Exodus at Auckland FC continues as another coach departs

The exodus at Auckland FC has continued, with assistant coach Danny Hay confirmed to be leaving the club.

The former All Whites coach will be joining former manager Steve Corica, who announced his departure from Auckland last week, at Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

Together, Corica and Hay helped Auckland win two trophies in two years – the A-League's Premier's Plate in 2025 and the Championship in 2026.

“Returning to Auckland to support the establishment of the club was a real honour," Hay said.

"Together, what we achieved, and I include the fans and the city in that, was incredible and personally one of the highlights of my career.

“When we first set up the club, we wanted to ensure we were competitive, but to go on and win two trophies was way beyond my expectations."

It means Auckland are without a coach ahead of the pre-season, with the club scheduled to play Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur in Auckland on July 26.

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Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker said he was confident that a new coaching team would be in place ahead of the fixture.

“We have an extensive network of contacts, both within the Black Knight Group and via our Director of Football, Terry McFlynn.

"I am 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,” he said.

Becker said Hay had been "fantastic" for the club and city, and "goes with our best wishes".

"He will always be welcome back at Go Media Stadium.”

Whoever steps in to replace Corica has a big job, with several of the club's star players departing to meet the A-League's salary cap requirements.

The departures of centre back Dan Hall, foward Guillermo May, and winger Jesse Randall have all been confirmed – with the latter signing with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Other players, such as midfielders Louis Verstraete and Felipe Gallegos, are out of contract, with extensions yet to be announced by the club,

So far, just one player, All Whites attacking midfielder Lachlan Bayliss, is set to join the Auckland side, according to NZ Herald.

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