New Zealand Knights season 2005-06

The New Zealand Knights had a dismal inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League only winning one match (away to the Central Coast Mariners). They did, however, pick up three draws – against Queensland, Adelaide United and Sydney.

In their debut season, the Knights scored only 15 goals in their 21 fixtures. Their joint leading scorers were Englishman Simon Yeo and teenage whizkid Jeremy Brockie, with four apiece. Sean Devine scored three goals, while Joshua Rose, Jeremy Christie, Neil Emblen and Xiaoban Zhang all managed to find the back of the net once. Former Walsall FC right-back Darren Bazeley was the only Knight to start in all 21 of their games.

The club was plunged into turmoil in late 2005, as club captain Danny Hay apparently fell out with Knights bosses and coach John Adshead, and was released just before Christmas. This followed the departures of UK signings Ronnie Bull and former Lincoln City striker Simon Yeo.

The Knights may have had poor crowds in their inaugural A-League season but they did have loyal support from their supporters group, Bloc-5. Suppoters who formerly supported the now-defunct Football Kingz franchise, are known for dressing up in the team's colours, chanting loudly and attending all home fixtures.

Immediately after the season, the Knights fired assistant coach Tommy Mason. Former Fulham FC reserve team and academy head coach Paul Nevin was named head coach to assist current manager John Adshead as Mason's replacement.

One positive to come out of the Knights' horrific debut season was 17 year old New Zealander Jeremy Brockie. The dreadlocked midfielder/striker was originally selected as one of the Knights three under-20 players in their squad. By the end of the season though, he had become a regular starter, scoring a brilliant double at home against the Newcastle Jets. This was followed up by a fantastic strike to earn a draw with Sydney FC, and a goal in the Knights' final game of the season, versus Melbourne Victory.

2005-2006 off season signings

* Michael Turnbull (GK), from Standard Liège (BEL), via Kingston City FC (AUS)
* Richard Johnson (MF), from Newcastle Jets (AUS)
* Scot Gemmill (MF), from Oxford United (ENG)
* Jonathan Richter (FW), from Queensland Roar (AUS)
* Jonas Salley (DF), from South Melbourne FC (AUS)
* Sime Kovacevic (DF), from Sunshine George Cross FC (AUS)
* Malik Buari (MF), from Fulham FC (ENG)
* Michael White (FW), from Canterbury United (NZL)
* Gregory Duruz (DF), from Delemont FC (SWI)
* Adam Casey (FW), from Wollongong Wolves (AUS)
* Dani Rodrigues (FW), from AFC Bournemouth (ENG)
* Matt Carbon (DF) from Barnsley FC (ENG)
* Ivan Necevski (GK) from Penrith Panthers FC (AUS)

Results

Player stats

Player of the Year

* Jeremy Brockie

Goalscorers

* Jeremy Brockie - 4
* Simon Yeo - 4
* Sean Devine - 3

Assists

* Sean Devine - 3
* Ben Collett - 2

ee also