New Zealand’s star player, striker Chris Wood, has thrown his support behind All Whites head coach Danny Hay, saying it would be “absolutely silly” for NZ Football to let him go.
At a media conference after New Zealand’s 2-0 loss to Australia’s Socceroos on Sunday, Wood said:
“You can see how much he’s changed this team in 12 months.
“Can you imagine what he can do in four years?
“Without a shadow of a doubt I want him here, the team wants him here. We play better football under him and if we let him go, I think it will be an absolute detriment to New Zealand football.”
Main photo: Chris Wood … support for Hay. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Phototek.
READ MORE: Watch Hay and Wood at their media conference >>>>
Hay’s contract is due to expire now that the two-match series with Australia has been completed and Voerman’s report said Hay was yet to have any contact about a contract extension.
“We think we’re starting to build something that could be pretty special, but ultimately I haven’t spoken to anybody from New Zealand Football about my future.
“We’ll see what transpires in the coming month or so.
“I’ve had a wonderful time over the last 12 to 14 months ever since the Olympics and I think this team, irrespective of whether I’m there or not, has got a bright future. I think 2026 could be a really exciting period for the team.”