Wellington Phoenix have announced the departure of Ninja A-League head coach Paul Temple following a near decade-long association with the club.
Temple will leave the Phoenix following their season finale against Western United on Easter Sunday after Wellington opted not to offer the Englishman a new contract.
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It will bring to an end Temple’s two-year stint as head coach – a role in which he turned the Phoenix into top six contenders though they were unable to qualify for the Finals Series in that timeframe.
Temple initially joined the Phoenix as a youth team coach at the start of 2016 before taking over as technical director of the club’s academy.
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It’s obviously really sad for me to be leaving the Phoenix after so long at the club,” Temple said. “But ultimately first team football is a results business, I’ve always had that clarity, and we haven’t reached the targets we set ourselves.
“I can honestly say I’ve given absolutely everything to this project the past two seasons, and the players have too.
“I’ve really enjoyed coaching this group and working with the staff. We had a shared mission. I was determined to create some history with the team and for the club. But it’s the right time to move on.
“I’ve got nothing but gratitude to the club. I feel privileged to have worked alongside so many amazing people and I’ve absolutely loved my time at the Phoenix.
“I’m leaving with so many great memories and I’m just grateful for all the opportunities and experiences. I’m a better coach now than I was before because of it.
“I’ve always believed that as a coach you’re just the custodian of the team and when you pick it up, you should try to leave it in a better place. I believe I’ve done that.”
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Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill added: “Temps has left an indelible mark on the Phoenix.
“He helped transform the academy in the seven plus years he was there and had a hand in developing a number of New Zealand’s top young footballers, both men and women.
“Temps has also taken our women’s programme to a new level in the past two years.
“Under his guidance the team has become much more competitive and has played a more exciting brand of football.
“He has left a lasting legacy and we wish Temps all the best for the next step in his coaching career.”
