A former England captain, an ex-Premier League manager and the architect of one of the most famous FA Cup upsets in history have all been linked with the vacant All Whites coaching role.
The top job in New Zealand football became available after the resignation of Ricki Herbert last November, following the 9-3 aggregate loss to Mexico in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Neil Emblen has led the team as interim coach since then, in two friendlies against Japan and South Africa, before NZF formally advertised the position in May.
More than 100 applications were received from across the globe and an appointment is likely to be made in early July. The Herald on Sunday understands Terry Butcher, Iain Dowie and Lawrie Sanchez were among the large number of international candidates for the role.
Butcher was one of the mainstays of the England side in the 1980s, making 77 appearances for England and featuring at the 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cups. His management career began soon after he hung up his boots, and has taken him from Coventry City and Sunderland in England to Inverness, Hibernian and Motherwell in Scotland. He also coached Sydney FC during the 2006-07 A-League season.
