Amy Shepherd has recommitted to the Wellington Phoenix and is taking on greater responsibility this off-season, serving as the interim head coach until a permanent appointment is made in late July.
Shepherd was appointed the women’s assistant coach last September and quickly established herself as a popular and respected member of the team’s staff during the 2024-25 Ninja A-League.
It’s believed Shepherd is the only fulltime assistant in the women’s competition and that backing from the Phoenix is a big reason why she has re-signed.
“The club as a whole has been super supportive,” Shepherd said. “The Phoenix invests heavily in the women’s programme and unlike all the other clubs in the A-League has seven fulltime staff.
“The facilities here are second to none. For the players be able to train at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) day-in, day-out is incredible.
“As a learning environment and somewhere to grow, develop and push for success I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else other than the Phoenix.”
One of Shepherd’s priorities over the next couple of months will be player recruitment, in which she will be supported by academy director and former Football Fern, Emma Humphries.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me to be involved in the season planning and recruitment process.
“We’ll aim to set us up for success so the new head coach can hit the ground running.”
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill is delighted Amy Shepherd has committed to another year in the capital.
“Amy made a great impression as soon as she walked in the doors at NZCIS last year and is well respected by the staff and players alike,” Gill said.
“She is a valued member of the women’s coaching team and it’s been a priority of mine to secure her signature for another year.
“The club is committed to investing in the women’s programme and it’s only right that our women’s staff are on fulltime contracts, like their male equivalents.
“I’m excited to see how Amy helps lift the women’s team next season.”
Humphries previously served as the assistant coach at Liverpool FC in the English Women’s Super League and has experience in player recruitment.
“Emma has made a big impact since taking over at the academy at the start of the year and it’s great to be able to call on her expertise in this space,” Gill said.
“The team will be in very safe hands under Amy’s and Emma’s guidance.”
The Wellington Phoenix hope to be in a position to finalise the majority of the women’s support staff this month.
