Wellington Phoenix

via Zimbio

Truth broke the news this morning:

THE Wellington Phoenix have axed coach Ricki Herbert.
Truth understands the decision to replace Herbert was made yesterday.

The Nix owners – the most high profile being the controversial Gareth Morgan – are keen for Herbert to remain in charge for the rest of the season before he takes up a part-time Director of Football role.

Stuff continues:

Wellington Phoenix football coach Ricki Herbert will quit today.

A well placed source confirmed reports that Herbert will not be on the sidelines for tomorrow night’s home A-League match against Newcastle.   Read more »

Terry Serepisos has been given the arse from the Phoenix. He of course is preferring to spin it another way.

Embattled property developer Terry Serepisos says he decided to relinquish control of the Wellington Phoenix A-league soccer team, though the handover could have been handled differently.

Serepisos, who is currently embroiled in court proceedings to orchestrate the orderly sell-down of a $232.5 million property portfolio, told a media conference in Wellington the Welnix Ltd consortium which has taken over the Phoenix licence “possibly should have approached me.”

The new owners, originally dubbed the Phoenix Five, actually number seven. They are headed by Kiwibank chairman Rob Morrison and also include Gareth Morgan, Lloyd Morrison, Campbell Gower, James Brown, Henry Tait and Lib Petagna.

He had no talks with them about the deal. He stressed that he wasn’t forced out of the Phoenix, rather it was a good time for him to hand over control and give him time to focus on his personal life.

“I think the consortium could have handled it a little bit different, but as I said we’re here now and this is done,” Serepisos said.

“We have to do the right thing for the right reason.”

Mmmm-ok Terry, sure we believe you, it was your choice. Oh BTW how is that loan coming along from Western Gulf Advisory?

Oh and where is my writ? Still that for that.

At a Phoenix game – all the announcements are about ‘Your Wellington Phoenix’. Is that because Terry can’t pay the bills so ratepayers are bailing him out again?