New Phoenix head coach Mark Rudan. Photo / Photosport
New Phoenix head coach Mark Rudan. Photo / Photosport
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Mark Rudan certainly did that on his first day as head coach of Wellington Phoenix Football Club.
Unveiled in front of a room filled with media, sponsors, fans and the club's staff and owners, Rudan fixed the gathered throng with a resolute gaze and vividly outlined his vision for the team he is about to inherit; one which has endured a difficult twelve months.
"It certainly needs to change in a lot of areas," Rudan said.
"There will be changes. The players, staff and all the stakeholders involved in the football club will understand exactly where we're heading. That is to be successful, both on and off the park.
"There will be certain non-negotiables along the way, but it's not a dictatorship. I want to see a change in how people view the club, what we are about and what we stand for.
Rudan spoke confidently and eloquently, mostly with an unwavering stare, but regularly breaking into a smile. He looked people in the eye, was engaging and passionate. He won the room over.
Rudan tasted plenty of on-field success in a 17-year playing career that included stints in not only Australia, but also Germany, China, Malaysia, Switzerland and Japan. He captained Sydney FC to the inaugural A-League Championship in 2005/06 and had a further two seasons with the Sky Blues before ending his career at Adelaide United in 2009/10 and moving into coaching.
He has previously worked as an assistant coach with the Australian under-20 side and guided the Sydney United 58 club to two NSW National Premier League titles.
The 42-year old Australian has quickly gained a reputation for instilling a dedicated work ethic in his squads and creating a culture and environment which leads to success. He is also renowned for getting the best from the players and resources available to him, a skill which could prove extremely valuable in Wellington.
New Phoenix head coach Mark Rudan during a presser at Westpac Stadium. Photo / Photosport
On that, Rudan revealed his recruitment for next season has already started. With just 11 players signed for the 2018/19 A-League campaign, there's plenty of work to be done. However, it's understood Roy Krishna may soon qualify for New Zealand residency which would free up one of the five valuable import spots on the Phoenix roster.
"I've got the ability to bring in half a squad. That's going to be extremely important," said Rudan.
"You'll see a team that's going to be very well-structured and very well-disciplined. They'll understand their roles clearly. There will be a big fighting element to us. It's going to be us against the rest of Australia. That's clear and apparent and we're going to embrace that challenge. You're going to see a team that Wellingtonians can be very proud of, I can guarantee you that."
It is unclear where current assistant coach Chris Greenacre fits into the future equation. Rudan didn't confirm that he'll be part of his coaching team, but spoke in glowing terms about Greenacre's loyalty and honesty and how highly he rates those qualities. The smart money is on the popular Englishman remaining involved in some capacity.
At the end of the media session, it was firm handshakes and warm smiles all round but it didn't feel as though Rudan was on a charm offensive or putting on an act. Our first glimpse of the new Phoenix coach felt very much like a true reflection of the man. What you see is what you get. He's driven and committed, straight-up and single-minded.
"I'm a winner. I hate losing. The players will find that out very quickly."
Phoenix fans should be optimistic. Their new head coach certainly is.
Sydney United, Australia Northern Spirit, Australia Alemannia Aachen, Germany Jiangsau Sainty, China Sydney United, Australia Public Bank FC, Malaysia Sydney FC, Australia AvispaFukuoka FC, Japan Vaduz FC, Switzerland Adelaide United FC, Australia
International sides:
Australian under-23's Australian under-20's
Coaching career (2010-2018):
Rockdale City Suns FC Sydney United 58 FC Australian under-20's Wellington Phoenix FC
