The big news for New Zealand football this week was the news that Ryan Nelsen had taken up the role as head coach of struggling MLS side, Toronto FC. Nelsen looks set to end his playing career with QPR shortly to take up his new role - the MLS season starts in a few months time and playing with the struggling Premier League side till the end of the season would have seen him miss the first few months of Toronto's season.
On that note, I'm a bit concerned for Toronto that they have taken on someone who has absolutely no coaching experience whatsoever let alone coaching in what is a very good league, even if Nelsen could potentially be a very good coach. Toronto fans will have to be extremely patient with Nelsen as he embarks on what will be a long, arduous process.
But back to the main topic of discussion, can the All Whites go on without their inspirational captain? Just as Simon Mannering is to league, Ross Taylor to cricket and Casey Kopua (nee Williams) to netball, New Zealand football has Ryan Nelsen. Some might say he is as inspirational as Richie McCaw.
Whatever people might say, the general consensus is that Nelsen has had quite some clout on the All Whites, being New Zealand's best footballer at the moment by dint of the fact he is one of our most experienced players and one of a few playing in one of the best leagues in the world, i.e. the Premier League.
The question now is can the All Whites still go to the 2014 World Cup without Nelsen? It was always going to be a difficult ask and I think playing a Central American team may just be a bit harder than playing an Asian team - I expect the All Whites to make that playoff game regardless. So that is very much 50-50.
But in terms of personnel, the All Whites have got quite a bit of depth in Ryan Nelsen's position. In fact, central defender is a position that New Zealand football seems to produce in abundance. Winston Reid looks likely to be our best bet to replace Nelsen long term - if Nelsen goes, he'll be New Zealand's only footballer in the Premier League. Just as well that he has finally become a starter at West Ham United.
Then there's Tommy Smith at Ipswich Town - he has been one of the Tractor Boys' better players, and back at the Wellington Phoenix, we've got the experienced Ben Sigmund, Michael Boxall and quite possibly, Andrew Durante, who has made himself available to play for New Zealand if needed.
Andrew Durante is a poor man's Ryan Nelsen but would still be a valuable asset to Ricki Herbert on the international front. I am absolutely sure Herbert will want the Aussie in his side.
Elsewhere though, the All Whites have the potential to change from their dour, game-killing approach to a more attacking and positive one, thanks to a rise of stocks up front. Kosta Barborouses has emerged as a fine attacking option after missing out on the 2010 World Cup and Marco Rojas is also a talent to watch - a player that New Zealand would love to have up front. Herbert could also take a punt on the athletic and pacy, Louis Fenton and Tyler Boyd.
Then, there's Jeremy Brockie and Chris Wood who have been banging in the goals at the Phoenix and Millwall/Leicester respectively. Wood could possibly be our next best footballer after Reid especially if Leicester City gain promotion to the Premier League having emerged as one of the Championship's most prolific strikers.
So this could be the All Whites' starting lineup later in the year -
Mark Paston (GK)
Tony Lochhead
Tommy Smith
Winston Reid
Leo Bertos
Dan Keat
Michael McGlinchey
Kosta Barborouses
Jeremy Brockie
Marco Rojas
Chris Wood
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