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Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

7838 replies · 1,303,356 views
25 days ago
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
Must be the import right? Or maybe an Australian central defender?
I'd be guessing Marley Leuluai after his trial
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25 days ago
ballane wrote:
 RR wrote:
 RR wrote:
AFC vs Spurs on Sunday is free to air on TV2.

Anyone heard anything about ticket sales?
Seen a 30k figure mentioned by people. 
Be 1 more than whatever the Nixs highest crowd was. 😁😉
The Wellington Phoenix’s largest-ever crowd is 33,297, set at Sky

Auckland will rise once more

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25 days ago
From https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c1l14em6j3dt

Tottenham fly to New Zealand on Thursday for their pre-season tour and will take on A-League side Auckland in a friendly at Eden Park on Sunday, with kick-off at 04:00 BST.
, if they fly Thursday, that is a Saturday am arrival and then play at Eden Park Sunday afternoon.  Ouch, expect to see some players with a pillow on the bench!

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25 days ago · edited 25 days ago · History
Well they have to be at a fan zone as well early arvo on Sat and then later that day the people putting this on are charging people 15 bucks to watch them train at Eden Park.






Auckland will rise once more

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25 days ago
AucklandPhoenix wrote:
 ballane wrote:
 RR wrote:
 RR wrote:
AFC vs Spurs on Sunday is free to air on TV2.

Anyone heard anything about ticket sales?
Seen a 30k figure mentioned by people. 
Be 1 more than whatever the Nixs highest crowd was. 😁😉
The Wellington Phoenix’s largest-ever crowd is 33,297, set at Sky
The audited Wellington Regional Stadium Annual Accounts up to June 20th 2025 (2025/26 accounts are not yet published) gives the top Phoenix attendances at the Stadium as :-

32,941 - 7 Mar 10 A League: Phoenix FC vs Newcastle Jets (finals series)
31,853 - 01 Dec 07 Football: Phoenix FC vs LA Galaxy
31,535 - 18-May-24 A League: Phoenix FC v Melbourne Victory (SF)
24,360 - 21 Feb 10 A League: Phoenix vs Perth Glory (finals series)
22,325 - 2-Nov-24 A League: Phoenix FC v Auckland FC
20,937 - 22-May-21 A League: Phoenix FC v Western United FC

Not what a Google search shows ... the attendances for these matches from Google and/or austadiums website is somewhat different :-

33,297  - 18-May-24 A League: Phoenix FC v Melbourne Victory (SF)
32,792 - 7 Mar 10 A League: Phoenix FC vs Newcastle Jets (finals series)
31,853 - 01 Dec 07 Football: Phoenix FC vs LA Galaxy
26,252 - 2-Nov-24 A League: Phoenix FC v Auckland FC
24,267 - 21 Feb 10 A League: Phoenix vs Perth Glory (finals series)
24,105 - 22-May-21 A League: Phoenix FC v Western United FC

The three earlier matches are in the ballpark (Galaxy actually matches) but for the three later ones the official attendance is much lower than stated.
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25 days ago
The Scottish fullback was included in the 35-man travelling squad named by coach Robert de Zerbi for Spurs’ three-match tour of New Zealand and Australia, after joining during the off-season.

After facing Auckland this weekend, Spurs play Sydney FC next Wednesday and fellow Premier League side Chelsea in Sydney next Saturday.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, centre back Jan Paul van Hecke and midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are the other new signings in their travelling squad.

Notable established players include forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, midfielders Conor Gallagher and James Maddison and defenders Ben Davies and Micky van de Ven.

Missing are five first-team regulars recovering from injuries – Mohamed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Guglielmo Vicario – and six players still on leave following the FIFA World Cup, including fullback Pedro Porro, a winner with Spain.

The other five are Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence.

