Herbert has worked with Brown for many years and has watched the 31-year-old mature from a promising young player into one of the best midfielders New Zealand has produced.
“This came completely out of the blue,” Herbert says.
“It is going to be difficult to replace him because he has been an integral part not only in building the Phoenix, but also in playing a leading role in a successful World Cup campaign.
“Losing a midfielder with Tim’s ability to get forward and score goals is a massive loss to both club and country. While we will really miss him, he goes with our best wishes and I’m sure he will be as successful in his latest venture as he was in football.”
An almost constant presence in the All Whites line-up since his debut in 2004, Brown went on to make 30 appearances in ‘A’ internationals, captaining the team for 13 of those matches, including the entire 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign.
In one of the more captivating chapters of his All Whites career, Brown made a typically spirited comeback to take his place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad despite suffering a shoulder injury against Australia just weeks out from the finals. But the combative midfielder did not take the field during New Zealand’s unbeaten run in South Africa.
Earlier this week, Brown announced he would retire from all football after the Phoenix’s play-off run to take up an opportunity to study for a masters degree in management at either the London School of Economics or Cambridge University.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

Share