Soccer: Nevin faces enormous task at besieged Knights

New Zealand Knights' new team boss Paul Nevin is under no illusions.

He is delighted to have been handed the football manager's job at the A-League club but knows they face an enormous battle to attract the players they need and then produce the results the fans are desperate for.

Nevin, named yesterday as John Adshead's replacement at the beleaguered club, has already made some decisions which he hopes will ultimately lead to a turnaround.

He has pencilled in defender Darren Bazeley as his captain. Bazeley assumed that role with Danny Hay's departure last season and today Nevin will name another two Australians in his squad.

He also confirmed that former Kingz and Knights defender John Tambouras had returned to Australia and will not be back.

One of today's signings may be an under-20 New Zealand player.

"I am pleased to be in the position I'm now in," said Nevin, 36, yesterday. "In terms of leading a club this is a first for me. That is exciting and challenging.

"I always thought I could succeed John [Adshead] at some point but it has come sooner rather than later."

Asked whether he felt he was in the same position Adshead found himself in when he inherited players signed before his appointment, Nevin said while he was ultimately not responsible for those players, he was happy with all the signings made by the club.

"I am very conscious of how to build a team. I think we already have solidity at the back with the goalkeepers and defenders we have. I am looking for one more to complete that.

"In midfield too I feel we are doing well but there are positions I still need to look at."

But his preference in filling the remaining slots on the 20-player roster is to look for Kiwis.

"I went to England to talk to players. Many thought I was going to call on mates and recruit English players.

"That was not the case. The first five players I spoke to were New Zealanders or players with a Kiwi connection.

"I spent a lot of time with Leo Bertos and Chris James who were players I really wanted but for one reason or another they turned me down.

"We have to prove to players like Danny Hay, Jeremy Christie, Leo Bertos and Jeremy Brockie we have something to offer.

"I want Kiwis in the dressing room," said Nevin who confirmed that the only New Zealanders signed so far are Noah Hickey and Che Bunce.

"But I know players like Scott Gemmill, Richard Johnson and Jonathan Richter will bring something positive to the club."

The manager is also keen to have a New Zealander as his assistant, saying he will look locally first. Tony Jasper is set to continue a developmental role.

The situation with All Whites coach Ricki Herbert is unclear but Nevin said it was imperative the club and New Zealand Soccer work together.

"There have to be discussions with Ricki. It has to be decided what role and where would his authority lie."

Nevin is keen to steer clear of the off-field bickering which has kept the club in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

"I hope to keep away from the political infighting. I want to create something for young players in New Zealand but the things I want to achieve can't be done in one season."

He admits the most pressing search is for a goal-scoring striker.

"I have a lot of people looking around for me. I have been to Australia and spoken to players. Hopefully by the first or second week in June it will fall into place."

Nevin has signed a one year contract.

"I have to prove myself before looking further ahead ... "

The players already in Auckland had their first session together yesterday. By the middle of June and only about a month out from their first A-League pre-season cup game - he will have all his players on deck.