Ricki Herbert has quit his job as Wellington Phoenix coach, saying he wants to focus on the New Zealand national side.
After much speculation, the club confirmed it had had accepted Herbert’s resignation and that he’d been offered an advisory role.
Herbert said he wanted to focus on his international duties with the All Whites in a busy FIFA World Cup qualification year and that the time was right for a change at the club.
“The results this year have not been what anyone would have wanted and I felt that it was time for someone else to take a fresh look at things at the club,” Herbert said.
“The coaching staff and players have all put in a huge effort this year but we haven’t got the results we wanted.
“I’ve had a long and very successful tenure at the club and will always be proud of what I have achieved.
“But all good things must come to an end and it’s time for new coaching blood and for me to move on to new and exciting challenges.”
Wellington Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison said that in accepting Herbert’s resignation, the club was pleased he would take up the role of technical football advisor to the board.
“While the Board accepted Ricki’s resignation we were keen to ensure that his knowledge and expertise was not lost,” Morrison said.
“Ricki has an unparalleled record in the Hyundai A-League. Without his contribution the Phoenix could not have had the success it has had.”
Chris Greenacre, the assistant coach under Herbert, will take over as caretaker coach until the end of the current season.
Former New Zealand international Danny Hay said Herbert’s departure was “inevitable” and the silver lining could be more time for him to concentrate on getting the All Whites through to the next World Cup.
Hay, a Fairfax football columnist with English Premier League experience, has been a strong critic and was not surprised to hear his time in charge at the club was to come to an end.
“It’s bamboozled me that he has stayed in the job so long given the mediocrity of the results. It was inevitable,” Hay said.
“The writing was on the wall when the owners came out and raised questions publicly over the style of football that was being played.
“They were asking – or forcing – Ricki to change his style of coaching. The [possession] game they were seeking isn’t a strength of his, or his players.”
Hay said the there was no rush to find a full-time replacement for Herbert.
“They need to cast the net far and wide because it is an attractive job.”
Source: SBS.