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Full Noise by SN
Former All Whites coach breaks silence in return to radio
Sport Nation • May 7th, 2026 1:01 pm
Auckland FC assistant Danny Hay | Photo: Photosport
Danny Hay has long been a respected figure in New Zealand football, building a career that has spanned decades both on and off the pitch.
From his playing days at home and abroad with Leeds United, to representing and later coaching the All Whites, Hay remains one of the few to have both captained and coached the national side.
Now part of the Auckland FC set up as an assistant under Steve Corica, Hay has taken a step back from the spotlight. In fact, his recent appearance on Sport Nation Mornings marked his first radio interview since the move.
“First time in four years, so it's been a little bit of a hiatus, one could say.” Hay told Sport Nation Mornings.
The 31-cap All White says he is enjoying his role and feels "super comfortable" working within the current environment, even if recent results have tested the nerves.
That was certainly the case during last week’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Melbourne City, a match that pushed the squad to its limits.
“It was obviously exciting for the neutral, not so much for us, but I thought it was unbelievable courage from the boys to come off the back of the adversity - conceding so late, they played well in extra time, and then stood up when they got their opportunity in the penalty shootout.”
Listen to the full interview below:
