Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante insists he has no say in the club's coaching appointment, but he's given a vote of confidence to incumbents Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre.
The duo is set to interview for the now vacant role this week, with the Phoenix also looking at a number of external candidates.
Things didn't look bright for Buckingham and Greenacre when Newshub revealed last week that they'd have to re-apply for their jobs, but the public support of the club's skipper is a huge boost.
"First time coaches coming in was always going to be difficult, they had a game plan and they had clear instructions throughout the week, so they've done really well," Durante told Newshub.
"It's just in the hands of [chairman Rob Morrison] and the board on who they think will be best.
"If they go with [Des and Chris] they'll have the full support of the players, but if they go elsewhere then we'll have a new coach to support."
Durante was then pushed on whether that was an indication he'd rather have Buckingham and Greenacre stay on.
"Unless they get Guus Hiddink, then I'd probably say Hiddink, but look I can't comment. They've done really well."
The Phoenix have precisely zero chance of luring the Dutch great to Wellington, but the comment speaks volumes of Durante's thoughts on the incumbent coaches.
Both Buckingham and Greenacre will no doubt draw on the public support they've received from Durante when their time comes to interview to stay on, and as we see time and time again in football, having the full support of the players is critical to any success.
Newshub.
