Herbert names first assistant

Wellington-based soccer coach Stu Jacobs was yesterday named one of Ricki Herbert's assistants at A-League club Wellington Phoenix. At the same time he has landed the job as coach of Team Wellington in the New Zealand Football Championship replacing Mick Waitt.

Herbert is expected to name a second assistant along with a goalkeeping coach in the next few days. Brian Turner, Herbert's assistant with the All Whites, was high on the list for the Phoenix job but has turned down that opportunity and will remain in Auckland.

He will continue his role with the national side, joining Herbert in Britain for forthcoming matches against Wales and the Ukraine.