A-League Winner Moves From Central Coast To Auckland
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Loading... - Ruth Huppe
- 02 Jul 2024
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Auckland FC has made a significant move by signing A-League Men champion Dan Hall, marking an early contender for the signing of the season. The 25-year-old centre-back brings a winning mentality to the Black Knights after playing a crucial role in Central Coast Mariners' treble-winning campaign last season.
Hall, who featured in 37 games across all competitions in 2023-24, helped the Mariners secure the premiership, championship, and AFC Cup. Central Coast boasted the second-best defensive record in the A-League, trailing only Wellington Phoenix.
Hall's transfer is reminiscent of when Wellington Phoenix signed a 25-year-old Andrew Durante following his championship victory with Newcastle Jets in 2008.
"There were quite a few clubs vying for Dan’s signature. He’s an outstanding player, but he really bought into what we’re aiming to achieve here and the future pathways the club can offer thanks to Bill Foley’s multi-club network," said coach Steve Corica. "He’s going to slot right into that defence. He’s got a lot of experience and has won a few trophies, so he will likely act as a bit of a leader for some of the other lads at the club, particularly the younger scholarship players. We’re just delighted to have him here and can’t wait to see him on the pitch in the black and blue colours of Auckland FC."
Hall admitted that leaving the Mariners was a tough decision, especially since Central Coast has qualified for the Asian Champions League Elite next season. However, the Mariners academy product expressed his desire to step out of his comfort zone after six years in Gosford and saw the opportunity to create history with a new club in Auckland as an appealing prospect. Hall has committed to a two-year contract.
"I had the best experience at Central Coast Mariners. I was there for six years but there comes a time when you need to leave the nest," Hall said. "When you're somewhere for so long, moving anywhere is a hard decision, but I want to be comfortable being uncomfortable and to come here, to Auckland, and a new club, it doesn’t get more uncomfortable than that. They don’t want to make up the numbers. They want to win as many games as possible and challenge the top teams, and that’s what I want to do as well. I have aspirations to go abroad eventually when the time is right and I think this is a great stepping stone."
Hall is one of five new signings Auckland FC plans to announce before the team assembles for pre-season training at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday.
