Chris Greenacre has been appointed head coach at the men's Wellington Phoenix following a fourth stint as interim manager.
He will now take charge of the men for the 2026-27 season with an option for another year.
After scoring 19 goals for the Phoenix in 84 appearances, the former striker served as an assistant to the men's first five head coaches from 2012-2021.
For the past four seasons, Greenacre was head coach of the men's reserves and head of pro development at the club's academy.
Greenacre took the reins most recently from Giancarlo Italiano who quit after a 5-0 thrashing by Auckland FC in February.
Since then, he has guided the Phoenix to four wins in eight matches to close out the A-League season, including the team's first three-match winning streak in three years.
Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison said Greenacre was the club's first "hometown" head coach and thoroughly deserved the opportunity.
"He's served a long apprenticeship at the Phoenix and we've watched him grow into a high quality coach. He knows the club inside-out and the hard work and professionalism he showed as a player have been carried into his coaching career.
"Greeny played for a Phoenix team that emphasised hard work and determination, kept their feet on the ground and put each other and the club ahead of themselves. They're qualities we want him to instil in the current side.
"He has done a fantastic job over the past couple of months after taking charge in difficult circumstances and we can already see the qualities he wants in the team. We look forward to seeing what he can achieve over the next 12 months. I have no doubt he will continue to instil pride in the Phoenix badge."
'My club, my hometown'
Greenacre said he was extremely proud to be appointed the seventh head coach in club history.
"It's a real honour to lead this team. I feel the Phoenix is my club and Wellington is my hometown.
"I want to grasp this opportunity and drive this club forward with everything I've got. I've got the passion and the drive to do it, and I just want to drag people along for the journey and let see what happens."
Greenacre said he wanted to create moments that the club's supporters could be proud of.
"I want to see an exciting brand of football where we create a lot of opportunities going forward. Ultimately the game is about scoring goals and when your team's creating opportunities fans get behind you.
Greenacre said his time at the Phoenix academy had been crucial in honing his skills and he felt more than ready for the top job.
"They’re all of the ingredients that you need in a first team set-up and I’m more than ready for this opportunity now."
SHARE ME