Tottenham Hotspur – tour of New Zealand and Australia
Squad
Goalkeepers: Brandon Austin, Martin Dúbravka, Antonín Kinský, Dylan Thompson
Defenders: Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Malachi Hardy, Andy Robertson, Kota Takai, Tyler Tingey, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke
Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Harry Byrne, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Tye Hall, Tyrese Hall, Rio Kyerematen, James Maddison, Reiss Russell-Denny, Sandro Tonali, Luca Williams-Barnett
Forwards: Damola Ajayi, Jamie Donley, Mason Melia, Mikey Moore, Richarlison, Dane Scarlett, Dominic Solanke, Manor Solomon, Mathys Tel, Yang Min-Hyeok
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25 days ago
Southernix wrote:
 AucklandPhoenix wrote:
Must be the import right? Or maybe an Australian central defender?
I'd be guessing Marley Leuluai after his trial
Aaron Calver announced today. Solid defender
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24 days ago
Good yarn here about Spurs visiting NZ 50 years ago, to play Auckland and Wellington (at the Basin).
An 18 yr old Glen Hoddle.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/07/24/how-auckland-and-wellington-went-close-to-toppling-spurs-fifty-years-ago/


https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/07/24/auckland-fc-name-five-all-whites-and-new-signings-in-squad-to-face-spurs/

 Auckland FC name five All Whites and new signings in squad for Spurs match

A-League champions Auckland FC have included newly-signed defender Aaron Calver in their 26-player squad to face touring English club Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Australian Calver (30) joins Auckland FC after making more than 90 A-League appearances for Sydney, Western United and Perth Glory, and helping Sydney to two Premierships and a Championship in 2017 and 2019.

Calver has played in the Korean K-League and, more recently, for NPL Victoria club Hume City.

“Coming back to the A-League, especially with such an ambitious group, right off the back of a title, is an opportunity that I just couldn’t say no to,” said Calver.

Auckland FC’s director of football Terry McFlynn said: “Aaron is a top player with a lot of experience, and he will serve as a much-needed reinforcement for our backline this season.

“He’s a trophy winner, and when you can bring someone into your squad with trophy-winning experience, especially A-League ones, it makes the signing even better for us.”

Sunday’s squad also includes new scholarship signing Aaron Cartwright, a New Zealand age group international who has joined the club from Melbourne City’s academy.

The home squad also includes All Whites Michael Woud, Frances de Vries, Cameron Howieson, Lachlan Bayliss and Logan Rogerson.

New Zealand internationals Callan Elliot and Nando Pijnaker have been omitted from the squad, following their international duty at the FIFA Men’s World Cup, while All Whites goalkeeper Oli Sail continues to recover from an injury suffered in January.

Last season’s leading scorer Sam Cosgrove is expected to lead the Auckland FC attack.

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24 days ago
No lies, I was at that Spurs game in Wellington at the Basin. Got the autographs but lost them a few years back. Hoddle was good, Ralph Coates and Steve Perryman, Pat Jennings. That Basin pitch was pretty good to play on.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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Endorsed by
coochieeni
24 days ago · edited 24 days ago · History
Sorry guys, this site is play up.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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24 days ago
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/361010667/auckland-fcs-extreme-makeover-nears-end-glamour-clash-tottenham-hotspur-arrives

Likely the best summary of comings and goings.

Interesting that the Nix were also after Bayliss, confirmation that  Verstraetes, contract was renewed hence the transfer fee and that Sail is not signed.

Also that despite a truck load of young wingers they will still be using the import spot on a winger.

Auckland will rise once more

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24 days ago
No Pjnanker or Elliott... Wonder where they are off to?
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24 days ago
On holiday still. Back next week apparently. 
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24 days ago
 Luke Casserly – Auckland’s Oceania Pro League coach, and before that, their reserves coach – will take charge for Sunday afternoon’s match against Spurs (kickoff 3pm), which is expected to attract a record-breaking crowd of around 40,000 to Eden Park.

The highest attendance for a men’s football match in New Zealand was set in 2017, when 37,034 attended the first leg of the All Whites’ World Cup qualifying playoff against Peru at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. 
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Endorsed by
Simon B
24 days ago
Feverish wrote:
Maybe it’s this guy behind it
https://yellowfever.co.nz/categories/straya-a-league-and-state-leagues/topics/bring-back-the-new-zealand-knights 
And what of it buddy? Here's a bloke who's passionate about Kiwi football heritage and you're holding enough of a grudge about it to go back to a post 10 years prior and drag poor Hudsons name and reputation through the mud. I would have thought your 16,000 posts on this platform would have allowed you to develop some 'cyber citizenship' but once again an epic all whites world cup campaign ends and I have to come on here and be left with a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps you'd be better off with the Auckland City ultras!!!
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23 days ago
 Luke Casserly – Auckland’s Oceania Pro League coach, and before that, their reserves coach – will take charge for Sunday afternoon’s match against Spurs (kickoff 3pm), which is expected to attract a record-breaking crowd of around 40,000 to Eden Park.

