Megamind
If The Ancelottery was asked to compile a list of the world's greatest tactical intellects we'd immediately be drawn to the counter-attacking genius of Sir Alex Ferguson. Guus Hiddink's strict 'no nonsense' approach would be hard to ignore, as would Pep Guardiola's school of tippy-tappy eye candy that perpetually leaves SBS cheerleader Craig Foster in a quivering mess. Or maybe we'd opt for some moody defensive arrogance in the shape of Jose Mourinho?
One thing we do know however, is that Kiwi bookkeeper Ricki Herbert, would be nowhere to be seen. And while it's not The Ancelottery's place to give advice to our superiors – after all, what do we know about fitness, tactics or Harry Holden's crazy shirt wearing shennanigans? – Chris Greenacre would do well to take heed.
Talking to the World Game about Ricki Herbert's legacy following his "extremely shocking" decision to quit as Wellington head herdsman, Greenacre, the new interim coach of the Funix championed, "If (Ricki) showed his CV to anyone in the world, it's one to be admired. It's up there with the top coaches of the world."
Now we don't mean to be pedantic, but as John Adshead would point out, Herbert's 'unparalleled' CV extends to: twice winning the Chatham Cup, signing referee kissing defender, Cleberson Souza Santos, handing the captain's armband to Ross Aloisi, signing Glen Moss, signing Nicky "Vidal Sassoon" Ward, playing Nicky "Vidal Sassoon" Ward, co-authoring a football biography described by Salient as, "Not ideal for a fan of biographies", and expertly guiding Wellington Funix to a last place position on the A-league ladder after letting the playing group decide to hoof it long.
“I’ve had a long and very successful tenure at the club and will always be proud of what I have achieved," Herbert said as he stroked his 1999 New Zealand Champions Medal. "But all good things must come to an end and it’s time for new coaching blood and for me to move on to new and exciting challenges". Exciting challenges that will see him advising the board... at Wellington Funix.
His resignation (or promotion if you're Brisbane Roar) will be a hard loss to take. But Funix fans don't despair! At least you still have Isaka Cernak.