Last-placed Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has resigned, the A-League club confirmed on Monday.
Merrick told the players of his decision after Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Adelaide United, which continued their disappointing season which sees them firmly rooted to the bottom of the ladder thanks to their -8 goal difference.
Wellington have registered two wins and six losses from their eight games this season.
Merrick said that with recent results he had taken the team as far as he could.
“I take full responsibility for position the team is currently in.
“I feel that I have not performed well enough as Head Coach, as we have a very strong squad that should be higher up the table.
“It’s therefore the right time for me to step aside and allow someone else to take over. We have a run of home games coming up and I think this will give my successor the best opportunity to take the team forward.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Wellington Phoenix for the past three years and particularly Welnix, the Chairman and the board who have been nothing but supportive during this time.”
Wellington’s disappointment so far in the 2016/17 season comes off the back of a ninth-placed finish in last year’s A-League, which only heaped further pressure on Merrick. He had taken the Phoenix to the finals the year prior thanks to a fourth-placed finish, but bombed out in Week 1.
All this was despite the fact that pre-season the Phoenix were widely thought to have assembled one of the best squads in the club’s history. Signing Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses was supposed to herald success, but the Phoenix have struggled for consistency so far.
Assistant coach Chris Greenacre, who took over the interim job when Rickie Herbert vacated the role, is likely to fill that role again.
At this stage it’s unknown who could be in the running to replace Merrick, though Mark Rudan has been touted as a possible target.
Merrick won an A-League trophy and minor premiership with Melbourne Victory before taking the reins at Phoenix in 2013, replacing Rickie Herbert.
UPDATE
Chris Greenacre and Des Buckingham have been appointed by the Phoenix as the club’s interim head coaches while they search for a full-time replacement for Merrick.
With AAP
MatthewSkellett
Guest
I kinda feel sorry for Ernie - tried his damndest at the Nix ,who would have known Finkler and Barbarousis would not perform all that great this season? Krishna was the main scorer but no one else was up for it . I fondly hope his next gig is a lot happier .
Post_hoc
Guest
Clearly Ernie has his reasons, maybe he believes he has lost the confidence of the players. He strikes me as a very decent coach and wants the best for his team rather than himself.
Nemesis
Guest
Coaches come and coaches go. Merrick has shown tremendous courage to take responsibility. Wellington are not playing well this season & they've got an excellent squad. Must be an Australian thing to suggest "team will fold" whenever there's some issue. If poor performances equates to team in crisis, then the majority of the football clubs in the world are on the edge of crisis every season.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Very courageous and honourable actions from Mr Merrick. I've always admired him for his behaviour. It was Ernie above all else who has contributed the most to Melbourne Victory's success and early domination of the A-League. He is in fact still one of the A-League's most successful managers. It takes some courage and personal integrity to take the blame for all those around him, but hopefully the players will respond and put in better performances on and off the field. Otherwise with many clubs circling for a franchise in the A-League, it could be the beginning of the end for a NZ team in the A-League.
Bondy
Guest
Ernie did look a dejected figure on the bench yesterday , oh well he believes its best for the Club ..
Dan
Guest
With the new expansions clubs and the pressure already on the wellington Board you have to wonder.
pete4
Guest
I think that's a little over the top. A few wins in a row and there back in the mix like most clubs
Franko
Guest
John Key has seen the writing on the wall and also stepped down. NZ currently looking for a Prime Minister and Football Manager, Ryan Nelsen is the man for both jobs.
Mark
Guest
*well and truly begun
hog
Guest
A lot of respect for Merrick he's doing the honorable thing, however imo though, yes they should be doing better but the squad lacks depth or genuine class which the results show. You can;'t just put this down to another unlucky run. As for a replacement they may look at the coach of Auckland City Ramon Tribuietix.
Jacko
Guest
Running last could also lead to their demise, which is where they are. Its difficult to dislike Merrick as he comes accross as a very genuine sort but I guess he feels the weight of a bad start. I wish him luck in the future. Time for the Nix to change the way they play
Mark
Guest
Merrick has always been all class. I have to say I'm not too surprised at their current predicament. I didn't think the signings of Finkler and Barbarouses were going to do much for them. Finkler's performances last season suggested his age-related decline had well and truly become. Kosta's performances also suggested that we've already seen the best he has to offer.
Midfielder
Guest
agree
Dan
Guest
Big move for wellington if they get this wrong it could lead to their demise.
Franko
Guest
Very honorable from Merrick, they've shown signs but are still to "Krishna-centric". Mark Rudan seems to have his name thrown about for every A-League job and you have to wonder why he and not Mark Crittenden given Blacktown City's run of success.