Former Phoenix head coach Ernie Merrick admits that although his decision to step down was a difficult one, it was one which had been made much earlier in the side's lacklustre 2016 campaign.
Merrick told media at a press conference Tuesday morning that following his side's brutal 6-1 loss to the Victory in Melbourne at the end of the October, he'd sat down with club chairman Rob Morrison and told him he'd like to cut ties with the Phoenix, only to be talked back into staying.
"Over the start of the season there were just so many things I was not happy with, and it all culminated in the Victory loss," confessed Merrick.
"I said to Rob I'd give it another three or four weeks to see if we could turn it around, but it hasn't really turned around so I stood by the decision.
"This time I told the team first."
Despite the Phoenix languishing at the bottom of the A-league ladder, Merrick believes the club is in a good space moving forward and that an upcoming stretch of home games should enable some of the younger players to find their feet.
"The future is looking good, not only for the first team but also for our U-20 and youth teams.
"We have a really good squad, we have a good staff, and we're near the bottom of the league…I have to take full responsibility for that."
Captain Andrew Durante was highly emotional as he recounted the impact Merrick's had at the club, and was adamant much of the blame for his demise fell upon the players.
"We have to accept we've let Ernie down," said Durante.
"There's too many good players in the team to throw this season away, I won’t let it happen."
Interim coach Chris Greenacre acknowledged Merrick's influence on the coaching staff as a whole, but insisted it was imperative they remained focused on trying to salvage their season.
Morrison advised they had a short-list drawn up and would be looking to make a decision on exactly who would replace Merrick long-term before Christmas.
"It is a loss for the club and New Zealand football and Ernie goes with our best wishes."
Newshub.
