A former player in New Zealand, Australia and England, Ricki Herbert took control of the All Whites in 2005 and then took over the embattled New Zealand Knights in late 2006. He impressed in the short time before the Knights folded, and it was no surprise when he was given the job in charge of the Wellington Phoenix ahead of their first season. Herbert insisted on positive football from the fledgling side and even though they collected the wooden spoon, the debut season was hailed as a success. That was built upon in season two, where the Phoenix, spearheaded by Shane Smeltz, just missed out on the finals. Herbert guided the Phoenix to their first finals campaign in 2009-10 where they finished fourth before going on to make the Preliminary Final as they eventually lost out to Sydney 4-2. Herbert then added to his CV immeasurably when he led the New Zealand national team to its second World Cup appearance at South Africa 2010. Considered minows by many, the All Whites proved one of the success stories of the tournament and despite failing to qualify past the group stages, secured draws against the likes of Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, to bow out without a loss.