Football: Early chance for players to impress new coach

Wellington Phoenix players will get an early chance to impress new All Whites coach Anthony Hudson this weekend. Photo / Getty Images.

Wellington Phoenix players will get an early chance to impress new All Whites coach Anthony Hudson this weekend.

Hudson will take charge of one of the teams in an inter squad match in the capital.

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick says it's another important part of their pre season preparations.

"Next weekend we're splitting our squad in two and the new All Whites coach is taking one squad and we're taking the leftovers and that's another good preparation game now that we've got a new national coach in New Zealand."

Merrick says he hasn't spoken to Hudson yet but will do so in the next few days.

Meanwhile, former All White captain Danny Hay has hailed Hudson's appointment as a 'fantastic choice.'

Hay said Hudson commands respect as one of the best young coaches around and is someone who can bring the best out of the top players through to the rookies.

"He's had a small taste of professional football. He knows what a changing room in a professional club will be like. I'm sure he'll know how to interact well with the likes of Winston Reid, Tommy Smith that are playing at a high level."

Hay says it's also a smart call putting him in charge of all age-group teams, so Kiwi youngsters are getting the same message as they progress through the ranks.