So who could the Nix choose to prevent social darwinism claiming their entire club? Enter, Aurelio Vidmar.

New Zealand media has reported that Wellington were already in talks with the 51-year-old before confirming Kalezic's departure, as the club recognised the need for contingency plans to ensure their future.

A favourite son of both the Socceroos and Adelaide United, Vidmar is a departure from the Nix mantra.

The A-League's 2008/09 Coach of the Year posseses a large, outspoken persona in stark contrast to his predecessor. His record at Adelaide United, however mixed, was one of strong recruitment and physical prowess - two of Wellington's biggest weaknesses in the recent past. 

He led an unfancied Adelaide side to a pioneering Asian Champions League final in 2008, while his playing experience across Spain, the Netherlands and Japan - in addition to his international coaching experience with Australia - gives him some pedigree in approaching the role.

But is Vidmar really the right man for the job, or another quick fix for a long-term problem?

His winning percentage of 37% at the Reds fails to deliver confidence, as does his failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics with the Olyroos, or his short spell at Thai club Bangkok Glass, where he departed in circumstances rumoured to be less-than-pleasant. 

Again, the Socceroos legend who once joked about "beheading" his players proved a little -larger-than-life for coaching. Intermittent success, pockmarked by controversy is hardly a recipe for survival.

Sure, at a Thai club that's run through 16 managers in 10 years, perhaps he deserves to be cut some slack.

But at the moment, whether Wellington Phoenix is any more of a stable, successful outfit than a mid-table Thai club is an uncertain proposition in itself.