The Wellington Phoenix have announced the return of coach Steve Coleman to their men’s A-League setup, where he will serve as the lead assistant to head coach Chris Greenacre for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season. Coleman previously worked alongside Greenacre coaching the men’s reserves in 2022 and 2023 before taking on a role in North America.

Experience and Development

Before his return, Coleman spent seven years at the Wellington Phoenix academy, where he played a significant role in nurturing the club's top young talents. His coaching journey includes stints at Loudon United and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United Soccer League Championship, where he eventually took on the interim head coach position for 15 matches. Most recently, he has been an assistant coach for the Halifax Tide in Canada since February.

Shared Vision and Growth

Greenacre expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with Coleman, highlighting his extensive knowledge of the game and familiarity with the club. “First and foremost, Steve is an excellent coach,” Greenacre remarked, noting their ability to challenge each other constructively. Coleman’s understanding of aligning an academy with a first team and his experience as a head coach are seen as valuable assets for the coaching staff and players alike.

Reflecting on his time away, Coleman stated that he returns to Wellington with a broader skill set and valuable experiences that will benefit the team. He emphasized the importance of his past role as interim head coach, which has provided him with insights that he hopes to leverage in his new position. Coleman is also eager to reconnect with former academy players now on the first team, describing it as a unique opportunity to coach familiar faces who embody the club's ethos.