Head-to-head, Herbert style
FOOTBALL
FORMER Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert and his successor, Ernie Merrick, will go headto-head when the Phoenix play New Zealand A in Rotorua on September 22.
The Phoenix had arranged to play the Central Coast Mariners on that date but the A-League champions pulled out in favour of a pre-season tour of Indonesia.
Phoenix internationals Glen Moss, Andrew Durante, Ben Sigmund, Leo Bertos and Jeremy Brockie will play for New Zealand A, while Michael Boxall and under-20 internationals Luke Adams, Louis Fenton and Tyler Boyd will stay with the club side.
‘‘I think it is a really good idea and I’m pleased that Ricki was willing to get involved,’’ Merrick said.
Herbert, who will coach the Kiwi selection, was just as enthusiastic and said it would help the All Whites prepare for November’s World Cup qualifiers.
‘‘Why wouldn’t you want to help each other?’’ Herbert said. ‘‘It is a crucial time for both of us and we have to get the players where they need to be physically.’’
The Phoenix are likely to be without their All Whites for the opening game of the A-League season against Brisbane Roar on October 13.
‘‘The more preparation we get the better, and so far as the Brisbane game goes it is a good opportunity to try a few things,’’ Merrick said.
‘‘Unfortunately I don’t think (Costa Rican international) Kenny Cunningham will be available as he is likely to be called up by his country in the Fifa window. Despite that we’ll have a strong side and it will give me a chance to see where we are at.’’