Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan has confirmed he will end his successful stint at the club at the end of the A-League season, saying he is putting his family first.
Rudan is expected to return to Australia and there has been speculation he could take the coaching reins at one of the two clubs set to join the A-League in the next two seasons.
In his debut season as an A-League coach, Rudan has guided the previously- struggling Phoenix into the finals series for the first time since 2015.
"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my career. I came here wanting a project I could sink my teeth into and really make a difference to our sport," Rudan said.
"But as I've made mention previously, family is up most of importance to me. I am a husband and a father first and a football coach second.
"The past few weeks I have worked closely with the club trying to find a solution but ultimately it was something that could not be resolved."
Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison said the club did everything possible to retain Rudan.
"Together we have tried very hard to find a solution that would enable him to stay, but considering all factors, it hasn't been possible, so Mark's decision is one as a club we respect," Morrison said.
"But we move on and will begin the process of the recruitment of a new coach for next season.
"As a club we have worked extraordinarily hard to put in place the building blocks that will mean this club is consistently challenging for finals places."
AAP.
