I think Ricki deserves credit for guiding the club through difficult times and providing stability, even though I've never been a big fan of his. It must actually be quite a wrench for many Phoenix supporters to have their only coach step down, he has been so much part of the fabric of the club for so long it probably feels a bit like the first shock of a divorce.
But the plain truth is every coach must stand and fall on results (unless you're Arsenal) and so I think he had to go. He has the coveted All Whites job to devote himself full time to now so I don't feel sorry for him, in fact it's probably a blessing in disguise because with having to wear two hats Ricki was not giving either job 100%.
What does concern me is the timing, five games before the end of the season, and the deal. If Ricki is actually moved upstairs then it's not really a clean break at all. Just how much freedom will a new coach have with Ricki looking over his shoulder? Will the new coach really be able to cull Ricki's ageing favourities from the team if their great protector is in the background? Having the inexperienced Greenacre take the reigns with Ricki upstairs is more cosmetic than substance, isn't it? Can Greenacre really change anything? If Welnix need football experience on the board there are plenty of others they can appoint rather than keeping Ricki on board. Can you imagine taking over at Old Trafford with Fergie moved upstairs?
I think Herbert should have seen out the season and then gone completely - leaving a new appointment the whole post-season to rebuild their own team. The problem then is the team limping through the last five games, but then they're doing that anyway.
The Phoenix need an experienced ambitious coach free to make their own decisions and rebuild a fading side. This appears too much like a compromise.