Auckland FC - Once the Knights, Always the Knights
I hope at least Reid helps bring along a nice ex premier league player
Lots of ownership dollars but would like however to start seeing these remaining 4 imports being signed and the quality of them.
Squad nowhere near strandard at the moment.
Genuinely interested - and good on him (unless inherited wealth).
A little surprised Brown has invested given he was behind the other bid that suddenly got dropped.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/the-next-xero-whip-around-headed-by-ex-all-white-noah-hickey-and-advised-by-sir-john-key-raises-us14m/BX3SFQWPZZPZR33GTQXYKBYHR4/
His profile on the webby says he worked for Fisher Funds & Pie Funds, so guess that is where he made his money post football?
Wasn't Noah on the board for the Nix initially - in the Terry days?
Genuinely interested - and good on him (unless inherited wealth).
A little surprised Brown has invested given he was behind the other bid that suddenly got dropped.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/the-next-xero-whip-around-headed-by-ex-all-white-noah-hickey-and-advised-by-sir-john-key-raises-us14m/BX3SFQWPZZPZR33GTQXYKBYHR4/
His profile on the webby says he worked for Fisher Funds & Pie Funds, so guess that is where he made his money post football?
Wasn't Noah on the board for the Nix initially - in the Terry days?
WelNix appointed him
https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/7011269/Noah-Hickey-bolsters-Wellington-Phoenix-board
Genuinely interested - and good on him (unless inherited wealth).
A little surprised Brown has invested given he was behind the other bid that suddenly got dropped.
Perhaps Hickey gets royalties from his appearances in many blooper videos and blooper reels :-) (63 seconds into https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQBm6rQYSJY)
This article guesses Rob is worth $450M, not far off being half way to billionaire status. https://wellington.live/robert-morrison/
But that could be a conservative figure. His InfraRail ownership share now worth $500M on it's own. There maybe some debt associated with that. Who knows. https://www.nbr.co.nz/investment/morrison-discloses-0-5b-interest-in-infratil/
Reid & Hickey are Aucklanders, so not surprising they are looking at the new Auckland club.
But Brown is born & bred Welly, and played for the Nix! I'm a big fan of Brown, and the story of AllBirds, but disappointing he hasn't looked at the Nix if happy to invest in a NZ football club.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350395546/all-whites-world-cup-hero-winston-reid-joins-auckland-fc-ownership-group
https://www.nbr.co.nz/business/allbirds-founder-and-fellow-ex-all-whites-invest-in-auckland-fc/
Edit - maybe owning part of Auckland FC will entice Winny to move back to NZ. Hope so. Most of our small pool of really top class (EPL) footballers have stayed overseas post retirement. Nelsen & Elliot in the States. Wood has made it clear he will live in the UK long term once he retires. Of course Wynton is around, but be cool if Reid came back to NZ. Not the most eloquent guy, but hugely respected and a real role model for young Maori footballers especially.
Some snaps from last nights event with The Port !
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 28, 2024
Big ups everyone that came down and everyone who has supported AFC so far, we can’t wait to start this upcoming season with you 💪 pic.twitter.com/nLWUv44YRO
https://aucklandfc.co.nz/news/auckland-fc-welcomes-three-former-all-whites-to-ownership-group/
Winston Reid:
Winston Reid is one of the few Kiwis to ever play in the Premier League. Playing more than 150 games in the elite English league, the majority of them during a ten-year spell with West Ham, a club he proudly captained.
Tim Brown:
A former professional who played more than 100 times in the A-League and 30 for New Zealand, Tim is now better known as co-founder and co-CEO of sustainable footwear brand, All Birds.
Noah Hickey:
Noah Hickey is another ex-All White now better known for making waves in the corporate world in his role as CEO of fleet maintenance software company, Whip Around and co-founder of fashion brand Asuwere. He brings further corporate experience to Auckland FC in his role as investor.
https://aucklandfc.co.nz/news/auckland-fc-welcomes-three-former-all-whites-to-ownership-group/
Winston Reid:
Winston Reid is one of the few Kiwis to ever play in the Premier League. Playing more than 150 games in the elite English league, the majority of them during a ten-year spell with West Ham, a club he proudly captained.
Tim Brown:
A former professional who played more than 100 times in the A-League and 30 for New Zealand, Tim is now better known as co-founder and co-CEO of sustainable footwear brand, All Birds.
Noah Hickey:
Noah Hickey is another ex-All White now better known for making waves in the corporate world in his role as CEO of fleet maintenance software company, Whip Around and co-founder of fashion brand Asuwere. He brings further corporate experience to Auckland FC in his role as investor.
Just a pity the Nix ain't getting a share of that love, especially re head bandage man. Be interesting to hear Domey's take on it, him being at the club long enough to have a connection to Tim Brown surely.
Listen to Frank Bookers Auckland FC playlist now on Spotify.
