The strong New Zealand connection at the top of national soccer lives on, with new All Whites coach Ricki Herbert naming former All Whites Brian Turner and Stu Jacobs as his assistants.
Herbert and Turner were members of the 1982 World Cup team and Jacobs played for the national side in the late 1980s.
Herbert and Turner coached the 2004 Olympic squad for the two matches against Australia - a 1-1 draw in Auckland and 2-0 loss away.
The new coaches will work together for the first time when the All Whites play the Socceroos in London on June 9, but Herbert hopes they will continue their involvement beyond that as he prepares for the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.
"Brian and Stu are working towards their international team coaching licence, the highest qualification attainable in New Zealand and one that is recognised worldwide," Herbert said.
"As head coach I will be responsible, but I will ask for and value their input. They bring different skill sets and will play vital roles."
Turner said he was excited and honoured with the chance to work at this level.
"Having New Zealand-born or bred coaches reflects the quality Ricki brings to the table and the standard he has reached in his coaching," he said.
"It is an exciting time for football here. John Adshead's return has helped that and through New Zealand Soccer's development programme we [are ready] to take the game further."
The coaches will be in Auckland next week and are expected to name a preliminary squad of 30 for the match at Craven Cottage before the end of the month. That will later be trimmed to 18.
Soccer: Coaching trio keep up flavour at top
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