Article added: Friday 10 January 2020

West Auckland Kiwi True Blues FC confirms Scott MacKay as men’s first team head coach.

West Auckland Kiwi True Blues FC confirms the appointment of former Ayr United, Derby County, and Clyde goalkeeper Scott MacKay to the position of men’s first team head coach for the 2020 season.

MacKay, won the National League with Waitakere City in the 1990s, and takes over the reigns from Stu Greenaway who stepped away from the job after four seasons in charge where he won three Sunday League titles, a Sunday League Cup and a Charity Shield.

Greenaway led the club from the fifth tier of Sunday League football to their debut in the AFF/NFF Conference League last season.

The 57-year-old Irvine-born MacKay played for Ayr United between 1979 and 1984 and also played professionally in South Africa's top flight with Wits University and Bush Bucks and had a spell as Player / Coach with Launceston Matric in Australia at State League level.

MacKay's knowledge of the New Zealand game will be invaluable with the Scott having coached Three Kings United and Mount Albert Ponsonby AFC in recent seasons. He was also General Manager of Waitakere United in the ISPS Handa Premiership.

"I feel lucky to be given the opportunity - West Auckland Kiwi True Blues FC is a really good club with excellent facilities. Debbie McLarin and David Scott, along with Jonathan Hilditch, have shown great faith in me and I'm excited to get started.

"I've talked with the club committee about what they want to do going forward and there is also the affiliation with the Kiwi True Blues Rangers Supporters Club which struck something with me - we just want to step forward from here," he said.

West Auckland club official Jonathan Hilditch said the club was delighted to secure an experienced head coach for the senior men’s team and thanked Stu Greenaway for his contribution to the club.

"Scott was the outstanding candidate and we're delighted to have him on board. He's brought an enthusiasm and energy to our meetings and we're excited for the new campaign.

"We want to place on record our gratitude to Stu for guiding the Kiwi True Blues FC during it's formative years - his place in our history and our family is secure," he said.

MacKay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Brains Park and can't wait to get started.

"I played professionally and I'm lucky enough to have 14 years as a professional that I want to use to help grow something meaningful at Brains Park. I want to come here and do a good job for senior men’s football and take the club to the next level, if we can, and drive things forward.

"I was very fortunate to be part of Waitakere City when they were the top club in New Zealand and won the National League, before I'd only ever won an Ayrshire Cup with Ayr United back in Scotland.

"I've been lucky to have won titles with Ellerslie, Mount Maunganui and Waitakere City and one with Mount Roskill. I was coached by former Scotland manager Craig Brown and also Willie McLean who were part of the original pro license programme - I learned a lot from them and I hope to be able to pass that experience on," he said.

MacKay is looking at a February start for pre-season training with his focus on building two strong squads with the AFF/NFF men’s Conference League uppermost in mind.

Plans are also underway to assist in developing sponsorship and communications for the rest of the club teams as well.

"We're looking to start pre-season training 8th February at Brains Park. The sessions will be open for players who want to come - we've spoken to a few players who have shown an interest in being part of what we're doing here - but from a West Auckland point of view we want to build the community through our juniors which has over 200 youngsters playing and try to build something for the future," he said.

Click here to listen to the interview with Scott MacKay