Wellington Phoenix Men’s Reserves head coach Chris Greenacre has been appointed New Zealand Men’s U-20 head coach, a role he will take on in addition to his current position with the National League side. 

Greenacre has been head coach of the Wellington Phoenix Men’s Reserves since 2022, his second time in the role, guiding them to a second place finish in the 2023 Central League season behind eventual National League Championship winners Wellington Olympic.  

He has previously been assistant head coach for Wellington Phoenix Men, as well as the New Zealand Men’s U-20 and U-23 sides and holds the AFC Professional Coaching Diploma.  

Prior to coaching, Greenacre played over 450 games as a professional, most notably for Tranmere Rovers, before ending his 17-year career at Wellington Phoenix where he made over 80 appearances in the A-League.  

Keir Hansen, New Zealand Football General Manager High Performance, said: 

“Chris brings a wealth of experience of the domestic and overseas professional game, player development, and football in New Zealand to the role, so we are really pleased to have him on board.  

“This is an exciting time for football in Aotearoa and we look forward to him leading the U-20 team in the next World Cup cycle.” 

Chris Greenacre, Men’s U-20 head coach, said: 

“I’m delighted to take on this role and look forward to working with New Zealand Football to identify and develop the best up and coming Kiwi players both in the country and around the world.  

“We have seen the level of talent emerging and I can’t wait to coach them on the international stage.” 

Greenacre will start in the role immediately. 

Article added: Tuesday 16 January 2024