Rudan has, arguably, been coach of the season as Phoenix have roared back as an A-League force.

Currently fourth on the A-League ladder and with an exciting strikeforce drawing many admirers, and with a 10-7-6 record this season, the Wellington club is preparing for their first finals series in many years under Rudan’s astute and passionate management.

But if the former Sydney FC defender does depart the club after just one season - as has been mooted - Phoenix have begun planning for life under a new boss.

If Rudan exits NZ, he'll be hot property elsewhere in the A-League

And it’s understood the man favoured by the club is the under-fire Melbourne City boss Joyce, fresh from a 3-0 loss to Wanderers on the weekend and a spat with Fox Sports after refusing to answer questions about a possible return to Manchester United.

It’s understood that while Joyce is favourite, others in the mix for the Nix are Socceroos legend John Aloisi - the former Brisbane Roar boss parted company with the Queenslanders earlier this season - and Adelaide United boss Marc Kurz.

The popular German will not coach the Reds next season and is considered hot property in the A-League after falling out with Adelaide’s club management this season.

While most if not all Phoenix fans would love Rudan to stays as his stocks rise an A-League coach the 43-year-old Australian has yet to set a deadline on his future plans.