NorthEast United appoint Ricki Herbert as manager for ISL

New Delhi: Former New Zealand men`s team coach Ricki Herbert was today appointed at the manager of the NorthEast United Football Club for the inaugural edition of Indian Super League (ISL).

Ricki managed New Zealand for eight years from 2005-2013. He also represented the New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup. Ricki, 53, coached the New Zealand team at 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but quit his position after the Kiwis failed to qualify for 2014 Brazil World Cup. During his tenure with the `All Whites`, New Zealand`s FIFA ranking improved from 156 to 48. Ricki also coached A-League side Wellington Phoenix from 2007-2013 taking them to A-League Preliminary Finals in 2010. During his long coaching career Ricki has also overseen the New Zealand Olympic team preparation and was technical director of the country`s technical development programme. He was appointed by FIFA to be a part of the 14-member Technical Development Studies group led by Gerard Houlier at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The group was responsible for tracking and studying technical strategies and trends employed by various teams at the World Cup. NorthEast United also announced Lajong FC`s head coach Thangboi Singto as Ricki`s assistant. "Ricki is the perfect fit for our plans at NorthEast United FC. His experience at the highest levels of competitive football and his youth focused philosophy matches the blue print of NorthEast United FC perfectly," said John Abraham, co-owner NorthEast United FC while announcing the appointment. Expressing his delight at being handed over the technical reins at NorthEast United FC, Ricki said: "The Indian Super League presents a great opportunity and challenge and with the football crazy North East fans backing us all the way, we`ll be putting out best foot forward. I look forward to this exciting journey."