Wellington Phoenix co-coach Des Buckingham does not believe the football club needs a mass clear out after a disappointing end to a frustrating A-league season last night.
Phoenix co-coach Des Buckingham. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It looked like the Phoenix would end their season on a high after leading Brisbane Roar 3-1 at half-time, courtesy of an excellent attacking display.
But early in the second half the visitors conceded two goals in eight minutes, with the Roar eventually winning 4-3 to secure a home finals berth.
Buckingham said the loss typified their A-league football season.
"The frustration and probably the frustration of our season has probably been the other side of it, the defensive side of it, and being in positions like we have been tonight, that's cost us points and those points have ultimately cost us a position in the play-offs."
Buckingham believed a couple of key recruits would make the difference but said the coaching position needed to be sorted before any further recruitment.
Both Buckingham and his co-coach, Chris Greenacre, are applying for the head coaching role after taking over from former coach, Ernie Merrick, in January.
The pair oversaw six wins, six draws and seven losses, which will be closely scrutinised when management sift through their candidates for next season.
"I'll be interviewing for the role as will Chris as will other candidates from my understanding. I'm not sure on the timeframe for when decisions may be made but the football club will make the best decision they feel that will take this club forward and if that's me, great.
"We've highlighted key areas, I don't think there's any mass need for a clear out. I think with the addition of two or three good solid players in key positions for us.
"When we've been in strong positions, or we need to get ourselves back into games, we've not been quite able to do that. I'm convinced that with recruitment, with a couple of key players in key areas, that's an area that we'll fix for next year. Whether that's Chris, myself, or somebody else, and these players that we've still got on contract, will be able to take this club forward."
