Ricki Herbert Resigns As Head Coach

Ricki Herbert Resigns As Head Coach

Ricki Herbert has resigned from the position of Head Coach of the Wellington Phoenix effective immediately.

The Wellington Phoenix Board announced today that it had accepted Herbert’s resignation and in doing so has offered Herbert an advisory position within the Club.

In tendering his resignation, Herbert cited his desire to focus on his international duties with the All Whites in a busy World Cup qualification year, and his belief that the time is right for a change at the club and to take on new challenges for himself.

"The results this year have not been what anyone would have wanted and I felt that it was time for someone else to take a fresh look at things at the club,” Herbert said.

“The coaching staff and players have all put in a huge effort this year but we haven't got the results we wanted.

“So with the need for a fresh look, along with the fact that this year is an extremely important one for the All Whites, I felt I needed to step down as the Phoenix Head Coach.

“I’ve had a long and very successful tenure at the Club and will always be proud of what I have achieved. But all good things must come to an end and it’s time for new coaching blood and for me to move on to new and exciting challenges”

Wellington Phoenix Chairman Rob Morrison said that in accepting Herbert’s resignation the Club is pleased that Herbert will take up the role of Technical Football Advisor to the Board.

“While the Board accepted Ricki’s resignation we were keen to ensure that his knowledge and expertise was not lost to the Club,” Morrison said.

“Ricki has an unparalleled record in the Hyundai A-League. Without his contribution the Phoenix could not have had the success it has had.

“We are very pleased that Ricki has agreed to accept the advisory role to the Board.”

Herbert has been the Phoenix’s only Head Coach after taking the role at the inception of the Club in 2007. In season 2012-13 Herbert became the A-League’s longest serving coach when he surpassed Ernie Merrick’s 151 games for the Melbourne Victory.

Herbert has led the team to three finals appearances in a row (an A-League record), set the record for the longest unbeaten home winning streak in the A-League and led the Club to its highest finishing position of third in season 2009-10.

Current assistant coach Chris Greenacre will take over the coaching responsibilities until the end of the 2013 season.