Auckland A-Leagues club's inaugural men's coach revealed

By Michael Burgess

Steve Corica is set to be announced as the inaugural coach of the Auckland A-League men’s team.

The Herald understands that the former Sydney FC mentor has been confirmed in the role, following negotiations across this week.

As revealed in the Herald on Sunday, Corica was one of a six-man shortlist identified by the Auckland hierarchy.

After a series of interviews with various candidates, Corica has been given the top job.

It’s believed that longtime Wellington Phoenix staffer and current reserves coach Chris Greenacre - who also applied for the role - will be part of Corica’s team.

Corica’s appointment is arguably the biggest decision that the franchise will make ahead of the first season and they have elected to go with experience.

He has close ties with director of football Terry McFlynn: they played together at the Sky Blues between 2005 and 2010. Corica took Sydney to two A-League titles (2019 and 2020) and they finished second, first, second, eighth and fifth on the ladder across his stint, before he was replaced last month by former Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay after a wobbly start to this campaign.

Corica’s Sydney tenure had distinct periods, with the last two seasons a pronounced dip after three highly successful ones, but the acquisition of a title-winning coach is a statement from the new Auckland club that they mean to compete from the outset.

A talented midfieldeer, Corica also had a decorated playing career that took him to England and Japan, highlighted by stints at Leicester City and Wolves. He also made more than 40 appearances for the Socceroos.

Greenacre is also a popular and highly respected figure on the local football scene. After three seasons as a Phoenix player between 2009-2012, Greenacre has filled a variety of roles at the capital club. He has had two periods as interim head coach (following the departures of Ricki Herbert and Darije Kalezic respectively) and was co-coach of the team alongside Des Buckingham for the second half of the 2016-2017.

He was in the mix for the top job again when Ufuk Talay left – it ultimately went to Giancarlo Italiano – and has guided the reserve team since November 2021. Greenacre has extensive knowledge and connections with the young footballing talent across this country - something the new expansion team will be keen to tap into.

It’s also believed that former All Whites coach Danny Hay was sounded out, after being approached to apply.

Hay has been based in Perth since his controversial exit from the national role in November 2022. Hay refused to re-apply for the role after the New Zealand Football board decided to take the job to market, following an external review.

That was despite a period which saw the All Whites make considerable progress - with plenty of new players blooded and an eye-catching style of play.

Corica and Greenacre will have a busy Christmas and holiday period, with the club able to sign players from January 1.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission