The 36-year-old is among a raft of new faces completing the backroom picture for head coach Ramon Tribulietx following the departure of Paul Gothard.
“Paul Gothard was a very good character in the team and a great help within the coaching structure and we will definitely miss him, but we have to move on.
“I think Riki can be a very similar type of personality for us. He knows everything we do therefore I am very happy with how things are shaping up in the coaching staff. The addition of a technical assistant, Carl Edwards, will provide value on and off the field to help us improve our individual and collective performance,” Tribulietx said.
van Steeden lines up alongside Italian-born goalkeeper coach Simone Naddi and technical analyst Carl Edwards.
Logistics Manager Simon Johnston, Club Doctor Craig Panther, physiotherapist Andrew Newmarch and Property Steward Arthur Egan complete the Navy Blues management structure.
The Nelson-born van Steeden won’t be alone in his role as assistant coach.
Ivan Vicelich will offer his assistance to Tribulietx and van Steeden this season with the coaching duties.
“This is a decision I’ve made with one eye on the future and I’m keen to contribute where I can.
Vicelich said van Steeden’s appointment was an inspired selection.
“Riki is a club legend and respected by everybody connected with Auckland City FC.
“This is a natural step for Riki and I’m sure he’ll do very well giving that support to Ramon and the rest of the staff.”
van Steeden got straight to work as the Navy Blues hit the pre-season trail at Mount Wellington last night.
“It’s a different feeling. You can still feel the urge to kick a ball as a player but I’m excited by this new challenge in front of him,” van Steeden said.
van Steeden was a foundation player for the club back in 2004 and is remembered as the scorer of the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over TP Mazembe at the FIFA Club World Cup in UAE in 2009.
The six-times capped All White racked up 75 first team appearances for Auckland City FC between 2004 and 2013.
He also won four ASB Premiership titles, four OFC Champions League titles and played as a fulltime professional in the old Australian National League for the Football Kingz and Carlton.
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