PHOTO: Paul Okon (right) will have his work cut out for him.
The Central Coast Mariners have today unveiled new coach Paul Okon.
The former Socceroo signed a two-year agreement with the side, replacing his sacked predecessor Tony Walmsley.
As a player, Okon experienced a decorated career throughout Europe and the U.K. with the likes of Leeds United, Club Brugge and Middlesbrough along with his 28 caps as a Socceroo before being inducted into the Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame in 2009.
While as a coach, 44-year-old Okon has been at the forefront of youth development for the past four years as the Australian under-20s Head Coach in a period that has seen 11 of his players go on to make their senior Socceroos debuts.
Central Coast Mariners Executive Vice Chairman, Peter Storrie, says Okon was the best candidate for the role.
“The process allowed us to look at one of the club’s most important policies – giving youth a chance, which Paul fits perfectly,” he said.
Pressure will be on the new coach to produce results for the club, who this year recorded their worst A-League season.
