Legendary All Whites coach John Adshead was awarded Friends of Football’s inaugural Medal of Excellence at a special tribute dinner in 2013.
Adshead received the freshly-struck medal at a sold-out dinner held on October 18, 2013, at the Auckland Grammar School Old Boys’ Pavilion.
Adshead, coach of the 1982 All Whites team at the World Cup in Spain, was acknowledged for his achievements in the sport with a number of former players and coaching colleagues speaking to a receptive audience.
Former international goalkeeper and chairman of New Zealand football John Morris presented Adshead with his medal, on behalf of Friends of Football.
“When we were looking at an event to introduce Friends of Football to the community, we could think of no better way than to pay tribute to John and all that he has done for the game in this country,” Morris said.
“His influence goes well beyond taking the All Whites to Spain, he is a name familiar to all New Zealanders, let alone the football community.
“It was a great night with plenty of great banter, a few familiar faces and a chance to enjoy a shared passion for football and acknowledge one of the most influential names in the history of the sport in this country.”
Morris, the chair of Friends of Football, said the medal would be presented in future to those considered by their peers to have made significant contributions to the sport in New Zealand.
Main photo: Adshead (centre) with former All Whites Sam Malcolmson and Brian Turner. Image: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.co.nz.
Click here for more recipients of our Medal of Excellence >>>>
More football stories
