It's been two years since Waitakere United have been a threat to Auckland City FC's dominance in the ASB Premiership, but Waitakere captain Jake Butler believes a bevy of new signings can help the West Auckland club recapture their former glory.
Auckland, who have dominated the local landscape with two Minor Premiership wins, two Championship wins and a third place at the FIFA Club World Cup in the last two years, travel to Waitakere's new home base QBE Stadium today for the ASB Premiership season opener.
Waitakere have gone shopping in the off-season and picked up Aaron Scott, Chad Coombes and Craig Wylie ( all from WaiBOP), Michael Gwyther (Team Wellington), and Sean Lovemore (Hawkes Bay). They've cut ties with former All Whites Andy Boyens and David Mulligan but have also signed Eastern Suburbs' UK imports Brandon Barnes and Tom Shaw to give them plenty of attacking options.
"We've been waiting for this one and there is a really good buzz around the club," said Butler. "It's no secret that the last two years haven't been that flash for us but I think we've recruited really well this year and definitely have a stronger player base. It will be a test for us but I think we've got the goods to go on and do the job."
Auckland have also bolstered their ranks with prolific striker Emiliano Tade returning from South America and they have signed Solomon Island speedster Micah Lea'alafa and Junior All Whites Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi and Jesse Edge.
