Ricki Herbert brings considerable coaching and playing expertise to Wellington Phoenix.
As well as being head coach for the Wellington A-League franchise, Herbert took over the reins of the now defunct New Zealand Knights for the remaining five games of last season-s A-League. In that time the franchise won three matches, drew one and lost to competition winners Melbourne Victory.
Herbert was appointed All Whites coach in February 2005, replacing Mick Waitt after being his assistant since 2003. He also holds a prestigious Uefa A International Coaching Licence.
Herbert had a glittering playing career that comprised 89 international caps from 1980-89 – including all the matches in the All Whites- 1981-82 World Cup campaign.
Highlights of Herbert-s professional career include a stint with English club Wolverhampton Wanderers from 1984-86, where he made 55 league appearances.
As national coach the All Whites won their first match in Europe when beating Georgia 3-1 in Germany in May 2006. On that tour, which included a 4-0 loss to the mighty Brazil, the All Whites drew 1-1 with Estonia in Tallinn.
Profile
Name: Ricki Herbert
Date of Birth: April 10 1961
Occupation: Professional football coach
Coaching qualifications: Uefa A International Coaching Licence (2005); Australia ‘A- Licence; International Team Coaching Licence (New Zealand).
Professional coaching record:
International: February 2005 – present: National coach (New Zealand).
Club: March 2007 – present: Wellington Phoenix (Hyundai A-League); December 2006-January 2007: New Zealand Knights (Hyundai A-League);
Playing record:
International: New Zealand All Whites 1980-89. Debut v Mexico, Auckland, August 1980; Last international v Israel, Auckland, April 1989. Caps: 89. Goals: 7.
Professional: Wolverhampton Wanderers (England) 1984-86, 55 league appearances; Sydney Olympic 1984.
Domestic: Mt Wellington (1978, 1980-82, 1986-89); Nelson United (1979); University AFC (1983).
