Tasman United

National league expansion and bid

In 2015, New Zealand Football announced the then-ASB Premiership would be expanded to ten teams. Nelson, despite being a football hotspot in New Zealand, had not had a team in the national league since Nelson Suburbs fielded a side over 15 years prior. However, since 2013, the Nelson Falcons had given Nelson National Youth League football, and were very successful. Over the coming months, Nelson Bays Football organised a bid team with the goal of gaining an Premiership licence. The bid team was backed by Mainland Football CEO Julian Bowden, and were considered heavy favourites for a spot in the national league. Tasman United was announced in December 2015 as one of three new teams to the Premiership, alongside fellow expansion side Eastern Suburbs AFC, and Hamilton Wanderers, who replaced WaiBOP United. In April 2016, Richard Anderson was announced as manager, with ex-Nelson Falcons manager Davor Tavich to be his assistant. In May 2016 the club's first signing was revealed as Nelson Suburbs goalkeeper Coey Turipa, formerly of Mainland rivals Canterbury United. The following month, former Canterbury United defender and Nelson Falcons coach Mark Johnston was announced as inaugural club captain. Alongside Johnston, midfielder Ryan Stewart was unveiled as a new signing. Stewart coached the Tasman United Women's MPL side as of 2016. In early August of the same year, Tasman United, along with unveiling their strip, announced the signing…