Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him in charge of the first team until 2013.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him in charge of the first team until 2013.
The New Zealand national manager Herbert had already signed such a deal, but had done so with former owner Terry Serepisos, and needed to ratify the deal under the new ownership.
Herbert will be in charge of the Phoenix for the next two seasons, and may also decide to undertake a football department role for a further two years.
Wellington chairman Rob Morrison said he was keen to sew up Herbert’s services in the long term.
“We wanted to lock Ricki in as soon as possible as he has done a terrific job for the Phoenix,” Morrison said.
“We have a long-term view for the club and this helps us to achieve that.”
“When we took over our main aim was to create stability and plan for the future.”
“Sometimes you have to get away from the day to day running of a company, be it in the business sector or sporting arena and look to the future.”
“We are aware results on the field are important, but so is building a structure upon which success can be founded.”
“It is important that we get things right.”
Herbert, who led the All Whites on their unbeaten World Cup campaign in South Africa last year, said he was happy to lock in his future for the betterment of the club.
“The main thing is the future of the Wellington Phoenix Football Club. That is assured, and we can look ahead and build on what we have achieved over the first four years,” the 50-year-old said.
“The vision the owners have for the club is encouraging and I look forward to being a part of making it successful.”
“We-ve had a tough start with injuries and suspensions but we have a good, close-knit bunch of players and I expect them to continue to show the character and determination that has seen the club make the playoffs in the last two seasons.”
