Football: Wellington Phoenix assistant coach leaves club

Wellington Phoenix have parted ways with assistant coach Rado Vidošić. Photo / Photosport

The beleaguered Wellington Phoenix have parted ways with star forward Dario Vidosic and his father Rado in a hammer blow to their A-League aspirations.

The last-placed club said it had accepted the resignation of assistant coach Rado Vidosic and that Australian international Dario will follow him out the door this week.

Chief executive David Dome lifted the lid on problems at the club, who have won just one of their first 10 games to drift four points behind the field.

He said the combination of Swiss head coach Darije Kalezic and Rado Vidosic, who has 12 years of A-League coaching experience, had struck difficulties. That had impacted on performances.

"Over recent weeks it's become apparent not everyone has been on the same page and the playing group has begun to be affected by this uncertainty," Dome said in a statement.

"We entered this season with tremendous optimism based on the pedigree of both Darije Kalezic and Rado Vidosic - both title winners, both excellent football thinkers."

Vidosic resigned following a 1-0 loss to the Glory in Perth on Saturday.

Doubling the Phoenix woes is that his son, who has played 23 matches for the Socceroos, will also exit.

Dario Vidosic scored four goals in 10 appearances and had largely impressed in the wake of knee surgery in the off-season.

The 30-year-old suffered a knee injury against the Glory and his immediate fitness - and playing future - are uncertain.

Dome said playing and coaching replacements will be sought when the January transfer window opens.

He tried to paint the departures in a positive light.

"It's an outcome that enables the club to move forward and focus upon turning around a disappointing run of results.

"We've put tremendous work this season into progressing the culture at this football club and the players and staff have bought into this."

The Phoenix host league leaders Sydney FC in Wellington on Saturday.