The Wellington Phoenix football coaches Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre have failed to be appointed to the role permanently.
The pair were appointed as co-coaches after the mid-season departure of Ernie Merrick.
In a statement the Phoenix general manager David Dome said the club has signed an overseas coach but won't be revealing who that is until next month.
Des Buckingham (L) and Chris Greenacre Photo: Photosport
Dome said the appointee has a "deep knowledge of European football, experience of developing young talent and a wide network of scouting contacts...and is excellently situated to attract quality players (to the club)."
He said Buckingham and Greenacre took on their interim roles "amid difficult circumstances" and "performed admirably" and while they had impressed during the interview process with their tactical awareness and vision for the club they had been unsuccessful.
Ernie Merrick left the Phoenix mid-way through last season. Photo: Photosport
However "we believe we have two of the most talented young coaches currently active in Australasia".
Dome said fifteen players from last season's squad have so far been contracted for the next season and the new coach is working through currently off contract players and potential new signings.
