Former Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre has been confirmed as an assistant coach at the Wellington club.

Along with goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould, Greenacre has been running pre-season training while head coach Ricki Herbert has been away with the Oly Whites without a contract.

He has now signed a two-year deal, continuing his involvement with the club after three years as a player.

"There was never a real problem about a contract. I just wanted to make sure I got things right," Greenacre said.

"A coaching contract was obviously a first for me and it is completely different to a player's.

"I can reel a player's contract off by heart, but I needed to go through this one with my agent who has looked after some high profile coaches in England.

"Now it is all settled I can't wait for the season to get going."

The former striker said the opportunity to get into coaching came earlier than expected but it was one he couldn't turn down.

"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.

"Maybe I could have played another couple of years, and I had offers from two Australian A-League clubs to do so, but in the end I had to look to the future.

"Ricki spoke to me some time ago and offered me the assistant coach position and I am grateful to him and the owners for the opportunity.

As part of his role, Greenacre will also be responsible for the Wellington Phoenix 'A' team.

- © Fairfax NZ News