The highest attendance for a men’s football match in New Zealand was set in 2017, when 37,034 attended the first leg of the All Whites’ World Cup qualifying playoff against Peru at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. 
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23 days ago
Goalkeepers: Joe Knowles, Michael Woud; Liam Hill, Eli Jones
Defenders: Hiroki Sakai; Aaron Calver, Luka Vicelich, Ronan Wynne; Francis de Vries; Matt d’Hotman, Will Gross
Midfielders: Lachie Bayliss, Jake Brimmer, Lachie Brook, Felipe Gallegos, Cam Howieson, Dan Normann; James Mitchell
Forwards: Jonty Bidois, Aaron Cartwright, Sam Cosgrove, Bailey Ferguson, Van Fitzharris, Isa Prins, Logan Rogerson; Dejaun Naidoo 

Tottenham Hotspur
Goalkeepers: Brandon Austin, Martin Dúbravka, Antonín Kinský, Dylan Thompson
Defenders: Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Malachi Hardy, Andy Robertson, Kota Takai, Tyler Tingey, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke
Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Harry Byrne, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Tye Hall, Tyrese Hall, Rio Kyerematen, James Maddison, Reiss Russell-Denny, Sandro Tonali, Luca Williams-Barnett
Forwards: Damola Ajayi, Jamie Donley, Mason Melia, Mikey Moore, Richarlison, Dane Scarlett, Dominic Solanke, Manor Solomon, Mathys Tel, Yang Min-Hyeok 
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23 days ago
Lots of Tottenham shirts at Wellington airport according to a mate who’s flying up this morning.
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23 days ago
Preety crappy day in Aucks. 

Blows any chance of a walk up crowd.

Auckland will rise once more

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23 days ago
I was just behind the Spurs bus in traffic lol. Absolutely right that it's the most hideous day of the year, but didn't they have a megaboss number of presales already?

Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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22 days ago
Great crowd. Spurs 1-0 up. Some good moments for AFC. Slippery surface calling on good control. Lots of defending by AFC, might be a big score at the end 
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Endorsed by
PK
22 days ago · edited 22 days ago · History
Pretty dire. 

No Hall, Verstraete, Girdwood-Reich. Gallegos, Brimmer and de Vries on the bench. 

Not the championship winning team at all. And rarely out of the box let alone the halfway line.


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Endorsed by
PK
22 days ago · edited 22 days ago · History
Doloras wrote:
I was just behind the Spurs bus in traffic lol. Absolutely right that it's the most hideous day of the year, but didn't they have a megaboss number of presales already?
Attendance 40,112 so not a bad wee crowd.
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Endorsed by
PK
22 days ago
40 thousand to watch a half paced Spurs training run. Oof. 

Not exactly the tension or entertainment of the finals series. I hope they had a halftime show!


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Endorsed by
coFUPKWanderingSheep
22 days ago · edited 22 days ago · History
Spurs won 2:0, Richarlison scored as a substitute to confirm the win, bye bye Auckland FC. Won't get a chance to win vs a Northern Hemisphere club for the first time until the FIFA club tournament vs Al Ahli Saudi. Then if they win that, Toluca/Mamelodi Sundowns. Then, surely not, PSG, who are guaranteed into the final with how it is structured. That Al Ahli Saudi team will probably have some big money known names. 
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22 days ago
Any of the Auckland youngsters stand out?
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22 days ago
coochiee wrote:
Any of the Auckland youngsters stand out?

Normann looked decent.

Three for me, and two for them.

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22 days ago
coochiee wrote:
Any of the Auckland youngsters stand out?

D'Hotman handy on the left, had pace and put in some good balls. Mitchell caught out big time for the second goal, but up against Tel he was always going to have a hard time - still got some really good defensive actions in up against him.

Vicelich was poor. Despite some strong blocks and defensive 1v1 actions, he was otherwise caught out constantly, on and off the ball. He's undercooked at just 18, but obviously there's a player there

Prins was very nice. Was watching with some guys who weren't familiar with the OFCPL guys or reserves, and he was the clear standout to them. Showed the best footwork on the team
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Endorsed by
coochieeFUniPK
22 days ago
I've been to quite a few pre-season games of big clubs, so I know you're always going going to get a pretty half baked team - but I'd feel a bit disappointed if I had gone to that. Only 4 or 5 spurs first team players on for half an hour. That's pretty poor imo
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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22 days ago
Kind of agree but saying that 10 players were at the World Cup and they only arrived in the country yesterday after travelling from the UK. 

