Soccer: Herbert eyes Knights' realm

Ricki Herbert

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert is poised to take up a coaching role with the troubled Knights.

Knights benefactor Brian Katzen, in Auckland for talks with New Zealand Soccer and Football Federation Australia's operations manager Matt Carroll, said he was not sure at this stage what role Herbert would play.

But NZS chief executive Graham Seatter confirmed last night there had been discussions between all parties aimed at Herbert taking a coaching role with the A-League club.

"Brian Katzen is keen [and] so am I. Ricki is keen and we are more than happy for him to be involved if the role is structured appropriately," said Seatter.

"Brian Katzen and Matt Carroll are keen to have more New Zealanders involved. This is one way that could happen.

"The discussions have been 'in principle' so far. We are working through how the role can be fitted around Ricki's other roles. There are a few pieces to be fitted into the jigsaw but we will be pleased if we can make this thing happen."

Seatter said there was no suggestion Herbert would take over John Adshead's former role in its entirety.

Adshead quit for personal reasons as Knights manager on Monday halfway through his two-year contract.

"The Knights would be looking to appoint a manager to support Ricki if he does take the coaching role," said Seatter.

Katzen confirmed he was thinking along similar lines in trying to cement closer ties with the national body and the FFA.

"We are definitely keen on working closer with New Zealand Soccer and it could be Ricki Herbert will be part of that," said Katzen. "We are working through the details of how we can best work together.

"We plan to advertise the position quickly and hopefully make the appointment within a couple of weeks," said Katzen. He said he expected recently appointed head coach Paul Nevin "would throw his hat in the ring" along with several others.

"Paul Nevin has not indicated to me he will apply but I have heard from others he is pretty sure to apply. Managers jobs in the A-League are keenly sought after and I expect there will be interest from a number of coaches keen to be involved."

There remains a strong school of thought that an Australian would be an ideal choice unless, of course, Herbert, the country's most qualified coach, is given the nod.