Smeltz had interesting comments on Hudson in a podcast recently, kind of saying he and Ricki were opposites where Ricki did no preparation and let the team run themselves and Hudson came in with a clear plan and everyone knew what they were doing. Sounded like he really rates Hudson. Of course he and his wife work for Clive palmer so maybe his judgement is flawed.
Pretty much every AW/ex AW who has been asked, praised Hudson - esp for having camps/training highly organised. How much credit can be given to Huddo, and how much just to NZF for opening up the wallet ie giving him a lot more money/resources than Ricki is open to conjecture.
The other debate ad nauseum is could Hudson have done much more to have the AWs playing prettier football, when his first eleven midfield included with Thomas, a faded Weemac and a very green Clayton Lewis. What can't be debated is that Hay will have access to more classy midfield players in this cycle, and hopefully the style of football improves. The NZ football supporter demands it must.