The likely contenders

Ricki Herbert

The under-achieving Wellington Phoenix are searching for a new coach after Scotsman Ernie Merrick stepped down from his post yesterday. Here are six potential coaching candidates.

Ramon Tribulietx

Tribulietx has carved out a superb record in his time in charge of Kiwi domestic powerhouse Auckland City. He steered them to bronze at the 2014 Fifa Club World Cup and has captured multiple Oceania Champions League and New Zealand domestic titles. Is it finally time for the astute Spaniard to be given a shot at the Phoenix?

Chris Greenacre

Greenacre has been Merrick’s assistant at the Phoenix and shapes as a potential option to take over. His elite level head coaching record is limited to caretaker coaching roles with the Nix, but could be ready for an opportunity. The Englishman enjoyed a long professional career, playing for the Nix between 2009-12 and spent more than a decade in the English pro leagues. The Phoenix will have to weigh up whether they want a complete break from the Merrick-regime or whether Greenacre can step up.

Neil Emblen

Emblen has worked in a variety of coaching roles since finishing up his playing career. He’s been involved as All Whites’ assistant and interim head coach, and coached several New Zealand agegroup men’s sides. Could the Phoenix top job offer appeal for the Kiwi-based Englishman?

If the Phoenix wanted to go back to the future they could turn to Herbert, their coach from 2007-13, who guided them to several trips to the finals. Herbert coached both the Phoenix and All Whites during his time in charge, but could be keen to solely focus on the A-League this time around. In recent years, Herbert has coached the Maldives national side, the Papua New Guinea under-23s and had a stint coaching in the Indian Super League.

Ross Aloisi

Aloisi is assistant to brother, John, at the Brisbane Roar and may be eager for his own head coaching gig. He had a brief 13-game span at the Phoenix in the 2007-08 season. The Australian has coached Adelaide United in the Australian women’s national league and started his coaching career at club side, West Adelaide, between 2010-13.

Frank Farina

The experienced Australian has coached a raft of international and domestic sides over the years and may be interested in one last shot at the A-League. He’s previously coached both the Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC in the A-League. Most recently he worked with Fiji Football, coaching their senior and under-23 men’s sides, but was sacked following the 2016 Olympics.