New Zealand Footballers react to Honours

New Zealand Football Chairman Frank van Hattum has extended his congratulations to Ricki Herbert and Ryan Nelsen on their respective New Year's Honours and described the recognition for football as a great boost for the sport.

Among those honoured in this year's list, All Whites coach Herbert was named a Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), and All Whites captain Nelsen an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), both for services to football.

van Hattum explained "I think these honours are thoroughly deserved.

"Through a combination of talent and passion for both football and for New Zealand, Ricki and Ryan have made a significant and lasting contribution to the sport in this country. To lead and inspire a group of people to achieve what the All Whites did at the world's biggest sporting event made a lot of people really proud to be New Zealanders."

van Hattum suggested to have a current coach and player recognised with the New Years honours was a milestone for the sport.

"I think this sort of recognition is another sign that football has come of age in this country. To have our current coach and captain honoured is a sign of how far football's come."

Herbert, who was "blown away" by the award, acknowledged the support and contribution of his extended family and a dedicated All Whites staff.

"I have been in football for a long time, 45 years been playing or coaching in it, so to have something like this is terrific. I feel very proud."

"To have gone to the World Cup and be the only side to be undefeated, has brought implications as well that have been extremely positive.

"It touches a lot of people and it's an incredibly proud moment to be recognised at this level. It has been a long journey but a fantastic one as well."

From his home in Cheshire, Nelsen admitted to being humbled and a little embarrassed by the accolade.

"I'm not a big fan of individual honours within a team sport. Every single one of the guys did exceptionally well in South Africa, all 24 of them so it feels a bit funny to singled out from an amazing team effort."

With the Road to Brazil 2014 beginning with qualifiers in 2011, Nelsen was comfortable with the footballing public being even more demanding after the side had continually reset expectations in 2010.

"I think now we've set a pretty high standard which is great, but with that comes expectancy. It should a really exciting few years ahead with the All Whites."

Image: Ryan Nelsen.