ZCZC
BSP-05
FBL-AUS-NZL-ASIA
Embattled Phoenix name new coach in survival fight
WELLINGTON, May 30, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – New Zealand strugglers Wellington Phoenix appointed Mark Rudan as their coach on a two-year deal Wednesday as they fight to stay in Australia’s A-League.
Phoenix described Rudan, 42, as “one of Australia’s most promising young coaches”, saying he would bring fresh energy to the side.
“We are an ‘underdog’ club, we can’t escape that,” chairman Rob Morrison said.
“We have to fight for everything we get and we wanted someone who would buy into what the club faces and is capable of leading that fight. We think Mark is that person.”
The Phoenix have been without a permanent coach since Darije Kalezic resigned in March after less than a year at the helm.
The underperforming team’s spot in the Australian league is only guaranteed until the end of the 2019-20 season, with A-League administrators looking for better results and attendances to keep it going.
Sydney-born Rudan is a former defender whose most recent coaching experience was with Sydney United in the second-tier national Premier League.
He said he saw huge potential at the Phoenix.
“Already signed for the squad is a core group of experienced A-League players as well as some of the most exciting young talents in the A-League,” he said.
“And we have the funding for some quality visa (overseas) players ready to go.”
The Phoenix won only five matches out of 27 this season, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon as they finished second last.
The A-League has already announced plans for two new clubs in 2019-20 and appears more interested in Australian expansion than retaining a New Zealand team.
BSS/AFP/AU/08:05 hrs