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 29, 2024
Link below 🎧https://t.co/dKVhRIPOAg pic.twitter.com/ov7RpcbO3R
Dunno if the Nix Club Anthem is on Spotify if you need a replacement for these songs (if you had them already)
🔵🇨🇱 Auckland FC are currently in talks with Chilean midfielder Felipe Gallegos, who is contracted to Greek club OFI Crete F.C, but they have yet to make an official offer. pic.twitter.com/D9fRVPhuSR
— Ted Sterling (@TedSterlingNZ) August 27, 2024
I hope at least Reid helps bring along a nice ex premier league player
Lots of ownership dollars but would like however to start seeing these remaining 4 imports being signed and the quality of them.
Squad nowhere near strandard at the moment.
Some snaps from last nights event with The Port !
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 28, 2024
Big ups everyone that came down and everyone who has supported AFC so far, we can’t wait to start this upcoming season with you 💪 pic.twitter.com/nLWUv44YRO
Yes, there have been many and many opportunities for young players plus also players who have lost their toe print in the professional game and are kind of lost (Champness, Mata, Smith, Would etc etc)
However apart from the sneaky move for Paulson, he’s the only kiwi who I have confidence in starting in the A league.
The likes of Rojas chose the Nix and those with a toe poke in Europe like Singh, Just but were more likely certain starters etc decided to remain there.
At this stage it looks like there will only be 3 kiwis max in the starting team and two of those will be questionable if they are up to task.
Elliot has proven in the past, he can be a good ALM fullback. De Vries was playing well in the Swedish top flight before doing his ACL. Yipe have question marks over Smith but with AFC he gets a full pre season, which he didn't get with MAC.
Howieson could have been playing ALM for years now, but for personal reasons couldn't leave the 09. Toomey was one of the best, if not the best player in the National League last year. He gets a deserved shot at pro football.
Champness is a proven ALM performer, though hasn't featured in pre season yet?? Rogerson and Mata who knows, but I think Max will actually go ok at this level. He'll frustrate AFC (and AWs) fans because he will likely miss some sitters, but I reckon he will also score a few and generally be a large bodied nuisance for other teams.
I'm most excited to see how Randall & Liam Gillion go. Definitely Randall can be a future star, and maybe off to Europe quite quickly. Another who gets a deserved chance. It was only a brief exciting cameo against France at the Olympics, but likewise Gillion is highly promising. These two alongside Toomey, hopefully become starters from season start. It's what even most Nix fans will want to see, the NZ football talent pool deepening with a 2nd ALM club.
And it's Woud. It has been since his birth. 4 letter word pretty easy to spell.
Paulsen a bit trickier but hey if I can get it right I would expect any half decent lawyer to, an occupation where language accuracy is everything.
50 days until our introduction into the A-League.
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 30, 2024
Be there as we make history. pic.twitter.com/nw9sdnRllG
TGIF pic.twitter.com/3uTWcvyyEe
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 29, 2024
Elliot has proven in the past, he can be a good ALM fullback. De Vries was playing well in the Swedish top flight before doing his ACL. Yipe have question marks over Smith but with AFC he gets a full pre season, which he didn't get with MAC.
Howieson could have been playing ALM for years now, but for personal reasons couldn't leave the 09. Toomey was one of the best, if not the best player in the National League last year. He gets a deserved shot at pro football.
Champness is a proven ALM performer, though hasn't featured in pre season yet?? Rogerson and Mata who knows, but I think Max will actually go ok at this level. He'll frustrate AFC (and AWs) fans because he will likely miss some sitters, but I reckon he will also score a few and generally be a large bodied nuisance for other teams.
I'm most excited to see how Randall & Liam Gillion go. Definitely Randall can be a future star, and maybe off to Europe quite quickly. Another who gets a deserved chance. It was only a brief exciting cameo against France at the Olympics, but likewise Gillion is highly promising. These two alongside Toomey, hopefully become starters from season start. It's what even most Nix fans will want to see, the NZ football talent pool deepening with a 2nd ALM club.
And it's Woud. It has been since his birth. 4 letter word pretty easy to spell.
Paulsen a bit trickier but hey if I can get it right I would expect any half decent lawyer to, an occupation where language accuracy is everything.
I'm real excited to see Liam Gillion - he was the best/most dangerous forward from my watching of Northern League this year. He already has a couple preseason goals which hopefully bodes well - likewise Rogerson, who I personally rate at least as good as Champness based on their All Whites' gigs.
But I agree, I don't think there's any egregious misses in signings. If they tried Singh but he was asking for crazy money, then fair enough for not going. There's a finite number of New Zealand pros and that becomes smaller when you count out contracted players.
Woud obviously doesnt make the team. Behind Paulsen. The spelling of his name is irrelevant but what is not are the calamities he has shown for the All Whites. Third choice in his most recent club
De Vries I believe played one or two games in the top flight before injury and has not shaken it up at local level in NZ. Behind an ausi who normally is a right back but because of Sakai and the limitations of De Vries will likely move to the left.
Howieson will be behind two imports they are looking to sign, plus an ausi. Someone who looks overweight playing for the All Whites
So we have Paulsen and then possibly two wide players who will be kiwis in the starting team come the first game.
So disagree. Journeymen kiwi players signed at best with some youngsters who may be good.
