The last-placed Mariners announced Mulvey's dismissal early on Sunday morning, hours after an embarrassing 8-2 home loss to Wellington Phoenix.

Saturday evening's result, in front of the Mariners' smallest A-League home attendance of 3703, left them with just seven points from 21 games, having won just one match this season.

They are on course for successive wooden spoons and a last-place finish for the third time in four seasons.

Assistant coach Nick Montgomery ran the team's recovery session on Sunday, but the club made no announcements about the vacant position.

Former Mariners favourite John Hutchinson has been speculated as a contender for the position, but was recently appointed an assistant coach to incoming Victorian A-League franchise Western United.

Mulvey, who won an A-League title with Brisbane Roar in 2013-14, was appointed Mariners coach ahead of the 2018-19 season.

The early-season optimism generated by the acquisitions of proven forwards Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar soon dissipated.

Both men were hit by injury, with Scottish international McCormack playing only five A-League games before being recalled by parent club Aston Villa.

Socceroo winger Oar made six starts and 11 appearances in total before suffering a season-ending knee injury in February.

They have conceded 13 goals in their past two matches and haven't won in their last eight. Skipper Matt Simon and Aiden O'Neill were unavailable against the Nix due to suspension, while Andrew Hoole was omitted due to disciplinary issues after falling foul of a drinking ban.

"With six games remaining in the Hyundai A-League 2018-19 season, the club will issue a statement when a decision has been made regarding who will lead the team during this period," the Mariners said in a statement.

"At this stage, there are no other changes to the club's other coaching and football support staff."

Australian Associated Press