Michael Woud amongst Auckland FC's first signings for debut A-League season

After weeks of speculation, Auckland FC have officially announced their first four signings ahead of the club's inaugural season in the A-League Men competition.

Those four players are winger Jesse Randall (21), goalkeeper Michael Woud (25), back Francis De Vries (29) and midfielder Cameron Howieson (29), bringing a mix of experience and promising young Kiwi talent.

Woud, De Vries and Howieson come with international experience with the New Zealand All Whites, while Randall has played at the Under-23 representative level for New Zealand.

“We are building a club that has a strong connection to Auckland. We wanted our first player announcements to be talented New Zealanders who have experience both locally and internationally," said Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica.

“Michael is a great shot stopper and is really excited to be returning home. I know he will be fighting for the chance to play in front of his friends and family. Both Francis and Cameron have been two of the most consistent players at a national level and we have been tracking Jesse for a while now and he has a huge amount of potential.

“All four players suit our attacking style of football, they will all be making their A-League debuts next season and will want to impress the home crowds.”

Howieson is the most experienced of the four with 17 All Whites caps to his name and is excited by what the new club represents.

“Football growth in New Zealand has exploded massively. Having a second club in Auckland FC will give the country a healthy dose of rivalry between the two clubs which makes it entertaining," Howieson said.

“I’m so excited to be part of this movement in our home country, it’s such an exciting time. Playing professionally again is something I’ve been working towards since coming back home.”

Woud shares similar sentiments after spending nine seasons abroad in English, Dutch and Japanese leagues.

“This is special for me because I grew up here, having spent my childhood playing club football in Auckland," Woud said.

"It is about time Auckland had a football team to call its own and I can’t wait to see the home fans at Mt Smart this October.”

More players will be announced in the coming weeks with the A-League season concluded following Central Coast Mariner's 3-1 Grand Final win over Melbourne Victory on May 25.

Listen to SENZ Mornings' interview with Steve Corica following today's announcement: