Auckland FC will become the 13th member of the A-League Men’s competition after their formal brand launch today.
The ‘Black Knights’ will play in a Blue and Black strip incorporating the colours of their city and country.
The club’s new logo has attracted some negative feedback for its lack of legibility nor contrast however fans appear to be overall relieved with the initial branding reveal.
Ironically the new club will share iconography with the former Auckland A-League participant, the New Zealand Knights, at the insistance of their owner who appeared committed to the ‘Black Knights’ nickname.
The club also fronted up inaugural coach Steve Corica who announced the team’s recruitment is well underway, having already signed nine players, including seven Kiwis.
The announcement today puts more pressure on the APL and Canberra consortium to formally launch the expected 14th A-League Men’s team.
With the season quickly coming to a close, fans and commentators are concerned that the new Canberra club may not be confirmed in time to join the 2024-25 season.
Commenting on the radio show ‘The Global Game’ APL Chair Nick Garcia did imply that a missed deadline was possible.
The Canberra team also suffered pressure earlier in the month when in-form Matilda Michelle Heyman came out to the media critising the delays and outlining the impact it was having on the Canberra A-League Women’s group.
The good news from the Auckland announcement will further enhance the improving reputation of the A-League competitions, however it is hoped that Canberra will soon follow with an announcement of its own.
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