Former New Zealand manager takes over at NorthEast United for ISL 2014

NorthEast United Football Club today announced former long-time New Zealand Men’s National Team Coach Ricki Herbert as their manager for the forthcoming Indian Super League (ISL). Herbert managed the Kiwi ‘All Whites’ for eight years from 2005-2013. He also represented the New Zealand National team at World Cup 1982. The 53-year-old led the New Zealand team to World Cup 2010 in South Africa where they performed admirably and ended as the only unbeaten team of the tournament. They battled much fancier opponents — drawing against Italy, Paraguay & Slovakia in their group. During his tenure with the All Whites, their FIFA ranking improved from 156 to 48. [caption id=“attachment_1670913” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Rickie Herbert.[/caption] Herbert also coached A-League side Wellington Phoenix from 2007-2013 taking them to A-League Preliminary Finals in 2010. He also oversaw the New Zealand Olympic team preparation and was Technical Director of the country’s Technical development programme. He was appointed by FIFA to be a part of the 14 member Technical Development Studies group led by Gerard Houlier at the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil. The group was responsible for tracking and studying technical strategies and trends employed by various teams. The club also announced Lajong FC head coach Thangboi Singto will be working with Herbert at NorthEast United FC in the capacity of coach. “Ricki is the perfect fit for our plans at NorthEast United FC. His experience at the highest levels of competitive football and his youth focussed philosophy matches the blue print of NorthEast United FC perfectly. With him on board we look forward to competing in the inaugural season of ISL,” co-owner John Abraham said. Expressing his delight at being handed over the technical reins at NorthEast United FC, Herbert said: “The ISL presents a great opportunity and challenge and with the football crazy NorthEast fans backing us all the way, we’ll be putting our best foot forward. I look forward to this exciting journey.”