The tactician has decided to return to Australia after a successful year over the Tasman
Mark Rudan has announced he will leave his role as Wellington Phoenix coach at the end of the A-League season following a successful campaign at the helm.
Reports have been swirling for a number of weeks that the 43-year-old would not be seeing out his two-year contract with the Phoenix - amid rumours he will join new A-League franchise Western United next season.
The Phoenix will be guided by Rudan to their first finals appearance since 2014-15 and are still a chance to finish in the top four, currently sitting one point behind fourth-placed Adelaide with two regular season matches to play.