Ufuk Talay has given successor Giancarlo Italiano his full endorsement as the next head coach of Wellington Phoenix.
On Tuesday, the club announced Italiano - currently an assistant coach with the Phoenix - will take the reins from Talay next season, who's chosen to pursue other opportunities after four years with the NZ-based side.
After working alongside Italiano for his entire tenure in Wellington, Talay believes the Phoenix have the right candidate for the job in Italiano - affectionately known as 'Chiefy'.
"Very proud and very happy at the same time for 'Chiefy'," said Talay.
"I think there's only person that's probably happier than I am and that's his mum.
"It's a great move from the club. It's come from within and I know he'll be looking forward to the challenge."
Talay insisted he'd played no part in the recruitment process, dismissing any suggestion it had been a distraction to neither his staff nor his players.
He noted promoting from within would ensure a seamless transition for the players, who have already formed a relationship with Italiano.
"They know 'Chiefy' as well as they know me," Talay added. "He's been here for four seasons with us. They know how he works
"It's a different role as an assistant coach to a head coach. He's the buffer between me and the players. He's the one who sometimes sorts stuff out before it gets to me.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for him. Really proud of the club for giving him that opportunity as well, so hopefully he takes another step forward."
Of more immediate concern for the Phoenix is their high-stakes showdown with Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday.
Their penultimate match of the season, a win would all but secure them a playoffs berth.
"These are the games you want to be involved in.," said Talay. "They have a lot of meaning as to where we could end up.
"The great thing is we've put ourselves in a good situation and everything is in our hands."
