Despite Wellington chairman Rob Morrison insisting this week that Rudan was staying put across the ditch to see out his two-year deal, it’s understood the in-demand former Sydney FC skipper is determined to return to Australia to take over the fledgling club, and is looking to secure his release.
Living apart from his family, who have remained in Sydney, is believed to be a huge factor in Rudan’s ruminations, along with lingering uncertainty over whether Wellington’s A-League license will be renewed when it expires at the conclusion of the current campaign.
The terms of his contract are undisclosed but it’s possible there may be room for maneuver written into the agreement. Either way, the lure of a homecoming is proving irresistible.
Having guided the under-achieving Nix into the A-League top six, and with finals football all but guaranteed, the former Sydney United coach has taken on cult hero status.
And Morrison remains confident he will not only remain in Wellington, but may even be persuaded to extend his stay beyond two years.
“He's on a two-year contract, so he won't be at Western Melbourne," a bullish Morrison told Fairfax.
“They have to find a coach for the start of next season and one thing about Rudes is he's a very honourable, straight-up guy. I've got no issues, no worries there.
"But we also recognise that for the future, we have to have something that's going to appeal to him and that is part of us continuing to grow and develop.
“When I first spoke to him, I said, we do really want someone who is going to come in and fight for this club and he's just delivered in spades. I really could not be happier with him."
Rudan conceded last month that had he known how onerous relocating offshore without his wife and two young children would prove, he wouldn't have taken the job.
“Every sleepless night you are thinking about your job and you want be with your family and it's not easy. I've got to find a solution there," Rudan said. "I fly back when I can but there's a lot of times where I can't."
WMG football director Lou Sticca refused to be drawn on Rudan, and the likelihood of him taking the mantle.
Neither would he comment on when the newcomers would announce a head coach.
“I won’t comment on media speculation,” he said. “When we have something to say about anything, whether it be concerning a coach, a player or a sponsor we’ll announce it.”
