New Zealand face a play-off against Costa Rica on Tuesday night, as the All Whites aim to seal their place at a World Cup for the first time since 2010. Should they achieve that goal, they will be heading to Qatar with a former Leeds United man as their manager.
Danny Hay is an easily forgotten ex-Leeds player, as despite having been at the club from 1999-2002, he only managed seven appearances in a Whites shirt. However, despite his few appearances, Hay did appear for the club in the Champions League against Barcelona, as he came on as a late substitute for Lucas Radebe. He completed 90 minutes for the club just once, starting in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in 99/00 as Alan Smith scored twice to defeat the Owls in the Premier League.
Injuries played a major role in Hay's lack of appearances for the Whites but he was considered a squad depth player, rather than a genuine first-team option. However, he is recognised as the first New Zealand born player to have earned a contract for a Premier League club. After leaving Leeds, he continued in English football, making 50 appearances for Walsall in the First Division (what is now the Championship).
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Hay has been manager of New Zealand since June 2021. The All Whites won every single game in their group for World Cup qualifying but due to the nature of Oceania qualifying, they have to defeat the fourth-place team from CONCACAF in order to qualify for the tournament in Qatar.
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