Soccer: Dugdale on shortlist to coach Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kingz chief executive Chris Turner yesterday stopped short of confirming former All Whites coach Ken Dugdale as Kevin Fallon's replacement at the Auckland-based club, but did admit he was an option.

"Dave Wilson told me 2 1/2 weeks ago Dugdale was available if we were interested," Turner said. "No doubt he is one of two prospective coaches we are considering. Dugdale is available, but we are no closer than that."

As ever, Turner refused to say when the appointment would be confirmed, but admitted there "will be no announcement within 24 hours - we have to get the paper work done."

Turner said he and Wilson, who managed the All Whites during Dugdale's coaching tenure, had had discussions with the Kingz in the hope of using the Ole Academy in Porirua as a development base for the club.

The draw for the new NSL season was released yesterday by Soccer Australia, thus confirming the Kingz' participation.

They will open their 2002-2003 season with a rare Sunday afternoon home game against Sydney United. Almost all the Kingz home games last season were played on Friday night, but a clash with the NPC game between Auckland and Canterbury at Eden Park has encouraged the Kingz to opt for Sunday.

The Kingz are in Sydney for a Friday night game against Northern Spirit in round two.

The grand final is scheduled for June 1.

Turner has yet to confirm where the home match will be played, but said that once the legal formalities are completed he will confirm that and make other announcements.

It appears the Kingz have met their legal requirements, including the posting of a financial guarantee - understood to be $500,000 - to confirm their place in the 13-team league.