Re 1.
If this did not happen (and surely it did), then that would be extremely concerning.
I would imagine that senior leadership in the club remains in fairly frequent contact with players, would be a very strange org if not.
Gill specifically said that players were not consulted in Chief's reappointment.
Was it Gill? This Rollo article doesn't state a source.
Maybe the players weren't consulted specifically re Chiefy's reappointment, but christ you would yes think Dome, Gill maybe even Rob Morrison were talking to the players through the season about their thoughts on coach Italiano.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360663979/short-memories-giancarlo-italiano-retained-wellington-phoenix-after-first-year-success
The decision to retain Italiano was made by chairman Rob Morrison alongside the club’s football committee and players were not consulted.
Here is the link to the Press Conference....see at 2m25...pretty clear imo
Shaun Gill speaks on the future of Giancarlo Italiano at the Wellington Phoenix | AustraliaFootball.com