I asked the question of someone down there tied up with Otago football as to why Terry hadn't left and the response was 'Who says he hasn't tried?'
The inference was that his entire 3 year contract was being enforced and that Terry had tried to cut it short.
You can debate the nusances, merits and downfalls of that all you like.
From memory Phelan came on the scene in the 05/06 season so his 3 years should have been up last year. Agree that unless you are close enough to the organisation it's hard to say what their decisions are based on but you still have to wonder where they see him taking football in the region.
Can't see what any of the other coaches that have been mentioned would bring to the table that Phelan hasn't. Spend less money on a coach and more on some quality imports.