Pignata wants to move to Melbourne where his wife and kids moved last year.

He leaves Phoenix after securing a new five-year A-League licence for the club and renewing a commitment from major sponsor Sony.

Pignata will finish up at Phoenix on Friday after six months of commuting between Wellington and Melbourne each weekend to see his wife and two son who moved there for school in December.

"It's been the hardest decision I've had to make, to be honest, but it came to a point when I had to make a decision between the family I love and the job I love, and family always comes first for me," Pignata told The Dominion Post.

"It's going to be sad leaving Phoenix, saying goodbye to the players and staff was very hard for me. Ironically, as a group we've become much like a family and it's been a privilege to have been part of that.

"But it's been very difficult being apart from my wife and two sons, but I feel as though I'm leaving the Phoenix in a great position, both from a financial point of view and what we can achieve on the field.

"When we set the Phoenix up it was uncharted waters for all of us.

"I derive huge satisfaction from what we've achieved as a club. Before Phoenix, football in New Zealand was in the doldrums somewhat - now our games are attracting massive crowds and we're getting the results. To have been part of that has been something special."

Pignata said the Phoenix's Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign had been the highlight of his three years in Wellington.

"Walking around Westpac Stadium when we played the Newcastle Jets in the semifinal was incredible," he said.

"To see more than 32,000 people cheering the team on - and to get a thrilling win - was outstanding and evidence of just how far the club has come.

"No other New Zealand-based club had ever made the playoffs in the Hyundai A-League - we went within one match of being in the grand final.

"We proved the naysayers wrong on both sides if the Tasman about the standing of football in New Zealand and that's immensely gratifying."

Pignata said Phoenix had a bright future, having recently secured a five-year licence extension to participate in the Hyundai A-League as well as the ongoing support of key sponsors, including principal partner Sony.

The New Zealand national team's qualification for the World Cup had been another significant fillip for the code and the club, with the Phoenix contributing coach Ricki Herbert as well as nine current or former players to the All Whites' South African campaign.

He added: "Certainly Phoenix have taken a leading role in the explosion in popularity of football in New Zealand and the game - like the club - is in great heart.

"It hasn't always been easy, and the sports entertainment market is an extremely competitive one, but all the signs are good for the game in this country locally, nationally and internationally.

"From a club perspective we're in top shape both on and off the field."

Pignata paid special tribute to club owner Terry Serepisos.

"Without his vision and commitment, professional football would have been lost in this country," said Pignata.

"Terry has made enormous sacrifices to make Phoenix possible and his contribution to the game from both a club and country perspective deserves recognition.

"What has been achieved in the past three years would not have been possible without him."

Serepisos returned the praise of his club's departing chief executive.

"Tony achieved things for Phoenix that I think only he had the ability, expertise and commitment to deliver," said the club owner.

"He has worked tirelessly since coming to the club and I know it's been difficult for him since his wife and sons went back to Australia.

"Everyone is sad to see him leave but we all understand fully his desire to be reunited with his family and we wish him all the best for the future."

It comes with news that Hamilton will host the Phoenix-Brisbane Roar pre-season clash at Waikato Stadium next month - the first time the city will host a top-flight match.

A full squad is expected for Phoenix, with the All Whites World Cup squad likely to be back for the July 10 match.