Mariners expected to name Okon as coach

Former Australia midfielder Paul Okon is expected to be the new coach of A-League battlers Central Coast Mariners before the end of the week.

Paul Okon Source: AFP

The former Socceroos captain will replace Tony Walmsley, who was sacked after just 18 months in the Mariners' top job.

The Gosford-based club has yet to officially announce the appointment of Okon but it is believed he will start in the job as early as next week. 

During a storied playing career Okon won 28 Socceroos caps and had stints with clubs in Belgium, Italy and England before winning the A-League with Newcastle Jets in his final season as a professional.

The 44-year-old soon moved into coaching, taking over the Australia Under-18 job in 2009 and being appointed Australia Under-20 manger in 2012.

Okon has also served as an assistant coach to Miron Bleiberg at Gold Coast United.