Phoenix must keep calm and carry on: Moss

Dec 7, 2016 - 10:49 PM Glen Moss is taking it upon itself to ensure the Wellington Phoenix don't fall in a heap following coach Ernie Merrick's resignation.

After all, the veteran goalkeeper knows just what to do when things go pear-shaped at an A-League club.

Moss was first to stand up and address the players after Merrick stunned them on Sunday night in Melbourne by announcing his departure eight games into the season.

The All Whites stopper says his message to the players was simple - to stay tight and give everything for interim coaches Chris Greenacre and Des Buckingham.

"The new guys who came in were probably thinking 'what's going on and how do we move on from here?'," Moss said.

"It's just about sticking together for a start and giving Des and Chris everything that we can give them and it's about turning our season around."

Moss, 33, has endured his share of career upheaval.

He was in the Phoenix squad which was rocked mid-season by Ricki Herbert's resignation.

A year earlier, Moss was part of a Gold Coast United club forced to fold after playing out a season marked by controversy under maverick millionaire owner Clive Palmer.

"I've been through coaches leaving, clubs folding, all these unhappy parts of the game that people kind of forget about," Moss said.

"If I can help, especially the younger guys, I will.

"There's still a long way to go in the season, which is the upside for us so we can really turn things around and get back in the finals."

Moss hopes the last-placed Phoenix can respond with a bounce-back win over Central Coast Mariners in Hamilton on Saturday.

He expects few teething problems under Greenacre and Buckingham, who the players know well and will be in charge for at least the rest of December before a new head coach is appointed.

"We haven't had enough fight and passion, that Kiwi spirit that other teams know us for.

"So that's one thing I'd like to bring back, starting this weekend."

Source: AAP