Ernie Merrick resigns as Phoenix coach

Ernie Merrick has resigned as Wellington Phoenix coach.

Wellington's 2-0 loss to Adelaide United on Sunday left the New Zealand club last on the A-League ladder.

Merrick took charge ahead of the 2013-14 season, with the Phoenix finishing ninth, fourth and ninth in his three completed seasons in charge.

"I take full responsibility for position the team is currently in," Merrick said in a club statement.

"I feel that I have not performed well enough as head coach, as we have a very strong squad that should be higher up the table."

With a run of home games looming, beginning on Saturday against Central Coast Mariners in Hamilton, Merrick said the time was right for him to step aside.

"I think this will give my successor the best opportunity to take the team forward," he said.

Merrick, who led Melbourne Victory to A-League titles in 2007 and 2009, took over from Ricki Herbert in May 2013 after the Phoenix had slumped to last place in the previous season.

His initial two-year contract was renewed in March 2015 for another three years.

Wellington Phoenix said that Merrick, 63, had been a "consummate professional" throughout his time at the club.

The club said it would now begin the process of appointing a new coach, and would make no further immediate comment.

The team are travelling back from Adelaide, and not expected in Wellington until late on Monday night.

- with AAP