Guwahati, Aug 19 (IANS): Former New Zealand football coach Ricki Herbert was Tuesday appointed the manager of Indian Super League (ISL) franchise NorthEast United Football Club.
Herbert managed the 'All Whites’ for eight years from 2005-2013. He also represented New Zealand team at 1982 World Cup and was the coach of the national team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The 53-year-old New Zealander also coached A-League side Wellington Phoenix from 2007-2013 taking them to A-League Preliminary Finals in 2010.
During his long coaching career, he has also overseen the New Zealand Olympic team preparations and was the national team's technical director.
Herbert was appointed by FIFA to be part of the 14-member Technical Development Studies group led by Gerard Houlier at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The group was responsible for tracking and studying technical strategies and trends employed by various teams at the World Cup.
The club announced Lajong FC head coach Thangboi Singto will be working as Herbert's assistant at NorthEast United.
“Ricki is the perfect fit for our plans at NorthEast United FC. His experience at the highest levels of competitive football and his youth-focussed philosophy matches the blue print of NorthEast United FC perfectly. With him on board, we look forward to competing in the inaugural season of Indian Super League,” said John Abraham, co-owner of NorthEast United, in a statement.
Herbert said the ISL presents a great opportunity and challenge for him.
"We’ll be putting our best foot forward. I look forward to this exciting journey,” he said.