Ricki Herbert
It's tough to talk about Football in New Zealand without mentioning the name Ricki Herbert.
Involved in both of New Zealand's World cup appearances, first as a young Centerback in the 1982 team to Spain, then as the coach who masterminded the All Whites undefeated campaign this year in South Africa.
This achievement is made even more special considering the fact that he had taken over a team that failed to make it out of the Oceania qualifying stages for the 2006 world cup, losing 4-2 to the might of Vanuatu along the way.
Another notable achievement during Ricki's All White coaching career is guiding the team to their first ever win our European soil with a 3-1 win over Georgia in 2007 and a second European victory, 1-0 over Serbia in Austria in the build up to this year's World Cup.
Herbert juggles his All Whites coaching role with the responsibility of managing New Zealand's only professional club Football team, the Wellington Phoenix. Ricki has been at the helm since the club's inception in 2007 and has helped to transform them from A-League strugglers to being within one win of the Grand Final last season and serious contenders for this year's edition of the Hyundai A-League.
As a player, Ricki was ahead of his time. Playing professionally for Wolverhampton Wanderers in England long before you could count the amount of Kiwi's plying their trade in Europe on more than one hand.
This English excursion was sandwiched between domestic success, picking up three national league titles and two Chatham Cup winners medals with Mount Wellington. He would later go on to lift both these trophies as a coach at Central United.
Ricki speaks about the development and progression of the World Cup team and how far they have come. He can describe the progress of the Football team the All Whites and look at various things like how they were able to overcome obstacles and develop a strong and power environment, and push through the difficult times to produce performances that has made a Nation proud and follow their journey and success.
Most recently Ricki was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit Companion in the New Year Honours for services to football.
Ricki will take you on a journey of the team and coach who won the hearts of a nation. With lots of interesting anecdotes you will feel like you were there.
Testimonials
Really Kiwi, enjoyed his philosophy, target of uniting a nation was a good goal, relevant. Really good story to tell. Have received a lot of positive feedback and compliments.—Property Brokers Real Estate
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