Ernie Merrick doubtful on decision in leaving Phoenix
Football Update – Departing Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has said today that he is unsure whether resigning was the right decision after considering it over the last few weeks.
On Monday morning, the announcement was made that the Scot would not continue on as coach after a poor run of results to begin the season. A 2-0 loss to Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium was the final straw, with Merrick taking full responsibility for that result and those that preceded it.
Departing Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has said today that he is unsure whether resigning was the right decision after considering it over the last few weeks.
On Monday morning, the announcement was made that the Scot would not continue on as coach after a poor run of results to begin the season. A 2-0 loss to Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium was the final straw, with Merrick taking full responsibility for that result and those that preceded it.
The 63-year-old lamented a combination of injuries and the A-League’s lack of an international window, which affected the Phoenix squad more than any other side in the league. Continuity was never a reality for the New Zealanders, having only put the same team out twice in the opening nine rounds.
Fighting an uphill battle, Merrick chose to vacate the post so not to stay on too long, something he made clear as being far from desirable.
“I feel as though I’m doing the right thing for the club,” he said.
The main motivation for leaving was being able to give the club a chance to compete for major honours this season – something he perhaps could not in the current situation. The opportunity to spend more time with his family, who remained in Australia while he spent the bulk of his time in Wellington, was given as further justification for his decision.
Despite managing to bring in Italian defender Marco Rossi, along with former Victory duo Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses, Merrick said that the spending power of Melbourne City has been met with greater recruitment across the league.
Merrick was asked if he felt the Phoenix hierachy provided enough financial support in order for the club to realistically compete – he said: “I don’t think you need to spend an absolute fortune on all the best players… I feel as though I’ve always been well supported [by the Phoenix board]”
While the former Melbourne Victory boss said that next on the agenda would be to “find a beach, a cold beer,” the prospect of retirement is something far from his realm of thought.
“Retirement’s a long way from my mind, I haven’t considered it. And I’ve never bought a pair of slippers!”
Category: Football
