The New Zealand under-20 men's football team have released their assistant coach Willie Gerdsen, months out from hosting the U-20 World Cup.
Former All Whites interim coach Neil Emblen will be the temporary assistant to head coach Darren Bazeley, with the role to be advertised.
"The new direction New Zealand Football is taking emphasises an aligned vision for our men's sides from the U-17 team through to the All Whites," Bazeley said.
"At this time we feel that a change was appropriate to ensure a consistency of approach and philosophy to reflect that alignment in the staff we have guiding our teams."
"I thank Willy for his dedication and his contribution to our team has been vital in bringing the squad to this point as we continue to build towards the exciting prospect of the World Cup at home later this year."
