Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has signed a new deal with the A-League club.

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has re-signed with the A-League club for a further three years.

Merrick announced his decision to stay on in the capital today in what will be a popular contract extension.

The amicable 62-year-old Scotsman has been a breath of fresh air since he arrived at the Phoenix in 2013 to replace out-going coach Ricki Herbert.

Getty Images STAYING PUT: Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has signed a new deal with the A-League club.

Merrick's record with the Phoenix isn't great with a winning percentage of just 36 per cent, but the team is clearly on the right path and are currently fourth on the A-League ladder, equal on points with Melbourne and Adelaide, and just three points behind leaders Perth Glory.

Merrick's assistant Chris Greenacre will also remain with the club for the next three years taking the pair through to the end of the 2017-18 A-League season.

Merrick, who is in his second season at the club, said he had thoroughly enjoyed the last 20 months and that it was an easy decision to commit himself for the long term.

"The club is stable, financially sound and ambitious," Merrick said.

"The energetic staff are great to work with and we have a great squad of players.

"The brand of football we are playing is a credit to the players, and the young guns coming through our reserve team and Academy will add to the attacking flair.

"We have something special here in Wellington and I want to continue to be a part of it.

"I appreciate the opportunity I have been given by the board."

Greenacre, a popular player with Phoenix fans before turning his hand to coaching, said he was absolutely delighted to be given a long-term contract.

"I am also so pleased that Ernie is staying for that time because it has been great working with him," Greenacre said.

"Everyone on the staff has learnt from him and hopefully I've proved my worth as a coach."

Greenacre admitted that it was hard to hang up his boots but has never regretted it.

"All players wish they could play on forever but the reality is that you have to stop some time," he said.

"It was a career choice and hopefully I am on a long road in coaching."

Chairman Rob Morrison said the two signings were significant for the Wellington Phoenix's long-term future.

"One of the key objectives for the board and the ownership group was to create a stable operating platform for the club," Morrison said.

"Without stability off the field you cannot hope to be successful on the field, so the board is delighted that Ernie and Chris have bought into the club's vision and signed long-term contracts.

"Ernie has been instrumental in establishing the attractive, possession-based style of attacking football that we wanted when we first signed him.

"His influence throughout the club has been immense, so keeping Ernie at the club was a priority for the board and having done so we all look forward to exciting times ahead, not least of which is the run into the finals this season."