Wellington Phoenix confirmed five members of the Isuzu UTE A-League team’s first-team coaching staff have departed the club.
Phoenix assistant coach Adam Griffiths, goalkeeper coach Ruben Parker, second assistant/head analyst Jordi Manning, head physiotherapist Cory Glover and kitman Jack Mapp have farewelled Wellington following last week’s Australia Cup play-off win over Brisbane Roar in Darwin.
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Griffiths has been Giancarlo Italiano’s lead assistant for the past two years and was instrumental in Wellington conceding a league-low 26 goals in 2023-24 as the Phoenix narrowly missed out on the Premiership and a Grand Final berth.
Parker arrived at the ‘Nix at the start of 2022 and was initially the academy’s head of goalkeeping before progressing to the first team, overseeing the remarkable rise of Alex Paulsen.
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Manning joined Italiano’s coaching staff in 2024 and played a major role in the development of the club’s analysis department. As for Glover and Mapp (initially an intern) – they both moved to the Phoenix four years ago and were part of the support staff which was forced to relocate to Sydney for the 2021-22 campaign.
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“They have all been valued members of the men’s first team staff and have left an indelible mark on the Phoenix,” said Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill.
“Griffs and Rubs both played a major role in the team’s historic 2023-24 campaign and Jordi has complemented the coaching team well this season.
“I want to highlight Cory’s and Jack’s contributions as they were part of a tight-knit staff that had to leave their families and friends behind and move to Sydney for seven months for the 2021-22 season.
“All five have had a big impact on the club and I wish them all the best for their futures.”
