Instead of enjoying his annual family Christmas holiday at the beach, Ricki Herbert has ventured on a journey into the unknown.
On paper his task of preparing the New Zealand Knights for their remaining four Hyundai A-League matches of the 2006-07 season appears simple enough. Reality suggests itmight be more difficult.
He had the players in for training on Boxing Day and again for two sessions yesterday. They will be back at North Harbour Stadium today to work on set plays and round off preparation for tomorrow night's home game with Queensland Roar.
With contract and other issues now behind him, Herbert has inherited the 20-player squad from the old regime. His challenge, with assistance from Colin Tuaa and All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner, is to get the best from the players.
Only left back Greg Duruz, struggling with a knee injury, is not being considered for the team Herbert will name this morning. Dean Gordon is likely to replace Duruz.
Herbert takes some satisfaction in having the rest, including Scot Gemmill, Jonas Salley and Chinese players Li Yan and Gao Leilei available for selection.
That, he admits, makes his task a little easier. The challenge is in getting the players to change their thinking and play the way he wants.
"I don't want to play the same sort of football they have been playing," said Herbert. "I will be looking to make subtle changes. I want the players to get on to the ball and do something with it. The front third has to be more expressive."
Herbert, who continues to adopt a laid-back, unflappable approach, admits the four remaining games are "the hardest thing I have had to do".
Maintaining the Knights franchise - under whatever name - in New Zealand was paramount.
"While the results [of their remaining matches this season] might not matter too much, it is up to the players to perform," said Herbert. "They have won only three games in something like 38 so it is silly to think they are going to win four in a row but it is up to them to show something.
"They are all playing for places wherever they might be next season."
He was in no hurry to single out players he might or might not want.
He will go with a 4-4-2 formation against the Roar who have a chance of making the top four play-offs.
