Wellington Phoenix have continued their off season signings with Head Coach Mark Rudan appointing Paul Gothard as the club’s Goalkeeping Coach.
Paul comes to Wellington with a wealth of goalkeeping experience as both player and coach with a history as All Whites Goalkeeping coach as well as U17s and U20s at FIFA World Cups.
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Mark Rudan said it was a great addition to have a goalkeeping coach of the quality of Paul Gothard as one of his team.
‘’Paul is extremely experienced at both a national level and as a player with his time at Auckland City and is the most experienced goalkeeping coach in New Zealand.
‘’I am looking forward to working closely with Paul and him being an integral part of really strong defensive set up and a solid foundation to build a team from.’’
Paul Gothard said he was looking forward to being part of Mark Rudan’s team and was looking forward to the challenges of coaching at a professional football club.
‘’I’ve always wanted to test myself at the highest level.
‘’Being part of national sides was excellent and a great learning experience and I am looking forward to being part of New Zealand’s only professional football club and testing myself against the best in the A-League day in, day out.
‘’I am aligned with the gaffer’s vision and am very impressed by his drive and commitment to bring a winning team to Wellington.
‘’I can’t wait to get stuck in and start working with Mark and the rest of the coaching team, and of course the playing group.
‘’I want to be part of the team that builds something special in Wellington.’’
Paul Gothard At A Glance
England ‘C’ Team (1997 – 2000)
• Tour of India 1999
• 7 International Caps v Holland, Italy x2, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Germany
• Tour of Brunei 1998
Auckland City Football Club (2009 – 2013)
• ASB Minor League Winners 2010 & 2012
• FIFA World Club Cup (Dubai) – 5th Place 2009
• Oceania Champions League Winners 2011 & 2012 & 2013
• FIFA World Club Cup(Japan) – 7th Place 2011
• FIFA World Club Cup(Japan) – 7th Place 2012
New Zealand Football
• FIFA U17 World Cup (UAE) – Goalkeeper Coach – 2013
• All White Goalkeeper Coach – 2014 – present
• FIFA U20 World Cup (NZ) – Goalkeeper Coach – 2015
• Pacific Games PNG – U23 Goalkeeper Coach – 2015
• Nation Cup Winners – 2016
• FIFA Confederations Cup (Russia) – Goalkeeper Coach 2017
