Soccer: A new Knight for another crusade

NZ Knights coach John Adshead (right) and chairman Anthony Lee take on new signing Darren Bazeley (left) and Danny Hay at table-top football. Picture / Paul Estcourt

John Adshead refuses to take a step backwards.

Asked why he had taken what could be the job from hell at the New Zealand Knights, he did not hesitate.

"I enjoy having no chance. I enjoy being the underdog. I work best when facing the biggest challenges."

He has all of the above. And a lot more in returning from Oman to take the reins of a club who have had to wrestle with as many off-field problems as those on it in joining the seven Australian franchises in the new-look Hyundai A-League.

"It is much the same situation when I was offered the All Whites," said Adshead. "Suddenly I was one of only 205 coaches in charge of a team on Fifa's ranking list. It took me no more than 30 seconds to toss in my coaching job at Manurewa and my work at Coca-Cola to accept."

This time?

"It took longer. There were two episodes. One was when the league was originally due to start last August and the Football Kingz were looking for a coach. I had discussions with Brian Katzen but when that fell over I lost interest completely.

"I later learned a new company had been formed with a fresh approach. I still was not convinced. I had no doubt I would stay in the Middle East until 2006 and maybe then retire to Mt Maunganui."

A call from now-club chairman Anthony Lee changed that.

"He was up front and honest and invited me to put my CV in the ring. I did so but with no expectations."

A very detailed 90-minute telephone conversation involving Adshead, Lee, Katzen, club chief executive Guy Hedderwick, Chris Turner and New Zealand Soccer representative Ian Wells clinched it.

Money, he insists, was never an issue. "If it was, I would not be here today."

Within hours of returning to New Zealand Adshead was at work, but under no illusions.

"Winning the league might be easier than convincing 20,000 people I want them at North Harbour Stadium every time we play," he said.

"Any player who has any aspiration to play for the New Zealand Knights will quickly learn there are no shortcuts. We have to get the right players with the right commitment. [We want] players [who] are more interested in playing for this club than worrying about what colour boots they will be wearing.

"Unless we, as a team, are prepared to work harder than those in the next dressing room we are not going to win," said Adshead.

"I have already done a lot of research. That is only the start.

"Our pre-season will start mid-April. I would like 20 names by then but I might not have 20 players at that stage. All players must be here by mid-June at the absolute latest."

Adshead is keen to take the team away in the lead-up to the August kick-off. "You can learn more in five days away from home than five months here."

Adshead knows it is a gamble but he is not about to shirk.

"I suppose John Adshead's reputation is on the line. I have my own self pride. There are no guarantees but I can assure everyone I will do everything I can to produce the best possible football team."