Phoenix Establish Timeline for Chiefy Decision as Name Emerges: “It’d Be Foolish Not to Consider”

Shaun Gill, the director of football for Wellington Phoenix, has revealed that the club anticipates making an announcement regarding Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano’s future as head coach by the conclusion of the Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Italiano’s contract will expire at the end of the season, and discussions surrounding his role have intensified following two years in charge, particularly as the Phoenix have failed to qualify for the 2024-25 Finals Series.

This season has proved challenging for the Phoenix, especially after their remarkable journey to the Semi-Finals during Italiano’s inaugural campaign. The club has struggled to replicate last season’s successes, especially after losing key players such as Alex Paulsen, Ben Old, Finn Surmann, and Bozhidar Kraev.

The Phoenix have three matches left in their season, culminating with a home match against Perth Glory on May 2.

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“Conversations with Chiefy are ongoing,” Gill informed reporters on Thursday.

“Let’s see what the next week or two unfolds.”

When asked if a decision would be reached by early next month, Gill confirmed: “Absolutely.

“The timing is crucial in the A-League Men, as there’s a four to five-week off-season before we kick-off again. We do have a bit of flexibility in the A-League Women’s space as pre-season won’t commence until September.

“However, regarding the A-League Men, we need to be prepared by July 1 to start fresh. Thus, there’s a pressing need to finalise discussions and focus on recruitment and staff retention.”

Gill’s comments follow Wellington’s announcement that Ninja A-League head coach Paul Temple will not return for the next season.

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The ‘Nix chose not to extend Temple’s contract after the team failed to secure a top-six finish heading into the final round of the regular season.

When queried about similarities between the men’s and women’s programmes concerning Italiano’s future after Temple’s departure, Gill stated: “They are distinct entities that require individual consideration.

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“It’s not solely about Paul’s inability to make the top six this season; after two years, it felt like a new perspective was required.

“Chiefy still retains some goodwill from an excellent previous season.”

“There are still more discussions to be had with Chiefy.”

As for Wellington’s Ninja A-League team, they are currently seeking a successor for Temple for the 2025-26 season.

Gill elaborated on the decision not to extend Temple’s contract, stating: “The owners have made a significant investment in the A-League Women’s programme.

“In contrast to the A-League Men, we operate with a healthy budget for players and staff. We likely have one of the most extensive football departments in the league. Expectations for that programme are quite high.”

Amid those “high” expectations, one candidate mentioned during Gill’s press conference was former Canada women’s head coach Bev Priestman.

Priestman is currently serving a 12-month suspension due to her involvement in a scandal linked to drone spying during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where Canada was found to have spied on a Football Ferns training session ahead of their match against New Zealand.

The ex-Canada coach, who guided her nation to an Olympic Gold Medal in 2020, is expected to be eligible to return in time for the 2025-26 A-Leagues season.

“Well, she’s a top-notch coach. If the opportunity arose, we’d be foolish not to consider it,” Gill remarked with a grin.