Great comment story from Paul Thompson this morning, and good to see the Dom giving this shambles the coverage it needs. NZ football's had some real messes to sort out over the years, but this is developing at such a rate of knots, it could have a terminal outcome.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/phoenix/8176687/Morgans-pitch-invasion-poor-form
I think it was Danny Hay (shortly after the Nix owners had viewed Johan Cruyff tapes) that made the point that the owners simply need to make Herbert accountable for results, and if they aren't happy with the results, then hire a new coach. That's the way football clubs work, and that is the role of the owners.
Herbert's picked his squad to play direct football (that's his style) - and all these owners have done (with this mid-season Dutch directive) is make Herbert totally unaccountable. RH, quite rightly, is not taking any responsibility for this attempted change of style with his midfield which is technically incapable of playing this way. If this is some sort of prelude to dumping Herbert, then it's an appalling way to do it.
The players are obviously gutted, and have every right to be. The body language was clear all over the park last sunday. They have absolutely no confidence - look like shattered men - as they know trying to play this way will leave them bottom of the table all the way to the finish line here. They have no show - even away to Sydney this weekend - they will be over-run unless Herbert can apply the tactics he picked the side for.
There's a clear lack of sound football advice coming through here. Can't believe Noah Hickey and David Chote (if they are still on the Board) could allow this to happen - so presume they have no influence.
This is turning out to be a great case study for global seminars on how not to run a football club.