Des Buckingham is under the pump but he's denied he's lost the support of the Wellington Phoenix players.
Buckingham axed first-team trio Roly Bonevacia, Tom Doyle and Ryan Lowry from the squad to play Brisbane tomorrow over a lack of professionalism.
"The lack of professionalism from the three of them, is the reason that they will miss out this weekend," Buckingham said.
"There's been no further discussion on whether that will affect them going forward from this point."
Buckingham wouldn't delve further into what exactly caused the lack of professionalism, but it's understood it stems from an apathetic reaction to the team's humiliating 5-1 loss in front of their own fans.
"We've got fans paying good money to come and watch this club."
Lowry is a back up defender who was likely to drop out anyway with the return of skipper Andrew Durante, but the cases of Doyle and Bonevacia are more alarming.
Bonevacia is one of the most naturally gifted players in the squad, but is off contract at the end of the year and it's expected the chances of him being in Wellington next season hover around zero.
"He's got a good enough opportunity as anyone, to gain a contract here, or put him in the shop window to do well elsewhere.
As for Doyle, he is the side's premier left back and a mainstay of the team, but more importantly is part of the leadership group.
Buckingham would not rule out dumping the 24 year old from that group as a result of this misdemeanor.
"That's a discussion and something we'll keep internal for the time-being."
This news is just a culmination of a wretched few weeks for Buckingham and the Phoenix. They've lost their last three matches by an aggregate score of 11-3, and now sit five points outside the playoffs with seven matches remaining.
Buckingham, though, denies he's lost the dressing room, and star striker Kosta Barbarouses would like to see Buckingham remain at the club next season.
"I think everyone's backing them, and believing in what they're trying to do," Barbarouses said.
"At the end of the day, it's up to us to apply the information they give us and we haven't done that to the best of our ability over the last few weeks."
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