Football: Auckland FC lose another coach to Japan as Spurs clash looms

Auckland FC have lost another coach to Japan as their marquee game against Tottenham Hotspur quickly approaches.

Assistant coach Danny Hay has confirmed he will follow A-League championship-winning coach Steve Corica to top-flight Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos.

The duo depart Auckland after being part of the club since it was established two seasons ago.

Goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould has also left the club.

Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker said Hay had a "fantastic influence on the players" and formed an "impressive" partnership with Corica.

"Their skills and personalities complemented each other, so it is really no surprise they have made the decision to go together to experience this new chapter in Japan."

Becker was confident a new coaching team to replace Corica and Hay would be in place ahead of the team's fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 26 July.

"I'm confident that we'll soon be unveiling a coaching team that can challenge for titles and continue to establish Auckland FC as one of the most competitive teams in the A-League."

Not only have Auckland lost coaches in the A-League off-season, they have also parted ways with one of their leading goalscorers in Guillermo May and one of their most experienced A-League players, defender Dan Hall.

All White Jesse Randall's move to the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United was confirmed during Auckland's winning season.

Auckland FC also let go goalkeeper Jimmy Hilton and midfielders Adama Coulibaly and Finn McKenlay.

Grand final hero Cam Howieson has re-signed, as has All Whites World Cup goalkeeper Michael Woud.

Captain Hiroki Sakai, Francis de Vries and Callan Elliot had signed contract extensions during the 2025-26 season.

Auckland FC are expected to announce more player signings soon.

Tottenham Hotspur have also had a busy transfer period after a tough season in the English Premier League, with the club only securing their spot in the top flight for next season on the last day of the season.

Jan-Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have all joined Spurs, and the club is reportedly chasing Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.

The Premier League kicks off on 21 August, less than a month after the club's tour of Australasia, which also includes games against Sydney FC and a London derby in Sydney against fellow Premier League side Chelsea.

Auckland return to pre-season training on 4 July, in time for the Spurs game, but will no longer play in the Australia Cup as part of pre-season, as Football Australia opted to kick Auckland and Wellington Phoenix out of the Australian domestic knockout competition.

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