Ambassador Profile
John Adshead
John is one of the most important figures in the history of New Zealand football and is a Macular Degeneration NZ Ambassador.
John made his mark in New Zealand in 1979 when he was appointed coach of the New Zealand national football team. In 1982 the football world was shocked when the All Whites qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Spain. John led the team to honour as they were the only team not to get a yellow card and were at the top of the tables for good behavioural stakes throughout the first round of the tournament. John’s influence goes well beyond taking the All Whites to Spain, especially in the football community. His coaching career extended for over 40 years as he guided many teams to success.
In 2013 John was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to football.
