tony readings has been appointed as the All Whites assistant coach. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former Football Ferns head coach Tony Readings will join the All Whites as a full-time assistant coach for the next FIFA World Cup cycle.
Readings starts the role with Darren Bazeley's team in October.
For the past three years Readings has been with FIFA as the regional technical consultant for Oceania.
Prior to his role with FIFA, Readings spent 12 years with New Zealand Football, including as Football Ferns head coach from 2011 - 2017, and two years with High Performance Sport New Zealand.
He holds both the UEFA A Licence and AFC Pro Licence coaching qualifications.
The appointment of Readings sees both of New Zealand Football's senior national teams now have full time assistant coaches, with Michael Mayne continuing in the role for the Ford Football Ferns.
"We are in the fortunate position that we probably have more players in professional environments than ever before, so it is important that we build a strong staff to monitor and support them," All Whites head coach Bazeley said.
"Tony brings a wealth of experience, both of New Zealand Football and international activity, so I know he will make a huge impact for us on and off the pitch."
Readings said it was an exciting time to be back at New Zealand Football.
"It is a privilege to be provided with an opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and to contribute to the team's future success.
"I am very much looking forward to meeting with the squad for the first time, supporting them for upcoming games against DR Congo and Australia and to start working towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers."
Also confirmed for the next FIFA World Cup cycle is 69-cap All White Simon Elliott who will continue on as All Whites assistant coach, a role he will split with his other position as Director of Coaching at Davis Legacy Soccer Club in California.
Elliott first joined the All Whites coaching team ahead of the March 2023 fixtures against China PR and will perform the role remotely from the USA, joining up with the team for the FIFA international windows.
The All Whites upcoming fixtures are against DR Congo and Australia next month and Greece and Ireland in November.