During nearly two years as All Whites coach, Anthony Hudson has come in for fierce criticism.
He's overseen a series of results which, in part, have seen the All Whites slump to their lowest-ever world ranking, and employed a selection policy which saw one former coach accuse him of handing out caps like popcorn.
Some felt he had cheapened the All Whites shirt. But by taking the unprecedented step of declaring his intention to overlook Tommy Smith for future selection, he has taken a giant leap towards restoring some of the credibility and integrity that was lost.
Anthony Hudson (Photosport)
When Hudson was appointed All Whites coach in August 2014, addressing Smith's commitment to the national team was top of his agenda.
Having just captained the team to a 9-3 aggregate defeat in their intercontinental playoff against Mexico, reports soon emerged Smith had threatened to walk out on the team ahead of the first leg at the Azteca Stadium over a club v country row with All Whites team management.
Hudson's view was calm and level-headed, preferring to meet personally with Smith before making snap judgements on a player he knew could make a significant contribution to his team.
If he wanted to.
But that was always the question with Smith. During a six-year international career which saw him make 29 appearances for the All Whites -- 10 as captain -- fans, officials and teammates often wondered: Is he committed to the cause? Does he really want to play for New Zealand?
Smith plays against Mexico in the second leg of their World Cup qualifier (Photosport)
Hudson would soon get his answer. He met with Smith, who asked to be excused from All Whites selection for 12 months to focus on his club career. It was a controversial request, but met with understanding, and accepted. The timing, following a World Cup cycle, was the best it could be.
Then he changed his mind.
He held "clear the air" talks with teammates, and joined the squad in late 2014 to face China. Hudson admitted yesterday he was impressed by Smith, and told him during the trip he saw him as a future All Whites captain.
But once again, Smith has been unable to commit to the All Whites for next month's Oceania Nations Cup campaign -- the first step on a long, hard road to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Hudson said Smith wants to be selected "on his terms". Try telling that to Steve Sumner. Or Brian Turner. Or Ivan Vicelich.
Smith debuted for New Zealand in 2010 once the All Whites had booked their place at the World Cup. He also represented New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics, but didn't help the team qualify. New Zealand Football has been great for Tommy Smith.
But Smith's obviously indifferent attitude towards playing for New Zealand, and the ongoing uncertainty around his availability was disrespectful to his teammates, and all those who had worn the All White shirt before him.
He left Hudson with little choice but to make this call, but it's a big decision nonetheless and one for which he should be applauded.
It's the right decision for the team, and possibly even for Smith himself.
Newshub.
