Striker Chris Greenacre will have a dual role at the Wellington Phoenix this season after being brought onto the coaching staff by Ricki Herbert.
The 33-year-old Englishman already holds a UEFA B coaching licence and he will work with the club’s other attacking players while remaining on the playing roster.
“It is a fantastic opportunity and I would have been crazy not to jump at it,” said Greenacre, who joined the A-League club in 2009.
“All my close friends know this is what I want to do when I finish playing. Hopefully I can still play a part as a player because I’m still in good nick physically.”
“I enjoy training and going into work every day just as much as I did as a 17-year-old at Man City.”
“I’ll continue to work day in day out and will be treated the same as everyone else while doing so. There will be no special privileges but when Ricki needs a hand I am capable of stepping up to the plate.”
Herbert praised Greenacre’s contribution to the club since his arrival two years ago but stressed he would get no special treatment when it came to team selection.
“The character, application and dedication Chris has shown since joining the Phoenix has been second to none, and I know he will bring those same qualities to his new role,” Herbert said.
“His involvement on the coaching side will relate directly to the front third of the pitch because he has a good understanding and feel for players who operate in that area.”
“He will remain a member of the playing staff and be selected according to performance, the same as any player at the club.”
“Chris has been respected by other members of the squad, and from discussions I have had with senior players in coming to this decision it is evident he will have their support in his new role.”
With Greenacre now on board, Herbert said the focus would shift to appointing a goalkeeping coach.
The club also need to sign a further five players to complete their roster for the 2011/12 A-League season following the signing of Niko Tsattalios earlier this week.
Fellow triallist, defender Bryan Bran, has returned to Australia and Herbert is expected to make a decision next week on whether to sign the teenager as one of the two under-21 spots he needs to fill.
Spaniard Dani Sanchez, who has struggled with a thigh injury and had only limited game time in Wellington, has also returned home but seems like only an outside chance of getting a contract.
The mystery attacking midfielder from a European first division league that Herbert was touting last week also looks no closer to being signed by the New Zealander.
Herbert is hoping to get a senior playmaker and striker to bolster his squad and has been looking at players in Europe. He said there were “a few options” but conceded the competition from other clubs also wanting those players was high.
