Wellington Phoenix have officially appointed interim manager Chris Greenacre as their permanent Head Coach.
Stepping in for former coach Giancarlo Italiano at the end of February, Greenacre managed to rejuvenate the club’s performance, leading them to a late but ultimately failed attempt to reach the Finals.
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The ex-Phoenix striker guided the team through eight fixtures at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League regular season, netting 13 points to finish eighth overall.
“It’s a tremendous honour to lead this team,” Greenacre declared after his official appointment was announced on Tuesday morning.
“I believe the Phoenix is my club and Wellington is my home.”
“My wife Lynsey and I fell in love with Wellington as soon as we moved here from the UK, and our daughter Hermione was born here.”
“To play for and now lead your hometown club is an incredible opportunity that rarely occurs in football around the globe.”
“I’m keen to seize this opportunity and propel the club forward with all my energy.”
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“I have the enthusiasm and determination to see this through, and I’m eager to take everyone along for the ride to see where it leads.”
“I want us to play an exciting brand of football, emphasising attack and creating numerous chances.”
“At the end of the day, the objective is to score goals, and when a team generates opportunities, the fans will rally behind us.”
“When Hnry Stadium is at full capacity, it’s a fantastic venue, and it’s our collective responsibility—coaches and players alike—to fill that stadium once more.
“One thing I guarantee is that the players won’t be showing any signs of giving up. There will be no doubts regarding their effort—that’s not who I am and not how I played.”
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Greenacre, who made Wellington his home since 2009 after joining the Phoenix as a player, will oversee the men’s team for the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League season, with an option for an additional year.
During his playing career, Greenacre scored 19 goals in 84 matches for the Nix and served as an assistant to the first five men’s head coaches from 2012 to 2021.
Furthermore, he has also taken on the role of head coach for the men’s reserves and led professional development at the club’s academy.
“Greeny is thoroughly deserving of this chance,” stated Wellington Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison regarding the appointment.
“He has invested significant time at the Phoenix, and we’ve witnessed his evolution into a high-quality coach.”
“He knows the club inside out and the dedication he demonstrated as a player has transitioned seamlessly into his coaching career.
“Greeny played with a Phoenix squad that prioritised hard work and resilience, with a grounded mindset, always putting the team and the club before personal interests. These are the values we want him to instil in the current team.
“He has done a remarkable job over the past few months under challenging circumstances, and we are already witnessing the qualities he wishes to cultivate in the squad.
“We look forward to observing his achievements over the upcoming year. I have full confidence he will continue to foster pride in the Phoenix emblem.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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