My life in sport: Ricki Herbert

Ricki Herbert. Photo / Greg Bowker

It is often said you are only as good as your last game. In Ricki Herbert's case it wasn't too bad.

As All Whites coach, Herbert has had his moments - good and bad. The battling 4-3 loss to 2006 World Cup winners Italy in Pretoria just over 24 hours ago was not a victory, but it was the next best thing.

Herbert has often talked about credibility. There was plenty of that, and a lot more in what, hopefully, will prove a step to even better in the next week as the All Whites chase a top four finish at the Confederations Cup.

Herbert has had a ball at his feet from virtually the time he could walk. Along with Wynton Rufer he was the young gun of the 1982 World Cup squad. Yet interestingly, Brian Turner, one of the oldest players in that campaign, is now his assistant. Together they are fixated on getting the best for and from their players.

It is working a treat and Herbert is primed for more. He feels he owes a lot to his father Clive who has been his greatest fan and supporters. He won't die wondering in doing it.

What are your aims for the rest of the year with the Wellington Phoenix and the All Whites?

To make the play-offs; get another ticket to South Africa ...

What inspired you to embark on a career in sport?

I was playing football at 4. Mum was an Auckland sprint champion, dad a professional cyclist.

When you were 13 years old, what sport did you fancy yourself as a future star in?

I only ever played football.

Describe your job?

Probably a strategist.

What is the best thing about your job?

I love it.

And the worst?

Disappointing performances.

How much control do you have over whether your team wins or loses?

Total.

Do you feel your sport and your teams get the public attention they deserve?

No.

Does rugby get too much attention in New Zealand?

I'm not anti-rugby ... I'm a supporter of all sporting codes, but feel it is not always equal opportunity.

What are the proudest achievements of you sporting life, as a player and a coach?

World Cup obviously - playing in the finals.

And your worst moment?

Not making the starting XI against Scotland in Malaga at the World Cup. It was the only game I did not start but at least I got to play.

What was the best goal you scored?

Against China in the 1-0 win at home.

Name the one career ambition you want to realise before you retire?

Win the A-League and take New Zealand to a World Cup finals.

If you weren't a football coach what would you be doing?

Good question ... coaching kids.

Who do you most admire and why?

Nadal, Federer or Tiger - consistently good at the highest level.

Who is the most inspirational coach you have worked with?

Tommy Docherty (at Wolves).

How was it to win over China in Singapore to qualify for Spain?

It panned out to be the most crucial game we ever played. Win, off to the World Cup. Lose, oblivion.

Who would you play in a movie?

Jerry McGuire - show me the money.

What is your favourite venue to perform at?

Worker's Stadium in [then] Peking in front of 100,000 rabid fans.

What is your hobby to get away from your sport?

Horse racing.

Your favourite holiday spot?

Papamoa.

Who was your childhood hero?

Brian Turner. He was my room-mate before my debut against Mexico.

You had a stint as a co-trainer in the harness-racing game. How was it?

Fantastic.

Who is the best player you played with/and against?

Bobby Almond, the Russian striker who ran at me all night in the 3-0 loss at the World Cup.

If the All Whites don't qualify for the 2010 World Cup will you carry on?

Some decisions aren't mine.

What role does Brian Turner play in his role as your assistant?

Sounding board par excellence.

Will the All Whites qualify for the World Cup?

Yes. Watch this space.

CV

Birthdate: April 10, 1961 in Auckland.

Schools: All Papatoetoe including Papatoetoe High.

Clubs: Papatoetoe, Mt Wellington, Sydney Olympic, University, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Central United.

International debut: March 1980, the 4-0 win over Mexico.

How many caps? 84.