Durante lauded Merrick for transforming the Nix in to an attacking team after taking over from Ricki Herbert in 2013.

Wellington lost its sixth game of the season to Adelaide United 2-0 sit bottom of the table with the playing group notified shortly after that Merrick would be resigning.

“During dinner after the game… he didn’t feel any good getting the team going the way he wanted to,” Durante said.

“It was a very open and honest conversation, the players reaction was silent and no one said anything everyone was trying to take it in and understand.

“Mossy (goalkeeper Glen Moss) stood up and said ‘this is on us’ and it is… players have to own this. At the end of the day, the coach takes the full brunt of poor performances, we know that, that’s the nature of sport.

“We have to accept we are responsible. It’s sad, he’s been a great coach, role model, mentor… and we let him down, so we need to accept that.

“(On) social media, people come up with ‘he lost the players or the changing room’ but it was never any of that, he had our full support and we’re shocked and disappointed, we still believe he could’ve got us out of this.”

Wellington will now be managed by assistant coach and former Nix striker Chris Greenacre and Des Buckingham.

Merrick wanted to take full responsibility for Wellington’s poor season to date and conceded he had thoughts about resigning dating back to the 6-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in Round 4.

He was talked out of resigning by chairman Rob Morrison, however, felt it was time to get a fresh face taking into account the vast amount of home games to come.

“I don’t think you’re ever sure about this type of decision, at the back of my mind I say ‘I should’ve hung on’,” Merrick admitted.

“I told the players first (about the resignation) and it was very positive because they’re a good team, they can play football, we’re just not doing it consistently.

“I told Rob afterwards and all the important people who need to know these things and I feel as though I’m leaving the club in a good position, good hands with a terrific squad, good staff and moving into new facilities.

“We’ve played eight games, lost six, won two and I’ve got to take full responsibility for that so I decided to step down.”

Merrick showed he had not lost any humour as a result and was looking forward to a christmas break.

“I think it’s best for the club I move on and I haven’t told Rob but an old club has got back in touch with me… their president has decided there’s a job there for me – old under 9s team,” he joked.

“I won’t be coaching under 9s…. but I am open to any offers.”

The Nix lock horns with Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.