DIFFICULT days for Wellington Phoenix.

The 2-0 loss to Adelaide United led to the resignation of coach, Ernie Merrick, although it’s believed he had initially offered to quit following the 6-1 loss to Melbourne Victory at the end of October. Then, the board persuaded him to carry on - but clearly didn’t fight as hard this time around. Perhaps he jumped before he was pushed - who knows?

Still, his departure is a surprise. While nobody expected Phoenix to be pacesetters this season, their slump to the bottom of the ladder wasn’t anticipated either. Any strike force boasting Roy Krishna, Kosta Barbarouses, Gui Finkler and Michael McGlinchey seemed sure to offer more than just nuisance value.

Yet of that quartet, only Krishna has fired this term, and while international call-ups (plus an injury to McGlinchey), haven’t helped, it’s been a disappointing return from three players who have netted 68 A-League goals between them.

Defensively, the ‘Nix haven’t been too bad. They’ve only been truly thumped by Victory, and it’s fair to say if Krishna’s penalty had gone in against Adelaide on Sunday, the outcome could have been different. Similarly, they were unfortunate in Melbourne last week, when City were allowed to get away with persistently fouling Finkler, and obtained a rather dubious penalty to seal a 2-1 win. Fine margins.

Yet there are other, off-field issues that are causing disruption at Westpac Stadium.

The recent earthquake around the Wellington area is believed to have unnerved several of the players wives, with at least one having already left the country. Unhappy wife? Unhappy life. In addition, the relationship between Merrick and Roly Bonevacia (another talent yet to register a goal this season), is believed to have soured in recent weeks.

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick. Source: AAP

The earthquake also led to the postponement of the return home match with Victory two weeks ago - meaning the Phoenix have played just three of their first eight in New Zealand. Resurfacing work at Westpac Stadium means they won’t be back there until the new year either, with the home games against the Mariners and the Wanderers scheduled for Hamilton and Auckland respectively.

More worryingly, the sword of Damocles continues to hang over the clubs continued participation in the A-League. It’s only ten months since FFA agreed a structured licence extension, dependent upon the Welnix Group (the clubs owners) fulfilling certain KPI’s at regular intervals.

In the pre-agreement discussions, FFA CEO David Gallop went so far as to say the Phoenix could not simply “squat on a licence” - outlining key “metrics” that were in need of improvement, such as crowds, TV ratings and memberships.

Almost a year later, the ‘Nix are averaging 7,744, the second lowest in the competition, having hosted the league’s top two clubs, Sydney FC and Melbourne City, along with the Newcastle Jets. Their membership numbers are the lowest in the league (4,953), and head of commercial, Nathan Godfrey, recently departed to pursue an opportunity in rugby. The club operates with one of the lowest full-time staffs in the A-League.

All of which makes their next coaching appointment crucial - and there are several names in the frame.

Wellington Phoenix. Source: Getty Images

Mark Rudan was an early shout across the media platforms - and while I must clearly state that “Rudes” is a colleague of mine at Fox Sports, his record at state league level does suggest he’ll be given an A-League opportunity sooner rather than later.

Others? For mine, Ramon Tribuletx deserves to be in the frame for his feats with Auckland City. While operating in the A-League is vastly different from the ASB Premiership, Tribuletx’s teams play a good brand of football, and he might be a good fit to take the ‘Nix on to the next level.

The current All Whites coach, Anthony Hudson, could also come under consideration. It’s believed he applied for the Central Coast Mariners job, along with the eventual choice, Paul Okon. Hudson is understood to be keen to get back to day-to-day involvement with players - although any move for him could lead to further conflict with the NZFA, a relationship that isn’t the best to start with. Combining the two jobs was something Ricki Herbert did for a while - an experiment that probably won’t be repeated.

Luciano Trani, Mike Mulvey, Ross Aloisi, Brett Angell and of course, current caretakers Chris Greenacre and Des Buckingham are the other names being mentioned in dispatches - but whatever option the Phoenix chooses to take, it’s clear the club are at a crossroads.

If Wellington (and indeed New Zealand) is to remain involved in the A-League, there needs to be a plan to take the club forward on AND off the pitch.

Because another wooden spoon would only intensify the clamour from this side of the Tasman, to rid the A-League of its Kiwi connections.