Central Coast Mariners head coach Paul Okon has resigned from his duties with the team, after leaving a meeting on bad terms with the clubs administration on Tuesday.
Okon won't be the only coach making a move away from the club as his dramatic exit will be accompanied by the resignation of assistant coach Ivan Jolic, whilst the team's National Youth League coach Wayne O'Sullivan is next in line to assume the position in for the final four games of the season.
Okon was promised a lot of responsibility when he stepped in to the Central Coast coaching role late last season following the dismissal of former coach Tony Walmsley.
The former Australian captain enjoyed his first - and only - off-season with the Mariners predicated around taking on the responsibility of the recruitment and teams list development.
“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 wrote in a statement posted on the club's website.
The club also issued their own statement regarding the Okon resignation.
“Both Paul Okon and the Central Coast Mariners have been in discussions for several weeks about the strategic direction of the football club,” the Mariners statement said.
“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.”
