The ex-Wolves and Walsall defender set to achieve World Cup first

Former Wolves and Walsall right-back Darren Bazeley will be in the New Zealand dugout at the World Cup this summer.

In doing so, Bazeley is set to become the first head coach to manage at the Under-17 World Cup, Under-20 World Cup, Men’s Olympics and Men’s World Cup.

Bazeley was appointed national head coach in 2022 and guided New Zealand to their first World Cup finals in 16 years.

This will be only the third time that the Kiwi’s have graced world football’s grandest stage in history.

Bazeley on cusp of FIFA record

“When I was told about the record, I thought it was a pretty cool fact and I was surprised that nobody else had ever done that,” Bazeley told the FIFA website.

“I really enjoyed coaching the under-17s, then got the privilege of taking the under-20s and the Olympics.

“Then I got this role and now we’re going to the World Cup. The experience of all those different World Cups and Olympics has been amazing.”

Bazeley uprooted to New Zealand following his departure from Walsall in 2005 after joining former Saddlers teammates Neil Emblen and Danny Hay at New Zealand Knights.

Spells with Wolves and Walsall

Prior to that, Bazeley had made 240 appearances for Watford and scored four goals in 80 appearances for Wolves.

He had been a regular for the Old Gold until a cartilage injury disrupted his progress in late 2000.

His career in England ended with Walsall where he was able to reach a century of appearances across three seasons.

After spending the best part of the next two decades in New Zealand, Bazeley has now reached the pinnacle.

“Did I ever think I would be coaching at a World Cup? Probably not,” he admitted.

“I’ve been through coaching in New Zealand with the age groups and I’ve been to a lot of age group World Cups, but this is going to be completely different and I’m really excited.”

New Zealand aim to defy the odds

New Zealand have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran - kicking-off against the latter on June 15 in California.

The Kiwi’s have never won a game at the World Cup - finishing pointless in 1982 and drawing all three of their games in 2010 - including a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Italy.

But Bazeley insists that New Zealand are not going to the World Cup to simply make up the numbers.

“Some of our players went to school together, grew up together, played club football together, played in the under-17s, under-20s and the Olympics together.

“So they’ve built great relationships between each other, and between the players and staff.

“That cohesion is a real bonus for us when we’re trying to compete against the top-level teams.”