Waiheke United AFC Signs Malcolm McPherson

Waiheke United AFC Signs Malcolm McPherson as Senior Head Coach

For Immediate Release
1 December 2017

Following their promotion to Northern Regional Football League (NRFL) Division one for next season, Waiheke United AFC has secured the services of Malcolm McPherson to become the club’s new Senior Head Coach for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

McPherson, originally from Scotland is no stranger to the sidelines of New Zealand football, having guided Eastern Suburbs to a Lotto NRFL Premier League and Chatham Cup double in 2015.

With Waiheke United currently being a marvel of New Zealand Football, and enjoying their sixth consecutive promotion, McPherson says he’s thrilled to be joining the club.

“I've been impressed with the clubs ambitions and the people driving the club forward. It's also an interesting project, the club has great support at matches so I’m looking forward to being a part of that - without doubt the club is unique,” says McPherson.

McPherson will head up an expanded coaching team at the club with current coach Nick Saunders remaining, as too will current reserves coach Cristian Ponce.

“Clearly the club has had success with current coach Nick Saunders doing a great job. They've created a winning culture, which we'll be working towards continuing. I'm looking forward to working with the current coaching staff and to seeing the players in pre-season.”

Looking ahead to the club competing in NRFL Division one for the first time, McPherson says the club is capable of performing well in a more competitive competition.

“Division one will be a good challenge, there are well-established and ambitious clubs involved, several of whom have new head coaches. It will make for an interesting season.”

Waiheke United AFC Club President David Arnold says securing the services of McPherson was a coup for the club but is a crucial part of the organisation’s long-term strategy.

“The addition of Malcolm’s technical knowledge to our coaching team and his ability to take skilled players and develop them into a unified and winning team are proven. This is a strategic move for us to strengthen our coaching line-up and to future proof our organisation,” says Arnold.
“We are on a journey and certainly we have enjoyed great success over the past six seasons. We feel he is a great fit for the culture we have developed here at Waiheke over the last 30-years.”

“He embraces our club’s ambition, like us he is eager to see Waiheke United at the highest level of club football in New Zealand.”

ENDS

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