Blindsides have been a running theme for New Zealand Football and today it was apparently boss Andy Martin's turn to deliver one.
The chief executive announced he's walking away, leaving NZ Football in turmoil – a decision that stunned chairman Deryck Shaw.
"I wasn't aware that Andy was intending to step down prior to this week."
But NZ Football claims Martin voiced plans of retiring at the end of this year until the bombshell today - he's gone effective immediately.
NZF boss Andy Martin feels the governing body reacted quickly after getting evidence of team culture issues. (Source: Other)
In a bizarre release NZ Football announced martin is "hanging up his boots" while heaping praise on what they call "his strong leadership".
But whatever the backdrop, today's departure is music to the ears of those involved in the game.
Former Football Ferns captain Katie Duncan said the news isn’t a surprise.
Andy Martin said there have also been about six letters supporting Heraf submitted to the governing body by players. (Source: Other)
"To have NZ Football in a negative light is hard but it's clear that the change is needed."
Former All White Declan Edge, who has been vocal throughout the Football Ferns controversy, says the announcement needs to be used as an opportunity to turn a new leaf.
"There’s an opportunity now for New Zealand to gather our thoughts and work out, like I’ve said before, why we do this and how we want it to be done."
As 1 NEWS understands, Martin has been responsible for what's been described as "a toxic environment" currently present not just in the women’s national team, but the organisation as well.
It comes off the back of allegations of bullying within the Football Ferns environment which resulted in the suspension of coach Andreas Heraf and prompted an independent inquiry into the entire organisation which is still yet to get underway.
Shaw says the governing body is being thorough.
"There’s been a lot of work around the terms of reference and actually getting the right person, the right calibre, as part of that process so that does take a bit of time."
Martin arrived to NZ Football in 2014 from battling English rugby club London Irish.
During his four year tenure here, a milestone agreement was achieved which saw pay equity across the All Whites and Football Ferns.
However, he's also been blamed for a high turnover of staff with long standing national team managers, the organisation's community director, marketing director and technical director - all gone.
So despite Martin not being the first to go, with the terms of reference and the reviewer of the upcoming independent inquiry set to be announced next week, expect more to follow too.
SHARE ME