All Whites coach

The 44-year-old, who coached Eastern Suburbs to their first win of the New Zealand Premiership last year, is a former New Zealand U-17 head coach.

He's a former All Whites captain and played for the national team for 11 years.

Hay said it was a huge honour to become coach.

"I've been heavily invested in the game in this country for a very long time now, and the All Whites in particular is something that is very close to my heart having played for, and captained the side," he said.

The 36-year-old Englishman, who signed on in 2014 after three years as head coach of Bahrain, was out of contract after the All Whites were beaten 2-0 by Peru in the FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoff and has decided to not continue with the national team.

Hudson is currently in the final stages of his contract negotiations for his next move. He will look back on his time in New Zealand with fond memories.