The Central Coast Mariners announced the signing of Paul Okon just six weeks out from Hyundai A-League season 12. Affectionately known as ‘Paolo’, Okon signed a two-year-agreement with the Yellow & Navy. As a player, Okon experienced a decorated career throughout Europe and the U.K. with the likes of Leeds United, Club Brugge and Middlesbrough along with his 28 caps as a Socceroo before being inducted into the Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame in 2009. As a coach, 44-year-old Okon has been at the forefront of youth development for the past four years as the Australian under-20s Head Coach in a period that has seen 11 of his players go on to make their senior Socceroos debuts. Prior to his most recent role as the Australian under-20s Head Coach, in 2008 Okon served as an assistant coach to Miron Bleiberg at Gold Coast United in the Hyundai A-League.
