Kosmina: Time to cut Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix’s worth to the competition has been questioned by a former A-League coach.

Despite being granted a 10-year licence by Football Federation Australia at the beginning of 2016, former Sydney FC and Adelaide United coach John Kosmina has called for the axe to fall on the Phoenix as they languish at the bottom of the table.

The Socceroos great made his feelings clear when speaking on Fox Sports’ Sunday Shootout.

"I have to be harsh and say I think it’s time to say goodbye to Wellington," he said.

"I know that sounds harsh but when the A-League began, it worked. It was something that we needed, it added a bit of variety, it added a bit of colour.

"But now it’s season after season after season where they look like they’re going to do something and all of a sudden the wheels fall off badly."

Kosmina’s comments have come in the wake of Wellington’s 4-0 defeat to competition leaders Sydney on Friday night - a result that leaves them eight points off the top six.

"The fact is they’re not really causing any threats to anyone, I think they’re not really doing Australian football any favours," he said. "Now I look at it from our development point of view: take Wellington out and put another Aussie team in, instead. It will benefit our game a lot more."

Although it is not the first time the Phoenix’s place in the A-League has come under scrutiny from across the ditch, Kosmina may be motivated by the fact he coaches Brisbane City, a team currently pushing for inclusion in the competition.

The axe is unlikely to fall any time soon. In 2016 the Phoenix were granted a four-year extension through to the end of the 2019-20 season, with two further three-year extensions.

Those periods are dependent on a number of factors, including improved broadcast rights from New Zealand and greater attendance.