Soccer: Herbert's call-up promises new style

As new All Whites coach, Ricki Herbert will not shirk the hard calls.

Herbert's appointment to the top job, confirmed by New Zealand Soccer chief executive Graham Seatter yesterday, gives hope of a fresh approach to international football.

It is understood Herbert is the first New Zealand-born appointee to the role - certainly since Ken Armstrong took the role in 1957 - and continues a glittering career for one of New Zealand's most-capped players.

Herbert, 43, has taken the top job after a successful playing career in New Zealand, Australia and England and succeeds a string of coaches "from the other side".

From his debut in the memorable 4-0 win over Mexico at Bill McKinlay Park in 1980 until his last of 84 internationals at Mt Smart Stadium in 1989, Herbert was a regular in New Zealand teams.

He played in all matches of New Zealand's 1981-82 World Cup campaign, not surprisingly rating the game against Mexico - at which he was handed his first All Whites shirt by John Adshead - and the stirring 2-1 win over China in Singapore as the highlights.

These days his focus is on coaching. Already among the best, he should cement that claim later this year when he completes the second stage of his Uefa A International Coaching Licence.

Before that he must select and coach a team in a one-off international with Australia in London.

"That is a huge call," said Herbert yesterday. "It won't be easy playing a full-strength Australian team who are preparing for the Confederations Cup.

"But we have to take these opportunities. While we have to put out our strongest possible team, I will also be thinking ahead and looking at players who I feel will be crucial for the betterment of the game here.

"If that means saying thanks, but no thanks, to some players, so be it."

Herbert's initial contract is until the end of this year but Seatter hinted strongly there is every chance it will be extended.

Herbert said there would be an emphasis on fitness. For that reason he hopes to name an initial squad of around 30 which will be trimmed to 18 for the match at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground.

"There will probably be around four players who have played in the New Zealand Football Championship and possibly six domestic-based players altogether, including a couple who could be in the New Zealand Knights squad by then.

"I have already named Danny Hay, Ivan Vicelich and Ryan Nelsen as players I see as being integral not only to this team but to the All Whites in future," said Herbert. "But there are other players who I see as being important as we move on."

Herbert will be a hands-on coach. He will name an assistant (or assistants) in the near future, but without confirming Brian Turner, with whom he worked in coaching the under-23 (Olympic), in the role.

"I need to sit down with these people before saying anything.

"It is a huge honour to be asked to coach your country's national team," said Herbert. "I have come a long way since I started out as player-coach with Papakura City in 1989. I have enjoyed every minute of it."

Herbert also had coaching stints with Papatoetoe and Central before taking the director of football role with New Zealand Soccer in 2001.

He will retain his current role as director of technical development at least in the interim.

His first challenge will be shaking off the memories of last year's disastrous Oceania Nations Cup and the humiliating loss to Vanuatu, which ended any further participation in the Confederations and World Cups.

That will not be easy but a challenge Herbert is determined to meet. And beat.

Ricki Herbert

* Born: April 10, 1961.

* National league debut: Mt Wellington 1978.

* Last league game: Mt Wellington 1989.

* International debut: v Mexico, Auckland, August 20, 1980.

* Last international: v Israel, Auckland April 9, 1989.

* Caps: 84.

* Goals: 7.