The search for Waitakere United’s head coach for the 2019/20 ISPS Handa Premiership season is over as Birkenhead’s Paul Hobson steps into the role.

Hobson brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and years of experience. He has spent the past nine seasons coaching the Birkenhead Premier Men’s team, and the past 15 years as Director of Football for the Auckland club.

As a coach, Hobson believes his strengths lie in fostering a positive, hard-working team culture. This season will see a focus on providing a real clear pathway for Waitakere’s National Youth League players as well as pushing for a top-four finish.

“I think our strengths will be our culture and willingness to work for each other. Our strength may also be some of the younger players coming into the squad pushing for places and playing with no fear.

“We are looking at players with ‘hands up’ not ‘hands out’ attitudes. Players hungry for the chance.”

Last season saw several Waitakere youth players step up and hold their own on the Premiership field, and this season appears to be no different, with four 16-17 year olds already promoted into the first team.

Some of Hobson’s successes in coaching include leading Birkenhead youth teams to victory in national tournaments and winning the Chatham Cup in 2016 and 2018.

Paul will be joined by Assistant Coach Malcolm McPherson. Waitakere welcome the coaching duo to the club and we look forward to seeing their leadership in action.

The ISPS Handa Premiership will run from November 2019 to April 2020. Waitakere United’s first match will be on the 2nd of November against Wellington Phoenix. View the full draw on the NZ Football website here.