Wellington Phoenix have announced head of football operations Jake Piper will depart at the end of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season to pursue opportunities abroad.
It will bring an end to Piper’s two-and-a-half-year spell at the Phoenix, where he has overseen the men’s team as well as the day-to-day running of the club’s wider football department.
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Piper worked at Capital Football, Oceania Football and New Zealand Football prior to joining Wellington at the start of 2023.
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“As my hometown club the Phoenix has always been a big part of my life so to hold this role has been an incredible experience and one I’m extremely grateful for,” Piper said. “But the time is right to move on and look for the next challenge.
“I’ve gained extensive experience in New Zealand and now I want to further my career abroad.
“I’m proud of what we’ve continued to build across the football department over the last couple of years. The club has a clear purpose and I believe I’m leaving it in a better place.
“I’ve loved my time at the Phoenix and I’m looking forward to becoming a fan of the club again.
“I want to say a big thank you to Domey (David Dome), Gilly (Shaun Gill) and Chief (Giancarlo Italiano) for giving me this opportunity and to all the amazing players and staff I’ve worked closely with over the past two and a half seasons.
“There have been some incredible moments along the way that I’ll never forget.”
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Phoenix’s director of football Shaun Gill added: “Pipes has been a valuable member of our management team over the past two and a half years.
“He’s incredibly hard-working, is well respected within the football community and admired by the players and staff alike.
“I was reluctant to accept his resignation but I understand his decision to head abroad to further his career.
“Hopefully this is a see you later rather than a goodbye as there will always be a role for Pipes at the Phoenix.”
