COACHES
Learn more about the coaches at NEFA
Daniel McBreen
After a successful start to his career in the Newcastle NPL where he won Premierships with Edgeworth, Daniel embarked on a 16 year professional career starting at 23 years of age. Daniel is proof that everyone matures differently and that telling players they are too old to make it at 19/20 years of age is not the case for everyone. With clubs in Romania, Scotland, England, Australia, China and Hong Kong, Daniel has seen many different playing and coaching styles and played with players from all around the globe. Daniel has seen success throughout his career winning championships in 3 countries and playing, and scoring in continental tournaments such as the Asian Champions League and The AFC Cup (in which he achieved top goal scorer of the competition). Daniel has also played in finals football across multiple countries allowing him to play in some major venues including Wembley Stadium, England (FA Trophy Final) and Hampden Park, Scotland (Scottish Cup Semi Final) to name a couple. Daniel played four full seasons in the Australian A-League and played finals football on each occasion playing in 2 Grand finals and winning 1. Daniel’s career went full circle when he finished his professional career when he rejoined his boyhood club Edgeworth Eagles where he achieved continued success, adding to the Premierships won in his 20’s and finished playing at the tender age of 42 years of age.
Taylor Regan
Born and raised in Newcastle, Taylor Regan debuted for NPL side Charlestown Azzurri at the age of 16 before joining his hometown club the Newcastle Jets. With more than 220 professional matches spanning across the A-league and also abroad in South East Asia, Taylor has been lucky enough to wear the captains armband at all 5 professional clubs in which he has played. These leadership qualities saw the defender go from playing in the Asian champions league in 2017 to lifting the FFA Cup Trophy with Adelaide United in 2018. Taylor has built a career from a willingness to outwork others who he claims may have had more talent and natural ability at a young age. Taylor has previously coached both in the Newcastle Jets Academy and NPL youth set ups.
Ben McNamara
Ben moved to England from Australia in July 2012 where gained valuable experience training with Championship Club Wolves working closely with Goalkeeper Coach Pat Mountain. Ben also made 20 appearances in the National Premier League also playing in a 1st Round FA Cup tie against Luton Town FC. Ben spent his 2nd season with Northampton Town FC (League 2) working closely with Goalkeeper Coach Tim Flowers. Ben was signed by Manager Aidy Boothroyd on a 1 year deal as Number 2 Goalkeeper behind Matt Duke following a successful trial period. In June 2018 Ben was signed by Colchester United (League 2) on a 1 year deal. During his time in the UK Ben has been fortunate enough to have been involved in some big matches including FA Cup 1st and 2nd Rd MOM performances, he has worked with and played against many former and current premier league players, managers and coaches.
Roy O'Donovan
With a successful professional career that's lasted over 20 years and having played in 6 different countries from the English Premier League to the Hyundai A League Roy has played with and against some of the best in the game . Roy has tasted various styles of play as well as coaching philosophies from competing in various competitions over the years and with almost 500 career games to his name and closing in on 200 career goals his experience is extensive. Internationally Roy has represented his country Ireland at various levels from underage up to Senior level. Having moved to Australia in 2015 to sign with Central Coast Mariners and subsequently Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets. Roy went on to score 56 goals in 126 Hyundai A League games. Most recently Roy has been player/assistant manager at NPL NSW side Sydney Olympic FC. In 2022 they won the NPL Premiership with Roy personally winning the league golden boot.
Chris Zoricich
Chris made his international debut against Israel on 27 March 1988.
He went on to win 57 caps in full 'A' internationals, including captaining the All Whites at the 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico and the 2003 Confederations Cup in France.
"Zorro" began his senior career with Papatoetoe in Auckland before moving to Leyton Orient in England between 1990–1993 where he made 59 first team appearances with Orient. In 1994, Chris returned to New Zealand to play for Central United after that he spent two seasons in with Brisbane Strikers before heading back to England. Chris had spells with Welling United and also had a trial spell with Chelsea who were at that time managed by Ruud Gullit. Chris returned to Australia to re-sign for the Brisbane Strikers in 1997, after the club had won the NSL championship. He then finished his NSL career with Newcastle Breakers and Newcastle United, before returning to England where he had spells with Margate, St Albans City, Harlow Town, Boreham Wood, Heybridge Swifts and Wealdstone.
Zorro is currently the manager of NNSW NPL side Cooks Hill.
