Greenacre’s journey epitomises the best and worst of the Nix, his coaching career closely following the path of the club he works for.

A lower-league battler from England and a hardy, determined striker, Greenacre’s one-in-four goal ratio for the Nix led the club to the best period in its underwhelming history.

Alongside Paul Ifill, the last time Greenacre played was the last time Wellington looked truly dangerous. If there’s anyone who can evoke passion in the New Zealand club, it’s the Englishman.

Through stints at Stoke City, Mansfield Town and Tranmere Rovers, Greenacre forged a prolific vocation. At Phoenix he ended one career, while embarking on an entirely new one.

As testament to Wellington’s off-field woes, Greenacre now enters his third spell as Phoenix’s interim head coach. His first was in 2013, a last ditch substitute for the embattled Ricki Herbert.

He led Wellington to two wins and two losses from his their final four matches. Not enough to secure a contract, Greenacre bided his time under Ernie Merrick until a familiar, almost inevitable fate overcame the Scot.

Again, it was Greenacre who assumed control. Six wins and seven losses saved a difficult season, while further enhancing the Englishman’s reputation. Yet a contract was not to be, Wellington both too eager and too under pressure to appoint a local. An international had to be the solution.

That man was Darije Kalezic, and the rest is barely worth mentioning. Greenacre now inherits a disheartened team and a disinterested support, with wolves circling the New Zealand club.

Greenacre brings work ethic to Wellington above all else, but there’s an underdog mentality at Phoenix that, in the past, has led to their greatest success.

If he can tap into this, surely the club’s directors won’t overlook him again. Just as this may be Greenacre’s last chance, it could be Wellington Phoenix’s too.