- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Ernie Merrick, who steered Melbourne Victory to two A-League soccer titles, is the new coach of the Wellington Phoenix.
The 60-year-old Scotsman, whose last job was as Hong Kong national coach, was named as the successor to Ricki Herbert by the New Zealand club on Monday.
He has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third.
Twice named A-League coach of the year, Merrick led the Victory to titles in 2007 and 2009 before he was sacked in March 2011.
“Ernie has an unrivalled record in the A-League,” said Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison.
The club had carried out an exhaustive selection process to recruit the new coach and Morrison said Merrick’s presentation stood out.
“His clearly articulated football philosophy and attention to detail was strongly underpinned by his sports science skills and that gave him a unique combination of attributes.”
Merrick, who made three grand finals in four seasons during his time with the Victory, has a task to turn around the Phoenix, who finished bottom of the A-League table this season, but said he was up for the challenge.
“My coaching philosophy has always been about winning. That’s what I will be bringing to the Phoenix,” he said.
Two or three player signings would be his first priority, but added that he wanted to bring on the club’s young players.
“There is great potential at the club and there must be a lot of talented young players in New Zealand to draw on.”
Merrick takes up the helm on June 5.
– Age: 60
– Born: Edinburgh
– Melbourne Victory coach Dec 2004-Mar 2011
– Two A-League titles – 2007 and 2009
– Twice A-League manager of the year – 2007 and 2010
– In charge for 151 games
– National coach of Hong Kong Dec 2011-Oct 2012
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.