Auckland United Premier Men’s returning players confirmed
Ollie Middleton was a fixture in the midfield for AUFC throughout 2023 and he’s back for more in 2024. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
2023 was another huge year for our Premier Men’s side who finished 3rd in the Northern League to qualify for the National League Championship in consecutive years, and 2024 is shaping up to be another equally impressive one!
With a number of long serving players having moved on at the end of last season, the squad has now been refreshed with coach José Figueira successfully securing the services of a number of exciting new young players, to join our already impressive stable of young talent.
Auckland United FC 2024 Returning Players
Dan Atkinson (centre-left) returns for Auckland United in 2024 after an impressive first season last year. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Daniel Atkinson
Age: 20 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 17
Fleet footed winger Daniel Atkinson returns to Keith Hay Park after an impressive 2023 campaign. The dynamic winger brings versatility and cutting edge in attack and we look forward to seeing him continue to flourish in 2024.
Auckland United FC’s Bronson Brown is engulfed by Napier City Rovers in the final round of the 2023 National League Championship (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Bronson Brown
Age: 17 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 5
NZ U17 Representative Bronson Brown will be looking to make the step up into the first team squad in 2024 after making his debut last season. A dynamic player who can slot in right across the attacking line and is an AUFC Academy graduate.
Zach Chung in action at Keith Hay Park vs Napier City Rovers in the 2023 NZ National League Championship. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Zach Chung
Age: 20 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 19
Zach Chung is back for his 3rd season in the Northern and National Leagues. The 18 year old AUFC Academy graduate brings speed and will be pushing for more starts in 2024.
Matt Conroy celebrates after scoring a goal for Auckland United FC during the 2023 Northern League. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Matt Conroy
Age: 22 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 22
Former NZ U20 Attacker Matt Conroy returns for 2024 and we are delighted to once again have his speed, intelligence and quality in attack.
Auckland United FC Captain Ross Haviland lines up at Keith Hay Park during the 2023 National League Championship (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Ross Haviland
Age: 31
Position: Defender
1st Team Appearances: 91
Club stalwart Ross Haviland returns to Auckland United once again for the 2024 season both as defensive lynch pin but also as Assistant Coach.
Ross has amassed over 300+ games in the Northern/national League and brings a wealth of experience and quality on and off the field. As well as being a key player Ross will also begin his transition into coaching, assisting Head Coach José Figueira.
Hiro Kamata is back for more in 2024 with Auckland United FC.
Hiroyoshi Kamata
Age: 26 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 12
Former Japan U-17 International Hiro Kamata is back in black for 2024. The dynamic technical attacking midfielder bolsters our options and depth at the heart of the team.
Benji McCarthy on the ball vs Western Springs AFC during the 2023 Northern League season. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Benji McCarthy
Age: 18 years
Position: Midfield
1st Team Appearances: 13
Academy graduate Benji McCarthy returns after a break through season in 2023. The all-action midfield will be looking to make his mark in 2024 and build on his promising start last year.
Ollie Middleton on the ball for Auckland United FC vs Wellington Phoenix Reserves at Keith Hay Park in 2023 (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Oliver Middleton
Age: 18 years
Position: Midfield
1st Team Appearances: 46
AUFC Academy graduate Ollie Middlleton has been with the club since 9 years old and returns in 2024 after a stellar 2023 season, where he became an almost permanent fixture in the heart of the midfield at just 17 years old.
An all-action box to box midfielder we are looking forward to seeing Ollie’s consistent displays of unrelenting tenacity again in 2024!
Kurtis Mogg in action for Auckland United FC in the final round of the 2023 National League Championship (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Kurtis Mogg
Age: 22
Position: Defender
1st Team Appearances: 19
After sustaining a season ending injury at the end of the 2022 National League season it was great to see Kurtis take the field again in our final National League Championship match in 2023. The former Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand Age Group International is a welcome reinforcement for our defensive unit.
Semi Nabenu collects the ball as Ross Haviland looks on during the 2023 National League Championship. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Semi Nabenu
Age: 19 years.
Position: Defender
1st Team Appearances: 27
Fijian U23 International and another AUFC Academy Graduate, Semi is back to bolster the defensive ranks and build on his promising 2023 season.
Codey Phoenix prepares to unleash his educated left boot during the 2023 National League Championship (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Codey Phoenix
Age: 19
Position: Defender
1st Team Appearances: 4
After joining us from Birkenhead United in 2023 for the National League Championship campaign, Codey returns to Keith Hay Park for 2024. The 18 year old defender made an immediate impact on his arrival and quickly established himself within the group and we look forward to seeing more in 2024.
Ishveer Singh-Dhillon controls the ball vs Christchurch United FC during the 2023 National League Championship (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Ishveer Singh-Dhillon
Age: 17 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 19
Academy graduate Ishveer had a breakout season in 2023 making multiple first team starts and showing a real eye for goal. The 17 year striker is an imposing figure and has the ability to lead the line. We are excited to see how Ishveer continues to develop in 2024.
Will Stephen in action at Kiwitea Street vs Auckland City FC in the 2023 National League Championship (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Will Stephen
Age: 22 years
Position: Attacker
1st Team Appearances: 79
An Auckland United Original, Will Stephen returns for 2024. The dynamic winger provides extra depth both in attack and defence.
Will Auckland United FC Goalkeeper Hayden Stubbings add to his solitary First Team appearance in 2024?
Hayden Stubbings
Age: 18
Position: Goalkeeper
1st Team Appearances: 1
After making his debut towards the end of the 2023 Northern League season, Hayden has worked his way through the ranks at Auckland United. Understudy to the departing Mack Waite last season, Hayden will be looking to push into the first team environment and really make his mark in 2024.
2023 Player of the Season Hideto Takahashi (centre) celebrates an incredible solo effort vs Wellington Olympic in 2023. (Photo by TopAthletesNZ).
Hideto Takahashi
Age: 36
Position: Midfield
1st Team Appearances: 30
2023 Player of the Year Hideto Takahashi remains with Auckland United for the 2024 season after making a big impression on and off the field. The former Japanese International and J-League Professional brings a wealth of experience, quality and flexibility to play in multiple positions. We are delighted to welcome Hide back!
