Having played a large part in turning Wellington Phoenix around, outgoing coach Mark Rudan hit out at anyone that continues to question the club’s place in the A-League.
Prior to Rudan’s arrival, the future of the Nix was firmly up in the air but a strong season on and off the pitch has seen such questions pushed to the periphery.
With Ufuk Talay confirmed as Rudan’s replacement, the departing coach stressed Wellington can continue to thrive without him.
“The club was at a lull and it was my job to pick up a lot of things,” Rudan said post-match.
“I believe as a club we’re at a better place than we were in day one in pre-season.
“If anyone questions the existence of this club, I think you’re kidding yourself.
“There’s a platform there to build on and I’m sure it will continue to go in the upwards fashion. This club will keep going in the right direction – I firmly believe that.”
Rudan’s tenure at the Nix ended with a 3-1 elimination final loss to Melbourne Victory with the club unveiling Talay as their next coach just 12 hours later.
Wellington chairman Rob Morrison declaring Talay is the man to continue driving the club forward.
“The club spent a lot of time in the off-season rebuilding the values around the playing squad. Ufuk can build on that,” Morrison said.
“He has enormous drive and ambition. And that’s something we value highly.”
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