The Wellington Phoenix have revealed Mark Rudan as their new A-League coach with the 42-year-old putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
Rudan arrives after a third caretaker stint from Chris Greenacre, who was forced to once again fill a managerial void after Darije Kalezic departed midway through last season.
It was a similar story the campaign prior with Ernie Merrick also stepping aside without seeing out the full season.
After previous stints in the A-League with Sydney FC and Adelaide United as a player, Rudan's last coaching gig was with Sydney United 58 having also juggled commitments with Australia's U20 side.
Set for his first coaching job in the A-League, Rudan expressed his thanks to the Phoenix for giving him a shot.
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"I would like to place on record my thanks to the Wellington Phoenix board for giving me this opportunity," Rudan said.
"The Phoenix have a reputation for giving young Australian and New Zealand footballers their first starts in the Hyundai A League and now as a coach I have my first A League coaching opportunity.
"There is huge potential at the Phoenix, already signed for the squad is a core group of experienced A League players as well as some of the most exciting young talents in the A-League and we have the funding for some quality visa players ready to go."
Despite Kalezic's departure, Wellington managed to end last season on a high as they avoided the wooden spoon by beating Melbourne City 2-1.
That on-field success was dimmed somewhat with reports emerging during the off-season that the club was looking to sell their A-League licence.
While a less than ideal distraction, the club have managed to start building for next season with Rudan's appointment complimenting the recent re-signing of skipper Andrew Durante.
