By Jon Ritson

Steve Sumner, who captained New Zealand during the 1982 World Cup in Spain, has joined the A-League’s newest club as a director.

As a player he was the man who led the All Whites in group matches against Brazil, Scotland and the former USSR respectively.

The Phoenix has also brought in a leading educator, a sports marketing expert and a chartered accountant to further boost the board.

Auckland Grammar School headmaster John Morris, Auckland sports marketing specialist Hamish Miller, Wellington chartered accountant Murray Naylor and Phoenix club owner Terry Serepisos will all work together to steer the club in its inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League.

The board will be responsible for establishing the vision and strategies of the club, manage risk and provide a framework for chief executive Tony Pignata to deliver to plans.

The board, to be chaired by Serepisos, will also monitor the club’s financial performance, provide governance for management and maintain high-level stakeholder relationships.

Serepisos is delighted to have such a range of skills and expertise on board.

He told the Phoenix website: “These people are at the top of their respective fields and bring considerable business and sporting expertise to Wellington Phoenix.

“This board will provide strong governance and leadership within the club and establish the blueprint for the club’s future.”

Sumner, 52, owns and operates a Christchurch-based exporting company.

Morris, 57, has been headmaster at Auckland Grammar School since 1993.

As well as a strong academic background, Morris also has a top footballing pedigree, having represented New Zealand from 1970-74. He is also the current chairman of the board of New Zealand Football and a member of Fifa’s technical and development committee.

Miller, 42, is sponsorship and commercial director for the New Zealand A1GP motor racing team. He has a major involvement in football and was appointed as a marketing instructor to Fifa in 2004.

Naylor, 59, is a Wellington chartered accountant and financial adviser who operates his own practice. He has provided financial advice to the Century City group for a number of years.