Sydney FC appear set to unveil their new coach today, with reports Graham Arnold has signed a three-year deal to take control of the Sky Blues.
Sydney FC appear set to unveil their new coach today, with reports Graham Arnold has signed a three-year deal to take control of the Sky Blues.
The former Mariners boss, who claimed the 2012/13 Championship with Central Coast, will take over from Frank Farina who was sacked following his side’s exit in the first week of the Hyundai A-League finals series.
Arnold, who left the Mariners mid-season to pursue his ambition of coaching overseas, took over at J-League outfit Vegalta Sendai. However his tenure lasted just six games before his contract was mutually terminated following a winless start to the campaign.
Speaking on Fox Sports Sydney FC defender Sasa Ognenovski endorsed the move for his former Socceroos boss and was glad a decision had been made so soon after the season ending.
“It’s good they’ve (Sydney FC board) acted so swiftly, and if it’s a three-year deal then there’s obviously a plan in place and they’re going to give him time to build the team he wants to build,” said Ognenovski.
“There are a few players at the club in limbo, so decisions can be made about them. Decisions can be made about bringing in new players to replace the ones that have left and about the foreign spots that need to be filled.
“It’s very good that two weeks after the season finished we’ve got a coach and he’s signed for three years.”
Ognenovski, who penned a one-year contract extension in March, hoped the signing would bring some certainty to a club that has had seven head coaches in nine seasons.
“Every club needs stability for the mindset of the team,” he said. “Everyone has got to be pulling in the same direction.
“There was a feeling this year that it wasn’t like that. It’ll be nice, as Graham Arnold’s a strong character, to get that.
“We’re all striving for the ultimate goal which is what Brisbane did on Sunday.”
