https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/02/football-canada-s-john-herdman-emerges-as-leading-candidate-for-all-whites-head-coaching-role.html
Herdman? Struggling to work out why he'd come to New Zealand to not play football games?
Herdman? Struggling to work out why he'd come to New Zealand to not play football games?
With Canada hosting the next WC, I can't understand it either...
If true, a big shock - but very very pleasant surprise. I apologise to Napier Phoenix for doubting him. Wouldn't even care if he came as a package deal aka Poppa, and he picked his son Jay for ever AWs team hereon!
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/02/football-canada-s-john-herdman-emerges-as-leading-candidate-for-all-whites-head-coaching-role.html
Former Football Ferns coach John Herdman has been identified as the preferred candidate to become the next coach of the All Whites.
Newshub understands the 47-year-old has agreed terms, although contracts haven't been signed and his appointment cannot yet be considered a done deal.
Herdman would be in line to replace former coach Danny Hay, who chose not to pursue another term after being asked to reapply for his job following the defeat to Costa Rica in last year's World Cup intercontinental playoff.
On Wednesday, NZF announced the All Whites would kick off their 2026 cycle with two home games against China in March.
NZF said those matches will be overseen by interim head coach Darren Bazeley, after "the leading candidate for the permanent All Whites head coach role had to be called upon to help manage a family health issue, meaning they weren’t able to take up the position ahead of these fixtures".
NZF said those matches will be overseen by interim head coach Darren Bazeley, after "the leading candidate for the permanent All Whites head coach role had to be called upon to help manage a family health issue, meaning they weren’t able to take up the position ahead of these fixtures".
While it’s unclear what factors could scupper the deal, prominent football sources described Herdman as "the clear top pick" for NZF officials, after completing a thorough recruitment process.
Securing the services of Herdman would be a coup. The Englishman most recently led Canada's men's national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - the team's first appearance at the global showpiece in 36 years. While the team finished bottom of their group with three defeats, two of those losses came against eventual semi-finalists Croatia and Morocco.
Herdman was widely praised for his team’s performance in qualifying for the tournament, as Canada topped the CONCACAF confederation ahead of traditional heavyweights Mexico and the United States.
Before heading to Canada, Herdman cut his international coaching teeth in New Zealand. After pursuing a coaching career at a young age, he led New Zealand’s U-20 women's teams at World Cups in 2006 and 2010. He also coached the Football Ferns at two FIFA women's World Cups in 2007 and 2011, before heading north to take charge of Canada's women’s national team.
Herdman’s eldest son Jay was born in Invercargill, but has represented both Canada and New Zealand at U-20 level. The 18-year-old won the golden ball as New Zealand claimed the Oceania U-19 Championship in Tahiti last year.
Herdman's decision to relocate back to New Zealand would come as a surprise, with Canada set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup