Noah Hickey

Noah Hickey
Noah Hickey
Born	June 9, 1978 (age 48); Auckland, New Zealand
Occupation	Former professional footballer
Years active	1997–2007
Known for	New Zealand international footballer, All Whites player

Noah Hickey (born 9 June 1978) is a former New Zealand footballer who last appeared for Gisborne City competing in the Central Premier League and previously played professionally for the New Zealand Knights in the Hyundai A-League. Operating primarily as a striker or right winger, he was a regular selection for the All Whites.

Biography

In 1997, Hickey earned the title of New Zealand Young Player of the Year. His performances, including participation in the 2003 Confederations Cup, led to trials with English teams Watford F.C. and Northampton Town F.C.. He was a reliable goal scorer during his time with Eastern Suburbs, a team nicknamed the "White Demons."

Hickey’s spell at Finnish outfit Tampere United was marked by memorable moments; notably, he netted a crucial goal that clinched the league championship against MyPa and scored a controversial winning goal using his hand in a match against rivals FC Haka.

Outside of his playing career, Hickey hosted a children's football television program on Sky Sports New Zealand and took part in the New Zealand reality TV series City Celebrity Country Nobody. He is also remembered for a famously missed open goal, which has been featured in football blooper compilations such as "Nick Hancock's Football Hell," where commentators erroneously refer to him as Noel Hickey.

International career

Hickey made his international debut for the All Whites on 31 May 1997 during a 0–1 defeat to Papua New Guinea. He was included in New Zealand’s squad for the 2003 Confederations Cup.

On 28 May 2007, exactly ten years after earning his first international cap, Hickey announced an unexpected retirement from both international and professional football. Media reports indicated this decision followed disagreements with New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, amid criticism concerning player fitness and dedication after disappointing results in South America.

His international career concluded with 33 A-international appearances and 3 goals, with his final match being a 0–5 loss to Venezuela on 28 March 2007.

Following retirement, Hickey took on management of the New Zealand stage of "Red Bull Balls to the Wall," a youth-oriented one-on-one competition. He also contributed as a sports correspondent for the nationwide drive show Josh and Tom on More FM, featuring a weekly segment on Friday evenings.

Moreover, Hickey leads the Shine schools initiative in collaboration with AUT, designed to inspire students to realize their potential despite facing criticism.

International goals

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	8 June 2001	North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand	Template:Fb	2–0	Win	2002 World Cup qualification
2.	8 June 2001	North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand	Template:Fb	2–0	Win	2002 World Cup qualification
3.	12 October 2002	A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia	Template:Fb	3–2	Loss	Friendly
Correct as of 7 October 2015

External links