Graham Arnold has revealed his reaction to being courted by Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, writes Tom Smithies
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has turned down an offer to take over Scottish club Hibernian, declaring that “the time isn’t right” to quit the Australian role despite reportedly being courted by a number of British clubs.
Arnold revealed he was called in the last few days by Hibs co-owner Ian Gordon, in the wake of the sacking of Lee Johnson, to take over at a club where he already knows several players and executives well.
But with high-profile friendlies against Mexico and England ahead in the next few weeks, plus the Asian Cup in January, Arnold – who only signed a new four-year deal as Socceroos head coach earlier this year – said he had declined the opportunity to pursue a return to club management in Scotland.
“I have to say it was an honour that Hibs rang me and offered me the job but I’ve got a job to do here,” Arnold said as he unveiled the Socceroos squad to face Mexico in Dallas on September 10 (AEST).
“I will say that I love coaching my nation and I feel that I have a great job. For me, it’s all about Mexico and getting ourselves ready for that, and developing and helping the boys here in Australia.
“I spoke to (Hibs’) owner (but) at this moment, the timing’s not right. I have a job on my hands here and my full focus is on the Socceroos.”
Arnold, who is reportedly being monitored by two Championship sides in England, has already coached several of the Hibs team in the Socceroos and Olyroos, and had had dealings with Gordon and Hibs CEO Ben Kensell when he persuaded Martin Boyle to switch his allegiance from Scotland to Australia five years ago.
The ownership structure at Hibs has become a little confused since the death of club owner and executive chairman Ron Gordon earlier this year. Ian Gordon, Ron’s son who had been the club’s head of recruitment, is now co-owner along with his brother Kit.
