WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) English-born Anthony Hudson was named Tuesday as the new coach of the New Zealand men's football team.
Hudson, who has been coaching Bahrain, will replace Ricki Herbert, who resigned in November. Neil Emblen acted as coach in the interim.
New Zealand Football chief executive Andy Martin said Hudson, who has been appointed through the 2018 World Cup, stood out among more than 100 applicants. He was finally chosen from a three-man shortlist which included former Australia coach Frank Farina and A-League coach Gary van Egmond.
The 33-year-old Hudson signed a new, two-year contract with Bahrain in February and was expected to lead them to November's Gulf Cup and January's Asia Cup.
His first match at the helm of New Zealand will be a friendly against Uzbekistan next month in Tashkent.
