Soccer: Phoenix operations manager moves on

Mal Impiombato, the Phoenix football operations manager since the club's formation, is leaving Wellington to take up a position with Football Federation Australia. Photo / Getty Images.

Mal Impiombato, the Phoenix football operations manager since the club's formation, is leaving Wellington to take up a position with Football Federation Australia.

For the 32-year-old Australian, his last day with the Phoenix on July 2, will be one of mixed emotions.

He is excited to be furthering his football administration experience with the Australian national body, something he has always wanted, but he will be leaving a club he has had a big hand in developing.

Impiombato is taking up the role of national club development manager for Australia's new National Premier League competition which will present the same type of challenge he faced when teaming up with the Phoenix in 2007.

"I've always wanted to work for the FFA. It is an ambition I have always had and I want to be able to contribute in progressing our game. You want to be able to work at the highest level and this is my opportunity,'' Impiombato said.

"I believe it is important for me to continue my development and where better to do it than with the national body?

"With the Socceroos qualifying for Brazil yesterday it is also a great time to be involved in Australian football.

"Even though I knew what I wanted to do and that this was the next step in my career, leaving the Phoenix wasn't an easy decision to make.

"I've loved every minute of my time with the club. There have been plenty of highs and lows along with a lot of sweat and tears over the last six years and the club will always be in my heart.

"This is a proud club with great people and I can only see it growing and improving. It has been a brilliant journey for me and the club has helped me evolve as a professional in the industry.''

Impiombato accepted his role at FFA prior to Ernie Merrick being appointed as coach.

"I've known Ernie since I was 14 when he was my coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport,'' Impiombato said.

"I believe Ernie is going to be great for the club and it would have been good to work alongside him.''