Football: All Whites assistant abruptly resigns

All Whites assistant coach Alex Armstrong has abruptly resigned from the role. Photo / photosport.nz

The departure of All Whites assistant coach Alex Armstrong has a curious feel to it.

In a press release on Thursday afternoon it was announced that Armstrong had resigned, after two years in the role.

It was a remarkably curt statement, with All Whites coach Anthony Hudson offering only a brief comment.

"We wish Alex well in the future and thank him for his contribution to New Zealand Football," said Hudson of his compatriot, who had previously worked with him during his time with the Bahrain national team.

There was no mention of Armstrong's future plans, or whether he might be leaving for personal reasons.

Armstrong joined the All Whites set up in November 2014, ahead of their tour to China and Thailand.

"Alex has good experience and compliments me; he's worked internationally and has competed in high profile games such as the Championship playoffs, something very similar to what we aim to experience in 2017," said Hudson at the time.

"He holds the appropriate qualifications and his skill set fits perfectly with the requirements of the role which will form a key part of the programme moving forwards. His experience as a fitness coach will elevate the standard of our programme, something which is important to me."

Armstrong replaced Neil Emblen, who served as assistant for the Uzbekistan match (which was Hudson's first game in charge) after previously being interim head coach after the departure of Ricki Herbert.

Armstrong has also worked at Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, mainly in sports science or performance roles.