New Zealand Football have appointed Darren Bazeley as All Whites Assistant Coach and Men’s U-20 Head Coach.

Bazeley will leave his current position as Assistant Coach at A-League side Newcastle Jets to take up the role with immediate effect. 

The move sees the former professional player and Colorado Rapids Assistant Coach return to the roles he held between 2013 – 2017 (All Whites Assistant Coach 2015 – 2017, U-20 Head Coach 2013 – 2017). Prior to this Bazeley worked with the Men’s U-17 team, as Assistant and Head Coach.

In his previous stint with New Zealand Football Bazeley experienced five age group FIFA World Cups (including the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by New Zealand), the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2017 Intercontinental Play-Offs vs Peru.

All Whites Head Coach Danny Hay said:

“It’s great to have Darren back at New Zealand Football. I’m looking forward to working closely with him to continue to develop the talent pathway from our youth sides right up to the All Whites.”

Men’s U-20 Head Coach Darren Bazeley said:

“I’m delighted to return to New Zealand Football and start working with the talented generation of players we have emerging. It's an exciting time for the national teams, with World Cup qualifiers and Olympics upcoming. 

“I enjoyed my stints as Assistant Coach at both Colorado and Newcastle but now feels like the right time to come home and work with Danny in helping to align the game here in NZ.”

Article added: Tuesday 06 October 2020