Elliot has proven in the past, he can be a good ALM fullback. De Vries was playing well in the Swedish top flight before doing his ACL. Yipe have question marks over Smith but with AFC he gets a full pre season, which he didn't get with MAC.
Howieson could have been playing ALM for years now, but for personal reasons couldn't leave the 09. Toomey was one of the best, if not the best player in the National League last year. He gets a deserved shot at pro football.
Champness is a proven ALM performer, though hasn't featured in pre season yet?? Rogerson and Mata who knows, but I think Max will actually go ok at this level. He'll frustrate AFC (and AWs) fans because he will likely miss some sitters, but I reckon he will also score a few and generally be a large bodied nuisance for other teams.
I'm most excited to see how Randall & Liam Gillion go. Definitely Randall can be a future star, and maybe off to Europe quite quickly. Another who gets a deserved chance. It was only a brief exciting cameo against France at the Olympics, but likewise Gillion is highly promising. These two alongside Toomey, hopefully become starters from season start. It's what even most Nix fans will want to see, the NZ football talent pool deepening with a 2nd ALM club.
And it's Woud. It has been since his birth. 4 letter word pretty easy to spell.
Paulsen a bit trickier but hey if I can get it right I would expect any half decent lawyer to, an occupation where language accuracy is everything.
AFC have done well to hoover up most Kiwis at Unattached FC, plus bring in many of the most talented domestic players who deserve a crack at pro football.
Pity though it seems 17 yr old Stipe Ukich is not going to sign, but go to Europe (Croatia?). Looks to be as talented if not more than the Nix's GSR, and it's always a risk going to Europe this young. Why not have a few seasons in the ALM first.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2024/06/12/croatian-community-supports-young-footballers-with-inaugural-scholarships/
Age group international Ukich helped Auckland City claim the OFC Champions League title in May and has represented New Zealand in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
I'll be genuinely surprised if Howieson isn't a starter in the ALM. He's now in a full time, daily pro football training environment. He'll be shedding any extra pounds you think he's been carrying as the players get hammered in pre season. I remember Ben Sigmund years ago, saying his first Nix pre season was a rude brutal shock making the step up from NZ domestic footy.
Rogerson or Mata may well end up as 'journey men' career footballers, but agruably there has been plenty of that type, that have had solid ALM careers.
Corica knows the A League inside out. If he thinks Randall, Gillion & Toomey have the ability to step up - is a good chance it's so. Do you watch much NZ domestic football AP? Do you know this trio at all? Those who do seem to rate them highly.
And lastly as Carlind points out there is a small pool of uncontracted quality NZ players. That shrinks even further when it's clear guys like Singh & Just want to stay in Europe. Other possible targets like Pijnaker, probaly the same.
Praises Rob Morrison very highly. "Nix have paved the way."
Gnashing of teeth from some though, as he's friendly with Ali & Anna.
Former All White Noah Hickey has invested in A-League start-up side Auckland FC and says big things are expected.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Q2P9kXehJrxnV51CaUeMe?si=g98Ef3bsTwmE0y_wmRJ3UQ&nd=1&dlsi=0621384ddb8a4f6c
🔵🇨🇱 Auckland FC are currently in talks with Chilean midfielder Felipe Gallegos, who is contracted to Greek club OFI Crete F.C, but they have yet to make an official offer. pic.twitter.com/D9fRVPhuSR
— Ted Sterling (@TedSterlingNZ) August 27, 2024
He's no mate of mine 🙊
However...
It sounds like he's managed to pull this one out of the depths of his arse though, because I've just been told a 32 y/o Chilean who plays in Greece is on his way to Auckland. Colour me shocked. 😂
I don't have the name, but do some cross referencing and this guy comes up.
🔵🇨🇱 Auckland FC are currently in talks with Chilean midfielder Felipe Gallegos, who is contracted to Greek club OFI Crete F.C, but they have yet to make an official offer. pic.twitter.com/D9fRVPhuSR
— Ted Sterling (@TedSterlingNZ) August 27, 2024
He's no mate of mine 🙊
However...
It sounds like he's managed to pull this one out of the depths of his arse though, because I've just been told a 32 y/o Chilean who plays in Greece is on his way to Auckland. Colour me shocked. 😂
I don't have the name, but do some cross referencing and this guy comes up.
That name came from Nick Lennon. His hit rate is on the improve, if he gets this right I might need to take him more seriously (unless I found someone who reported it earlier).
We're in safe hands. pic.twitter.com/p8qRtqFg3U
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) August 31, 2024
Noah hickey on Piney's show
Nando Pijnaker departs
— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) September 1, 2024
Everyone at the club would like to thank Nando for his time at the club, and wish him all the very best in his future career.
Full article below ⬇️https://t.co/e9Q9GO8bDZ#Bitored | #Since19128 pic.twitter.com/m0Pf2yzPTW
Expect an announcement any time now.
The Old Trafford of New Zealand football. Has been falling apart for some time now.
Actually very lucky to avoid what looked to be an incredibly serious injury at first in a men’s first team game there a few weeks ago when a player slid in to one of the rusty metal poles situated only a few yards from the edge of the pitch. Very dangerous.