · History
coochiee wrote:
Can that guy with a NZ Herald subscription please help out again?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/auckland-fc-202627-a-league-fixtures-as-new-coach-close-to-being-appointed/JHUDARAZ7BHY5DHYGF6ACTRG5M/ 
Non paywall link: https://archive.md/HaO3l

Essentially they are expecting to appoint a coach before the Tottenham game “The head coach – it hasn’t been for lack of people, it’s been for actually trying to find the right one."
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Endorsed by
coochieeSouthernix
5 days ago
A preferred candidate is in front of Foley for sign off...
2 of the 3 derbys with the Nix are in Auckland. 
Might be light at the back unless they get a quality import.



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2 days ago
Whoops, left out the word 'new' from my post. My bad
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Endorsed by
Bullionob
2 days ago
RR wrote:
Whoops, left out the word 'new' from my post. My bad
If the above is true about the manager on BF sign off, I'd announce the manager and new kit at the same time to generate a bit more buzz/sales.
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1 day ago
Isa Prins announced
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