https://www.foxsports.com.au/footba...n/news-story/4bdfca728a6e245d19d4f736aac5c349
CENTRAL Coast boss Paul Okon has quit his A-League post, walking from the club angry after having a meeting with the club’s hierarchy on Tuesday.
Okon will leave with his assistant Ivan Jolic, with the club’s National Youth League coach Wayne O’Sullivan taking over as caretaker.
The Socceroos legend was in charge of his first campaign in charge of recruitment and with a full pre-season as a head coach of the club, after coming in late in the piece last season to replace the axed Tony Walmsley.
However, after a vibrant start to this campaign, including a win over Sydney FC, things have been heading south, with the club now three points off bottom place, with a goal difference of -12 across just four wins from 23 games this term.
In fact, the last win the club enjoyed, not coming against bottom placed Wellington Phoenix, was on December 3.
“I will forever be grateful to the Mariners for the opportunity they gave me. I thank the players for their commitment and the fans for their support. Finally, I wish the club all the best in the future,” Okon said in a club statement, issued Tuesday afternoon.
Okon, who was in the second year of a two-year deal, has been listed a potential successor to Graham Arnold at Sydney FC, but now the former Olyroos boss will look to re-build his career after a frustrating 2018.
The Mariners lost 5-2 at home to Melbourne Victory on the weekend, and news of the meeting that forced his decision to leave coincides with owner Mike Charlesworth just returning from Europe.
In a statement, the Mariners said: “Both Paul Okon and the Central Coast Mariners have been in discussions for several weeks about the strategic direction of the football club.
“Given the club’s future strategies and plans, both parties have agreed that it is best to end the association immediately to give the club an opportunity during this vital period to re-sign players and target new players.”
Mariners coach Paul OkonSource: AAP
It might not have ended as amicably as the statement suggests, however.
“My understanding is there was a meeting with the club management and Paul Okon,”
The Australian’s Chief Football Writer Ray Gatt told
Fox Sports News.
“It revolved around the club making certain conditions to Paul Okon regarding the coaching position for next season.
“My understanding is Paul was unhappy with some of those conditions and resigned effective immediately.”
Those conditions reportedly included less of a say in the direction of the club’s recruitment strategy and focus.
“Without doubt,” Gatt added, when asked if Okon would have stayed at Central Coast if these limitations weren’t put forward in this meeting.
“It was intention, but certain things were at play from what I understood. It was suggested to him he would not have as much involvement in recruitment for next season. Any coach worth their salt wouldn’t accept that condition …
“Maybe the club foresaw what would happen and this was their way to force his hand.”
