"The reasoning behind making the announcement now is to put a stop to all the speculation out there and to completely focus on finals football.

"My team, coaching staff along with the entire football club are 100% committed on making the finals. We want to bring back finals football to Wellington.

"This football club gave me my first opportunity as Head Coach in the A-League and for that I will always be grateful."

Wellington Phoenix Chairman Rob Morrison acknowledged the contribution Rudan has made to the football club.

"Mark has made a significant contribution to the club and it’s important for everyone at the club that we continue the progression he started this year," said Morrison.

"The board were strongly of the opinion that we wanted a coach who would overhaul the culture within the team – we wanted players who would fight for the club, the city, the country, our partners and our loyal fans right to the end.

"One of the club’s values is ’the crest on the front is more important than the name on the back. Mark has driven that philosophy through this team.

"Together we have tried very hard to find a solution that would enable him to stay, but considering all factors, it hasn’t been possible, so Mark’s decision is one as a club we respect.

"But we move on and will begin the process of the recruitment of a new coach for next season.

"As a club we have worked extraordinarily hard to put in place the building blocks that will mean this club is consistently challenging for finals places.

"Mark has built on that, as we fully expect the next head coach to do so as well.

"I would like to thank Mark for everything he has done in his tenure, and on behalf of the club, supporters and partners wish him all the very best for the future."

Rudan's final home game of the regular season is on Easter Sunday, April 21 when Wellington Phoenix face Melbourne City at Westpac Stadium.