Anthony Hudson's appointment as the All Whites coach gives the Kiwi clobbering machine a decent target.
I guess the general feeling was one of being underwhelmed. We had waited nine months for the announcement and been told there were outstanding applicants. Before Hudson was officially revealed, news that he was the man had leaked out which put a dampener on the drama.
I'm encouraged by some factors but to be realistic, Hudson doesn't have the greatest of CVs. After little more than a year in the job, Hudson was let go by Newport County who were, at that time, in the English Conference which is far inferior to the A-league. Most recently, he was coaching in Bahrain which is not exactly a football hot bed. Perhaps Newport was part of his learning process, and he enjoyed a lot more success in the Gulf state.
How can a 33-year-old implement a coaching structure for New Zealand when he has never really stayed anywhere long enough to see the fruits of his endeavours? I wish him well, but it is a huge gamble.
Good sources tell me he is technically savvy and an outstanding communicator. His entry into the job will be helped considerably by his assistant Neil Emblen, who has the trust of the players and support around the game.