Don’t think Auckland can really complain too much when two of their World Cup players apparently are still on holiday and couldn’t be assed showing up.

Auckland will rise once more

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22 days ago
Jazzy Jeff wrote:
I've been to quite a few pre-season games of big clubs, so I know you're always going going to get a pretty half baked team - but I'd feel a bit disappointed if I had gone to that. Only 4 or 5 spurs first team players on for half an hour. That's pretty poor imo
They played MK Dons in London on Thursday morning NZT. Left soon after for Aotearoa, played today and have 2 more games in Sydney this week.

That's a pretty gruelling 10-11 days, especially when still in pre season. Totally understandable is lots of rotation going on, and senior players on limited mins.


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Endorsed by
hepatitishoJazzy Jeff
22 days ago
coochiee wrote:
 Jazzy Jeff wrote:
I've been to quite a few pre-season games of big clubs, so I know you're always going going to get a pretty half baked team - but I'd feel a bit disappointed if I had gone to that. Only 4 or 5 spurs first team players on for half an hour. That's pretty poor imo
They played MK Dons in London on Thursday morning NZT. Left soon after for Aotearoa, played today and have 2 more games in Sydney this week.

That's a pretty gruelling 10-11 days, especially when still in pre season. Totally understandable is lots of rotation going on, and senior players on limited mins.



Of course, I don't blame the coaching staff, I should have been better with my wording. What I think is poor is the scheduling - not really ideal for the players, nor the fans
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.

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Endorsed by
coochieeSouthernixWanderingSheep
22 days ago
I couldn't hear the sneering of cool football people online about how no-one cared about Spurs 4ths vs Auckland 2nd over the sound of (checks notes) 40,000 people who paid money to care

That said, I only tuned in occasionally and the football looked pretty dire

Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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Endorsed by
PK
22 days ago · edited 22 days ago · History
It’s supposed to be an exhibition game. Great turn out. Neither team did much to put on a show. Respect the turn out. Poor from the clubs. There was a lot of talk about the Newcastle team last season, but at least that was a bit fun. 
What I watched of this was torrid: a bunch of kids out of their depth against a bunch of guys trying not to get injured or do anything that would jeopardise their season.

At least trial Toto or something!


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Endorsed by
PK
21 days ago
Obviously can't take away anything from this pre-season game, especially since the league doesn't start until October. But will be interesting to see how Moreira and AFC fare against Al Ahli next month to perhaps get an indicator on what the A-League squad might play like.
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Endorsed by
PK
21 days ago · edited 21 days ago · History
The negativity in here is wild.

Terrible weather restricted what players could do on the pitch. Auckland FC played fine. This is what the lower salary cap a-league looks like. And oh by the way this is their first preseason run out. Spurs did exactly what we expected, played some kids and played some bigger hitters at the end.

I enjoyed watching the heavy hitters showing off their clearly significant ability, even the smaller stuff like Tel's tighter and full speed dribbling. Or Gallagher actually being able to pick out a proper cross (i.e., not just floating it in and hoping).  I loved Gallegos absolutely clatter Richiarlison.

Some of you negative nancies need a slap honestly.
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Endorsed by
KiLG
21 days ago
20 Legend wrote:
The negativity in here is wild.

Terrible weather restricted what players could do on the pitch. Auckland FC played fine. This is what the lower salary cap a-league looks like. And oh by the way this is their first preseason run out. Spurs did exactly what we expected, played some kids and played some bigger hitters at the end.

I enjoyed watching the heavy hitters showing off their clearly significant ability, even the smaller stuff like Tel's tighter and full speed dribbling. Or Gallagher actually being able to pick out a proper cross (i.e., not just floating it in and hoping).  I loved Gallegos absolutely clatter Richiarlison.

Some of you negative nancies need a slap honestly.
I don't think anything has been decided on the salary cap in terms of changes (no cba with the pfa), isn't what they are trying to agree is in fact an increase in the cap but fewer concessions? 

For Akl its lower either way probably. 
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