Darren White makes comeback

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 22 February 2019

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - When Darren White trudged off the pitch after Auckland City FC surrendered it's OFC Champions League title last April he believed it was the end of his Navy Blues career.

Now the 29-year-old White is back in Ramon Tribulietx's plans after a shock call-up to help bolster the Navy Blues squad as they chase a record tenth Oceania title.

White came off the bench to win his 124th appearance for Auckland City FC in the 3-2 win over Hamilton Wanderers on Sunday.

He has scored 18 goals for the club and admitted he felt the absence of the Navy Blues in his life.

"I had retired but I was missing it and wanted to come back and after a discussion with my partner I got the permission to do it.

"We've got one child and another on the way in June, July, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to pull on the Navy Blues jersey again," he explained to www.aucklandcityfc.com.

White joined Auckland City FC from Canterbury United nearly seven years ago and in his time at Kiwitea Street racked up three domestic trophy wins and five OFC Champions League titles and, of course, a FIFA Club World Cup bronze medal in Morocco in 2014.

The former Dragons man says he is grasping every opportunity to make the most of his second chance at Auckland City FC.

"I value what I'm doing now more than ever but it was hard to get back into the swing of things and you do feel a bit rusty to begin with.

"But I'm training more regularly and the body is moulding into the Auckland City FC way of doing things again.

"I'm appreciative that I didn't leave it too long to make a comeback," he said.

Even if White's return to action doesn't work out one career he may yet embark upon is life in the commentary box after being part of the Sky Sports team for the ISPS Handa Premiership.

White took to the microphone with gusto and wouldn't hesitate to return even if his experience makes him the only current player to work in the media whilst registered and playing in the National League.

But before all that he thinks Auckland City FC have what it takes to progress from the group stage in hot humid Honiara.

"I enjoyed commentating with Sky Sport, it was a great experience and I would be very keen to do it again in the future.

"I'd always missed out on trips to the Solomon Islands due to either injuries and suspension but I am very familiar with football in Oceania and I'm keen to play my part.

"It's another challenge for us but one we want to overcome.

"This team is very good and works very hard but it's slightly less experienced than some we've had in the past but if you look at the way we've been performing the results speak for themselves.

"The ISPS Handa Premiership League title was won with 15 wins a draw which shows you the quality of player at the club.

"Those results have given the team the boost and momentum we need to try and win the OFC Champions League title back."

Ends