Re AFC to date I guess it's similar to how the Nix in their first season had -
Moss, Paston, Spoonley, Steven Old, Christie, Lochead, Bertos, Brown, Draper, Smeltz, Coveny & Kosta.
A solid existing Kiwi pro player base, with many coming back to NZ from overseas clubs, or via the defunct Knights.
Only Spoonley, Draper & Kosta came from the domestic NZ scene.
Foley may not be as forgiving as Terry though, if the Black Knights finish last!
Edit - and since it seems like AFC have had some success getting Shrewsbury to agree to release Mata early, you'd suspect they are having similar discussions with Charlotte about Tuiloma.
Though Billy T is on $USD652,500 a year in the MLS (his salary well over doubled when he left Portland)! It may have to be a loan deal where Charlotte and AFC share his wages?? Marquee signing?? Or Auckland just wait until the end of 2025 MLS season when his contract with Charlotte finishes.
https://www.osdbsports.com/mls/players/bill-tuiloma/contracts
Oli Sail another who may get an early release from Perth if it somehow worked for all parties.
Moss, Paston, Spoonley, Steven Old, Christie, Lochead, Bertos, Brown, Draper, Smeltz, Coveny & Kosta.
A solid existing Kiwi pro player base, with many coming back to NZ from overseas clubs, or via the defunct Knights.
Only Spoonley, Draper & Kosta came from the domestic NZ scene.
Foley may not be as forgiving as Terry though, if the Black Knights finish last!
Edit - and since it seems like AFC have had some success getting Shrewsbury to agree to release Mata early, you'd suspect they are having similar discussions with Charlotte about Tuiloma.
Though Billy T is on $USD652,500 a year in the MLS (his salary well over doubled when he left Portland)! It may have to be a loan deal where Charlotte and AFC share his wages?? Marquee signing?? Or Auckland just wait until the end of 2025 MLS season when his contract with Charlotte finishes.
https://www.osdbsports.com/mls/players/bill-tuiloma/contracts
Oli Sail another who may get an early release from Perth if it somehow worked for all parties.