Former coaches of European national football teams and English Premier League sides are among about 200 applicants for the vacant head coaching role at the Wellington Phoenix.
The club's general manager David Dome says interviews are expected to take place next month and he hopes to have appointed a new coach within six weeks.
Dome says there's been interest from high calibre applicants who're attracted to an emerging football league which is starting to boast big name players like Italy's Alessandro Del Piero.
He says applications have been received from head coaches in England and Spain with champions league experience as well as coaches of European national sides and Europeans who've coached national teams outside of Europe.
Dome says while there are some well know applicants it's important the club appoints someone who understands the club's vision and financial capability.
The Phoenix play Melbourne Victory in their final home game of the season on Sunday week.
