John Herdman to New Zealand?

What is going on?

Feb 01, 2023

To say that this morning’s news out of New Zealand that John Herdman was preparing to take over the job of the All Whites was a bit of a shock is to understate how out of the blue this news truly was.

Update: John Herdman has confirmed that he was offered the New Zealand job, but has now reiterated his commitment to Canada Soccer. I will leave this post up, as it reflects the information I had at the time and I still do believe Herdman needs to show success this summer to earn the right to go on to 2026.

Normally something like this would have leaked here first. This is too significant for there to be this much radio silence. Unless it was a late development that has moved quickly.

If it’s true — and I’m not yet convinced it is (this line may not age well…) — then it would have had to happen quickly.

It was just 63 days ago that he said this when asked about his future with the CanMNT.

Eleven years of work in this country and I've been pioneering for a long period of time, and you'll not find anyone as passionate as I am about this program or about these players or about this staff. You'll not find one as passionate who wants to take the country to that next level. And you'll not meet anyone that's experienced this moment with this team — and the learning that I'll take from this to take into the next one.

It seemed set. With no one seemingly interested in critically evaluating his performance in Qatar, it looked like Canada’s top guy was going to remain Herdman.

So, what possibly could have happened?

Details are slim right now — no one seems to know anything, or, if they do, they aren’t talking. However, it’s probably important to note that the CSA itself never outright said that he would automatically be extended through to USA and Friends ‘26. That was just the assumption of the fans.

It’s entirely possible that the CSA reviewed his performance — as they absolutely should have — and made an offer to Herdman that he didn’t like. Herdman, in turn, has then gone sniffing around New Zealand to try and force the CSA’s hand.

The “personal issues” that is being reported to be slowing down the announcement in New Zealand is likely a staring contest around the boardroom at 237 Metcalfe.

That would explain the radio silence from CSA sources and Herdman today.

If this is the case, it wouldn’t be the first time that Herdman has used the leverage of another country to get a contract extension. After the success of London, Herdman was linked to the England women’s job. After those reports started, he managed to get an improved contract from the CSA.

The only thig was that he was never in contention for the England women’s job. I’m not speculating here. I reported it at the time, after talking to several contacts in women’s football in England.

I am speculating now. Herdman, or someone close to him, probably planted those stories to put pressure on the CSA. He’s a savvy guy. Nothing wrong with that.

There’s also nothing wrong with the CSA calling his bluff here, if that’s what is happening. The blunt truth is that he has not earned a carte blanche extension.

Zero. Points. At. The. World. Cup.

He should have to earn the job through continued improvement in 2023. As I’ve argued before, that means winning something. Or, at least coming damn close.

Of course, if he does walk fans are going to blame the CSA fully. Don’t think that Herdman doesn’t understand that and that it isn’t playing a role in his choice to put pressure on the CSA in this way (if that’s what is happening). Again, savvy guy.

Since this is developing, I’ll leave it at that for now. Except to say that there was a consistent reaction from some of the people that I spoke to this morning that might surprise some.

There was no panic. In fact, the term “blessing in disguise” was uttered a couple times.

The 24th Minute

Discussion about this post