Rudan has shot both the Nix and himself into the spotlight this season, taking the reigning wooden spoon winners to fourth in the league and finals for only the second time.

The extreme turnaround from Darije Kalezic, mixed with Rudan's rambunctious personality and entertaining, attacking football has made him hot property in the league, with pervasive rumours that he'll be joining Western United at season's end.

Dome said that the club had done everything in their power to keep the former Sydney United gaffer, but family constraints had proven too divisive.

"To be absolutely clear, this is not a decision that's been made due to financial constraints, we talked with Mark about him staying in Sydney more, his family coming out here, but his family is very settled there and we accept that," Dome said.

"Everyone at the club, from the staff to the players and the club are focused on finals. Ideally, we'd like to have a home elimination final - it's good for everyone involved.

"I can assure you that the players are very focused on that, while the speculation has got in the way, it hasn't affected that focus."

While Rudan is set to leave, and may well take some of the Nix's star recruits with him, Wellington are upbeat about the club's future.

It was only a few months ago that there was talk of the Phoenix's licence being rescinded or sold, however now Dome insists footballers are looking to move to New Zealand, rather than the other way around.

"Over the last week we've escalated (coaching discussions) we've made lists and we're looking now," he said.

"We're looking for someone who is passionate and fits within the football matrix here - someone who gets the culture of the A-League.

"We need someone who gets what it means to coach a New Zealand club and we want to find someone as soon as possible. We've got to also keep an eye on players that are becoming available to us - that's all part of the mix."