Former All Whites assistant coach Neil Emblen has agreed a three-year extension to his contract with MLS franchise Colorado Rapids.
Emblen and six other support staff have been locked in by the Rapids till the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, following the re-appointment of head coach Robin Fraser.
The All Whites’ current interim head coach, Darren Bazeley, hopes to confirm Emblen’s availability to help with the national team’s two-match series against China in March.
READ MORE: Interim coach Darren Bazeley keen to get Neil Emblen beside him in All Whites dugout >>>>
Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager Pádraig Smith said:
“We’re thrilled to secure our entire coaching staff for the foreseeable future and to reward them for the excellent work they have done alongside Robin over the past few seasons
“They’ve all played crucial roles in the club’s success in recent years, and we look forward to seeing them continue to build on this momentum.”
Emblen is entering his sixth season as a Rapids assistant coach.
He was assistant coach for the New Zealand men’s national side from 2011-14 and again from 2015-17 after a brief spell as interim head coach.
Emblen also led the New Zealand U-23 side at the 2012 London Olympics.
As a professional footballer, UK-born Emblen played as a central defender/midfielder for Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he made more than 230 appearances, and clubs including Millwall, Crystal Palace and Norwich City.
More stories
