Departing with dignity is not always easy to do. But Ricki Herbert should do it.

After being run off the pitch 5-1 by Mexico on Thursday, the All Whites were apparently worn out by their extensive media commitments and travel itinerary during the first leg of their intercontinental playoff too.

Ricki Herbert may be on borrowed time but the All Whites players have come to the support of their embattled coach.

For all his defiance in the wake of the Azteca Stadium humiliation, Ricki Herbert must go. It's only partly for events on Thursday.