Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Phoenix confirm Herbert resignation

Updated at 12:03 pm on 27 February 2013

The Wellington Phoenix have confirmed the resignation of football coach Ricki Herbert.

Herbert has cited his desire to focus on his international duties with the All Whites in a busy World Cup qualification year, and his belief that the time is right for change at the club, in light of poor results this season.

After making the A-League playoffs for a third straight time last year, the Phoenix are at the foot of this season's A-league table having gone nine games without a win since early December, although they drew 2-2 at home last weekend against Adelaide.

The Phoenix board says in accepting Herbert's resignation it has offered Herbert an advisory position within the Club.

Herbert has been the Phoenix's only head coach after taking the role at the inception of the Club in 2007.

The current assistant coach Chris Greenacre will take over the coaching responsibilities until the end of the 2013 season.

Copyright © 2013, Radio New Zealand