He's liked by the players and seen as professional, after Herbert and with the shambles that NZF can be, surely we can't underestimate the value of this fact.
Even after he goes, hopefully, the professionalism he's brought to the team through his research and planning will stay behind.
Admittedly Herbert juggled 2 jobs, but Hudsons level of planning seems light years ahead. And yes being currently liked/respected by his players says something
The players in the Phoenix backed Herbert though, then backed Ernie, and now back the current coaches. People like the devil they know.
Word is the AWs overseas pros (Nelsen, Smith etc), familiar with a high level of coaching, planning etc didn't back Herbert (some of which is no doubt fault of mickey mouse NZF at the time). Seems different with Hudson. Of course who knows for sure
From Ben Sigmund's autobiography, it's clear that it wasn't only the overseas pros who became disenchanted with Ricki - Sigmund, Durante and others certainly were. Sigmund and Durante had to present an ultimatum to Ricki asking him to actually do some coaching and give some guidance in his last season at the Phoenix when he'd totally lost the plot and wasn't even turning up for some sessions.
I think disenchantment of Nix players with Herbert in his last season esp is bit of a separate issue. That was complicated by Gareth Morgan attending training sessions asking for a more attacking style and other such stuff.
I was purely comparing the last 2 All Whites coaches, and their differing levels of planning, information gathering etc (Hudson seemingly high and Herbert seemingly low). Also perhaps the frustrations of guys like Nelsen etc coming from highly resourced and super prepared high level professional club sides, to some of 'amateur' antics of Herbert & NZF. Of course Hudson benefits from wearing only one hat, and fingers crossed once he leaves NZF that's always the way for any AWs coach.