Auckland FC: Grand final hero Cam Howieson signs contract extension
Auckland FC grand final hero Cam Howieson has committed his future to the club after signing a contract extension.
The 31-year-old midfielder scored the biggest goal of his Auckland FC career in last month’s A-League grand final against Sydney FC, netting in the second half as the Black Knights secured a 1-0 victory and claimed their maiden title in their second season.
His goal helped him claim the Joe Marston Medal, which is awarded to the player of the grand final.
Howieson, who was one of the club’s inaugural signings in 2024, when he was unveiled alongside defender Francis de Vries, attacker Jesse Randall and goalkeeper Michael Woud, has gone on to feature 48 times for Auckland FC.
“Auckland is my home. This club is special, the fans are incredible, there is nowhere else I’d rather be,” Howieson said.
“Scoring in front of the Port was a dream come true, a moment I will never forget. I am hungry to add more silverware for the fans.”
Born in Blenheim, Howieson came through the grades at Mosgiel before time at the Asia Pacific Football Academy outside Christchurch. He was a teenage prodigy – picked up by Burnley in the English Championship – and later signed for St Mirren, where he scored against Scottish giants Rangers in one of his first games.
But he returned home at the end of the 2015/2016 season and has been based in Auckland since. Howieson was recognised as one of the best players in domestic football as he starred for Auckland City FC and played in Fifa Club World Cup competitions, and fielded offers from overseas clubs.
But he never considered them because of his desire to stay close to his family.
Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said they were delighted to retain Howieson.
The move comes days after the Herald reported that All Whites attacking midfielder Lachlan Bayliss, who is in the United States preparing with the New Zealand squad before the World Cup, has signed with Auckland FC for the 2026/27 A-League season.
It’s expected there will be considerable turnover within the Auckland FC squad across this off-season, given the number of players off contract.
Popular striker Guillermo May is back in Uruguay as he goes through rehabilitation on his ankle injury and it is unclear if he will return.
Central defender Dan Hall has been linked with clubs in Asia, while midfielder Felipe Gallegos is another whose future is up in the air, along with vice-captain Jake Brimmer.
Auckland FC have already confirmed young trio Jimmy Hilton, Adama Coulibaly and Finn McKenlay won’t return to the club next season.