The Central Coast Mariners have announced Paul Okon as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal.
The former Socceroos midfielder and Australian Hall of Fame inductee earned 28 caps for his country and spent time at Leeds United, Club Brugge and Middlesbrough during a decorated career.
Okon has spent the past four years as the Australian U/20s head coach and overseen 11 different players who have gone on to make their Socceroos debuts.
This is Okon’s first ever senior club coaching role, although in 2008 he was an assistant coach to Miron Bleiberg at Gold Coast United.
Central Coast Executive Vice Chairman, Peter Storrie said the club are delighted to have secured Okon as the club’s head coach.
“In Paul we have an outstanding candidate that covers all areas for us,” Storrie said.
“His extensive knowledge of young players across the country, understanding of the A-League and understanding of the Central Coast Mariners were crucial decision making factors.”
Okon is looking forward to the challenge of reinvigorating the club’s fans and attracting new followers.
“We want to give our supporters, the people who have been loyal to this club a reason to keep coming back to Central Coast Stadium and we want to give new people a reason to come and watch this team play football,” he said.
“I feel very excited and can’t wait to get started.”
Okon, 44, will take charge of his first training session with the club on Tuesday.
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