Football: New WaiBop signing right at home

Chad Coombes, right, in action here for Auckland City FC, should make an excellent addition to WaiBOP United's playing stocks for the upcoming season. Photo / Richard Robinson

A former one-time All White is the latest signing announced for WaiBOP United for the 2014/15 ASB Premiership season.

Chad Coombes, who won his national cap against Mexico in 2010, has signed on for somewhat of a homecoming in the side's second season in the league.

He was born in Hamilton and learnt his football in the city, but never played for WaiBOP United's predecessor, Waikato FC, as he was snapped up by Auckland City as a young man and went on to become one of the club's leading players.

He moved to Waitakere United in 2012 but is glad to be returning home. "I'm really happy to be heading back to the Waikato - it makes for a good story, doesn't it?" said Coombes.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing for a new side, under a new coach and for a new set of fans. Pete [Smith, WaiBOP United Head Coach] has sold me on WaiBOP and I can't wait to getting started."

Smith was pleased to have secured the services of a player with a strong pedigree.

"I've been after Chad for a while so to get his signature now is important for me and for the squad," he said.

"It's a massive coup for WaiBOP United to have a player of Chad's standing sign on.

"It's recognition of what we're doing here and where this team is heading. Chad is a strong, aggressive leader, a quality player and a top lad. He'll bring so much to our playing group."

Coombes has had a storied ASB Premiership career with both Auckland City and Waitakere United.

He signed for Auckland City ahead of the 2005/06 season and won four ASB Premiership titles, three OFC Club Championships and travelled to the Fifa Club World Cup three times.

With Waitakere United, where he played the last two seasons, Coombes picked up one further ASB Premiership title.