Keegan Smith's new coach has tipped him to bounce back following his departure from the Wellington Phoenix.

Andy Hedge brought the teenage goalkeeper to the Phoenix in 2016, while he was in charge of the club's academy, and has offered him a lifeline at Tasman United, who begin their national league campaign on Sunday.

Hedge said he was confident Smith possessed the character to kick on after his professional career came to a premature halt.

"It's a huge knock to take, and I went through something similar myself as a player at that age. It's a huge psychological test for him, but I've got no doubt that he can bounce back.

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"A lot of credit has to go to his upbringing - his parents, his schooling, other coaches he's had in his life. They've obviously given him enough tools to be able to respond to these sorts of challenges.

"We'll see over the course of the next six to 12 months how he can respond to it, but from what we've seen in training it doesn't seem to have affected him in the slightest.

GETTY IMAGES Andy Hedge brought Keegan Smith to the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy in 2016.

"He's probably more determined now to get back into the pro game than ever before, and if we can help him in that quest, then all the best."

The Phoenix confirmed Smith had left the club by mutual agreement in a tweet last Thursday.

Ahead of the 2017-18 A-League season, Smith was identified by then-coach Darije Kalezic as the keeper at the club best suited to playing out from the back.

As a result, he was plucked from the academy to start the first six games of the season, signing a three-year deal after the fifth while still at high school.

Smith was dropped to the bench for the seventh game, after which Kalezic said the player had made the call as he was "not feeling 100 per cent".

Kalezic then announced it was time for him to "keep Keegan out of the pressure". Smith never appeared for the Phoenix again.

In early May, he was released from his contract to play in the amateur Central League. In a statement at the time the Phoenix said Smith "will rejoin the squad for the 2018-19 A-League season". It is unclear whether he ever signed a new contract.

When new Phoenix coach Mark Rudan unveiled Polish stopper Filip Kurto as his second signing in mid-July, he gave a blunt assessment of Smith and fellow Kiwi keeper Oli Sail, who is still contracted to the club.

"Quite clearly, when I had a look at the playing roster, I saw Keegan and Oli there and I made it quite clear: They're good young goalkeepers, but they're not up to A-League standard in terms of what my expectations are," Rudan said.

At a press conference the day after Smith's departure was confirmed, Rudan said it was the best outcome for the player.

"For his own development, he needs to play, it's as simple as that. He's best served going somewhere where he can play and develop his skills, there's nothing like playing week-in, week-out. I say it to all the young kids as well.

"That's what happens when coaches come. It'll be the same when I leave, if I leave. A coach might come in and have different views on a player. We certainly had a good look at things and we all came to the agreement that that was the best thing for him."

Smith is the sixth player to leave the Phoenix by mutual agreement in the past 12 months, following Adam Parkhouse, Hamish Watson, Ali Abbas, Dario Vidosic, and Gui Finkler.

HAGEN HOPKINS/GETTY IMAGES Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan was blunt in his assessment of Keegan Smith.

Tasman begin their national league campaign on the road against Auckland City at Kiwitea St on Sunday.

Smith is one of three keepers in their squad, alongside incumbent Corey Wilson, who hails from Ireland, and local product Nick Stanton.