Mark Rudan exits Wellington Phoenix with new job in hand

Mark Rudan will walk away from Wellington Phoenix after one season with a new job at Western United FC awaiting.

Mark Rudan will be stepping down as coach of Wellington Phoenix after just one season in charge. Picture: Getty Images

Mark Rudan waited a long time to get his chance as an A-League coach, but has now decided to walk away from his dream job after just one season.

Citing family reasons for a decision that came as no surprise given the speculation that has been swirling around for the past two months or so, Rudan announced yesterday he was stepping down as coach of Wellington Phoenix at the end of the season.

It comes with just two games left in the regular season and with the club about to play in their first finals series since the 2014-15 season.

But Rudan’s A-League journey is unlikely to end there as he is expected to be named the inaugural coach of new Melbourne A-League franchise Western United FC, who will enter an expanded competition next season.

That announcement will only come once Phoenix have completed their season.

In making yesterday’s announcement, Rudan said his family was uppermost in his thinking and he wanted to give the club and the players clear space going into the finals.

“This has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my career. I came here wanting a project I could sink my teeth into and really make a difference to our sport,” he said.

“I’ve said it before, this football club is special. There are wonderful people here that make this club what it is. The people of Wellington and New Zealand have truly embraced me. I thank everyone for having such great belief in me.

“But as I’ve made mention previously, family is of utmost importance to me. I am a husband and a father first and a football coach second.”

Rudan said he had been working closely with the club to find a solution, but to no avail.

“Ultimately, it was something that could not be resolved,” he said. “The reasoning behind making the announcement now is to put a stop to all the speculation out there so that we can completely focus on finals football.

“The players, coaching staff and entire football club are 100 per cent committed to do well in the finals.”

Phoenix are still in contention for an all-important home finals game but will need to win their final two games against Melbourne City at home and newly crowned premiers, Perth Glory away. Rudan has been responsible for a remarkable turnaround with the Phoenix, who had become such a laughing stock in recent seasons that there has been a push to kick them out of the competition because of poor results and lack of attendances and television viewership.

Wellington finished ninth, eighth and ninth in the past three seasons and the situation was not expected to improve much this season. However, Rudan, with the help of some astute signings, has fashioned a quality side that has produced some exceptional results.