The two-time A-League champion said he felt that with recent results he had taken the team as far as he could.

“I take full responsibility for the position the team is currently in," Merrick said.

"I feel that I have not performed well enough as Head Coach, as we have a very strong squad that should be higher up the table.

"It's therefore the right time for me to step aside and allow someone else to take over. We have a run of home games coming up and I think this will give my successor the best opportunity to take the team forward.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Wellington Phoenix for the past three years and particularly Welnix, the Chairman and the board who have been nothing but supportive during this time."

The club said it understood the decision and thanked Merrick for his contribution over the past three years.

Wellington Phoenix said it would now undergo a thorough process to appoint a new head coach.