It'll be the third time Greenacre - who is currently coach of the club's reserve side - has stepped into the breach to cover the premature departure of a Phoenix coach. When Ricki Herbert resigned with five games to go in the 2012/13 season, he stepped up from an assistant coach role to fulfil caretaker duties. And when Ernie Merrick handed in his notice after just nine games last season, it was again Greenacre, along with fellow assistant Des Buckingham who took over.
Cutting ties with Kalezic immediately was the only sensible move the Phoenix could make. Having him still involved after he had effectively been sacked was both illogical and untenable. He'd have no motivation to achieve success at a club he was leaving and similarly the players would have found it difficult to drum up the necessary motivation to give 100 percent for a man who was in the departure lounge.
Kalezic's time at the Phoenix won't be fondly remembered. He oversaw just four wins in 21 matches and his side played some of the most disjointed football in the club's 11-year history.
His management style was abrasive and aloof and he seemed uninterested in getting close to his players in order to bring them onside with his tactical approach. As a result, there was a disconnect and a disengagement between him and his players. The outcome was a very, very poor season.
Greenacre's first job is preparing the side for Saturday's visit to Western Sydney. Beyond that there are five more games during which the Phoenix need to restore some badly dented pride and regain the faith of their fan base.
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