The new A-League club in Auckland have named Sydney FC stalwart Terry McFlynn as their director of football.
McFlynn, 42, enjoyed a 14-year association with the Sky Blues as a player, captain, staff member and general manager of football.
Auckland club owner Bill Foley said McFlynn - who has worked more recently as a player agent - was an impressive candidate right from their first meeting.
"His knowledge of the A-Leagues players in New Zealand and Australia and his passion for developing youth players really shone through," Foley said.
"He wants to play an exciting style of football that the fans will love, and we are confident he will build a team that will bring us success."
McFlynn said the club would work to embed themselves in the Auckland football community ahead of their A-League Men kick-off in season 2024/25.
"Our plan is to play a high-energy, attacking style of football that entertains our fans and challenges for silverware," the Northern Irishman said.
"This is just the start of a very exciting chapter for football in Auckland and I can't wait for the first match in October 2024."
McFlynn, a tough-tackling midfielder in his playing days, will oversee all football operations, including the club's women's and youth sides.
There is much to do in a short amount of time: the new Auckland outfit is currently without a name, colours, a coach or players.
On November 21, Foley said he wanted to announce the coach "within two weeks", with signings to begin from January 1.
The American billionaire, who also holds a significant stake in EPL side Bournemouth, has pledged to spend up big on players, including maximising the allowed foreigners and two marquees.
"This is not going to be a team that's going to scrimp on spending money," he told AAP last month.
