A LENGTHY list of candidates will be bidding to replace Ricki Herbert as coach of Wellington Phoenix, with former Melbourne Victory mentor Ernie Merrick's name having been bandied around in New Zealand as one possible contender after Herbert's resignation on Tuesday.

Other names cited include former A-League coaches John Kosmina, who recently parted company with Adelaide, ex-Gold Coast mentor Miron Bleiberg and sacked Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson.

Phoenix candidate? John Kosmina. Credit:Anthony Johnson

Herbert is the fifth coach in the 10-team league to have left the job this season. For now, assistant coach Chris Greenacre, a former striker who played in England's lower divisions before joining the New Zealanders in 2009, has taken the reins at the Phoenix.

Whatever else he does in his career, Herbert will always hold a special place in New Zealand soccer history.