Ricki situation

Ricki Herbert

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EXCLUSIVE: RICKI Herbert and the All Whites are set to part ways after this year’s World Cup in South Africa. And, bizarrely, the man who guided New Zealand to only our second World Cup finals appearance could end up in charge of arch-rivals Australia.

Herbert’s All Whites contract expires immediately after the South Africa tournament and New Zealand Football boss Michael Glading confirmed the deal will be left to expire before candidates for the national post are considered further down the line.

At the same time Australia coach Pim Verbeek is expected to quit the Socceroos and return to club management.  Football chat forums across the Tasman are speculating that Herbert is a prime candidate to replace the Dutchman.

And with Herbert’s Wellington Phoenix deal up this time next year – and club chief Tony Pignata yet to “even think about” an extension – there’s potential for Herbert to be completely missing from Kiwi football in 12 months.

Glading said a potentially barren fixture list for the All Whites after the World Cup was a key reason NZF was reassessing the need for a fulltime national coach over the next two years.

Any adjustment in the role would likely see the vacancy advertised and open to newcomers, Glading confirmed.
Herbert could be miffed at both having to reapply for a position he has been successful in while a reduced All Whites’ campaign would also be a concern.

Australia has a full international programme and Herbert’s recent success with the Phoenix and All Whites has attracted attention there.

Glading also acknowledged such a successful year could have top clubs and national associations sniffing around Herbert – a scenario he confessed he wouldn’t stand in the way of.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if European clubs were interested in Ricki,” said Glading.

“Would I be concerned? It would depend on what the offer was. If Tottenham Hotspur were looking to employ Ricki I’d be delighted for him. If Scarborough Town were looking to employ him I’d say that would be crazy.

“There’s a whole bunch of factors to consider – should we have a fulltime coach, should we have a part-time coach, should we have a shared resource?  And, what is our programme over the next two years? Until the board consider those decisions we can’t go to Ricki or anybody and say ‘this is the role’.

“After the World Cup is a good time to take stock.”

- © Fairfax NZ News