As reported on their official club website, Auckland FC has added Shrewsbury Town striker Max Mata and former MK Dons defender Tommy Smith.
The New Zealand-based team has made two additional additions as they get ready for their A-League debut. Jesse Randall, Michael Woud, Francis De Vries, and Cameron Howieson have already been brought in.
Smith, 34, severed his connection with MK Dons in February following a mutually agreed-upon contract termination. now then, he has been playing for MacArthur in Australia, however he has now transferred teams once more.
In the meanwhile, Mata has received permission to return to Sligo Rovers in Ireland after spending time there on loan.
“They have brought into our focus community, the attacking style of football we want to play, and, importantly for a player like Max, the progress pathways we can offer,” stated Steve Corica, head coach of Auckland.
“We’re building momentum here, and today marks another important turning point for the club.”
New club for ex-MK Dons man
Smith, a center defender with a wealth of experience, has appeared in just under 500 games during his career.
Although he was raised in New Zealand, he was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, and has already earned 50 caps for his country.
The defender has formerly played for Sunderland, Colchester United, Colorado Rapids, and Ipswich Town.
He was signed by MK Dons last year following their League One relegation, and he played for the Dons in 12 games in the first half of the previous season, ten of which were in League Two.
Shrewsbury Town striker moves back home
Regarding Mata, he signed a three-year contract with Shrewsbury Town in August of last year, and he has since participated in 26 games while contributing one goal for the League One team.
Now that he’s back home, the Auckland native is attempting to regain his confidence.
He began his career with Eastern Suburbs and Wellington Phoenix, then went on to play for Grasshoppers in Switzerland, Nõmme Kalju in Estonia, and Real Monarchs in America.
