Greenacre quits for coaching role

The 34-year-old former Mansfield Town, Stoke City and Tranmere Rovers marksman has agreed a two-year deal to become an assistant coach after three seasons playing for the Wellington club.

Greenacre says he turned downing playing offers from two other A-League clubs for the chance to work with head coach Ricki Herbert and goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould and take charge of the Phoenix 'A' team.

"You never want to hang up your boots. You think you can play for ever. But it comes to a point where you have to be realistic and look at where your next options are," he said.

"Retiring from playing has probably come a bit earlier than I hoped but this opportunity might not have been on the table in a year's time."

Greenacre, who first signed with Manchester City as a 16-year-old, scored 18 goals in 83 games for Phoenix.