Former Socceroos captain Paul Okon has been unveiled as the new co-coach for Gold Coast United.
He’ll work as Miron Bleiberg’s right-hand man, in a major coup for the coast’s A-league team.
“Coming up here I’m going to look at it the same as if I was coming up to play, and that’s to work hard to learn, hopefully have success.” said Okon, who was at Skilled Park today.
The former Socceroos captain is bouncing back from a 12 month break, after retiring from playing.
“I’m the first to know that it doesn’t matter what you achieve as a football player during your career. It’s completely different playing, to coaching.”
The 36-year-old had an amazing career, starring with the Jets after playing for top clubs in Europe, before an ongoing knee injury forced him to hang up the boots.
He’ll become United’s head coach – taking over from Miron Bleiberg after the first season, if the club makes the top four.
“If we make it in one year I’ll be happy to step aside, after one year if will take two years, so I’ll take two years.”
“The title of first team coach is a very honourable title, and one that I respect and hope that the expectations that Miron has for me, I can live up to.” said Okon.
