Football: Andy Boyens takes over from Andreas Heraf as New Zealand Football's interim technical director

Andy Boyens has been named New Zealand Football's interim technical director. Photo / Photosport

Interim New Zealand Football technical direct Andy Boyens has made it clear he wants the role full-time.

Boyens was yesterday appointed to fill the void left by Andreas Heraf in July, after the controversial Austrian parted ways with the organisation after a fallout with the Players Union.

It's the second time Boyens, 34, has been named in the role as a placeholder, but he told Radio Sport he was hopeful of staying in the position permanently.

"I've made no secret of that, especially internally," Boyens said. "Those who I work with know I'm keen to do that, but as I've always said as well, I'm ready and willing to support whoever comes in to that role.

"Whether it's me or whether it's someone else, I'm committed to New Zealand Football moving forward. I'd love it to be me, but we'll cross that bridge when it comes."

The former All Whites defender said if it's not him to fill the role permanently, the elected candidate would need to have an understanding of football on both a national and international scale.

"Helping us to meet world standards in areas where we can, but do that in context of our environment which sometimes in New Zealand is different to other parts of the world."

In the mean time, Boyens and New Zealand Football have set out to find a replacement for Heraf's position as Football Ferns coach.

With the national women's team headed to the Nations Cup in about eight weeks' time, Boyens said finding a coach for the team was priority number one.

"We've got a couple of priorities that we need to address. We've got a vacant Football Ferns coaching role that we've put out an advertisment today for and will look to get someone in that role through to the end of the World Cup."

He also said it was important for the organisation to note the recent successes of a number of age group teams, and continue to nurture the young talent the country has to offer.