Jake Piper is leaving the Wellington Phoenix to explore opportunities abroad at the conclusion of the men’s season.
Piper has been the club’s head of football operations for the past two and a half A-League seasons, overseeing the men’s team as well as the day-to-day running of the club’s wider football department.
He has been involved in the sport for the best part of a decade, having also worked at Capital Football, Oceania Football and New Zealand Football before joining the Nix at the start of 2023.
“As my hometown club the Phoenix has always been a big part of my life so to hold this role has been an incredible experience and one I’m extremely grateful for,” Piper said. “But the time is right to move on and look for the next challenge.
“I’ve gained extensive experience in New Zealand and now I want to further my career abroad.
“I’m proud of what we’ve continued to build across the football department over the last couple of years. The club has a clear purpose and I believe I’m leaving it in a better place.
“I’ve loved my time at the Phoenix and I’m looking forward to becoming a fan of the club again.
“I want to say a big thank you to Domey (David Dome), Gilly (Shaun Gill) and Chief (Giancarlo Italiano) for giving me this opportunity and to all the amazing players and staff I’ve worked closely with over the past two and a half seasons. There have been some incredible moments along the way that I’ll never forget.”
Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Piper for his contribution to the club.
“Pipes has been a valuable member of our management team over the past two and a half years,” Gill said.
“He’s incredibly hard-working, is well respected within the football community and admired by the players and staff alike.
“I was reluctant to accept his resignation but I understand his decision to head abroad to further his career.
“Hopefully this is a see you later rather than a goodbye as there will always be a role for Pipes at the Phoenix.”
The Wellington Phoenix are looking for Jake Piper’s replacement and hope to be in a position to make an appointment in the coming months.
