Those are all historical examples JF, I'd like to think the game and our players have moved on a bit now and can understand why NZF are looking for someone a 'little bit higher' in terms of overseas experience. There have been some examples where overseas professionals haven't accepted the 'amateur' methods of local coaches, in football - Herbert is an example where overseas players have struggled, there are a couple of rugby league [Kiwis] examples too. Even at national league level in basketball the same applies, local coaches not quite up with the play in terms of training methods etc, while the local players are ok, the pros that have played in the Australian league, overseas and in the American college system, sometime struggle in the same way.
I know that this all depends on the individual coach, but it looks like NZF have put a high threshold on local coaches that want to be considered - I'm comfortable with that approach.
Nearly all those coaches named by JF, had AWs' teams of virtually complete amateur players, plying their trade almost wholly in NZ. Much much different ball game today. Virtual whole full strength AWs squad are at professional clubs overseas, familar with fully professional team environments.
Just wonder whether experienced pros like Reid, Smith, Wood, Themi, Marinovic etc - who have spent very minimal time in NZ, say the last 10 years (with likely no knowledge of the Handy Prem) - would have much respect for a coach coming from an amateur environment in NZ. Appeasing high profile figures in NZ football like Declan Edge, Wyton Rufer etc will have minimal to no effect on AWs performances - but having a senior playing group with doubts about the boss's coaching CV, is potentially disastrous.
Of course unlikely that any of these players, would have heard of Schmid either. But at least they can see that he has a solid history around European traps.
Hopefully in 4 years, likes of Figueira will just be that bit more experienced, plus have the required quals!