Paul Okon

Paul Okon was part of the 'Golden Generation' of Australian youth who reached the semi-finals of the World Youth Cup in Portugal in 1991 and the Olympic Games in Barcelona the following year.

He began his senior career at Marconi in the first NSL summer season of 1989/90 and was a dual winner of the NSL young player of the year.

In 1991 he transferred to Club Brugge in Belgium helping the club to the first division championship in 1995/96 and cup wins in 1994/95 and 1995/96.

He had three years with Lazio in Serie A in Italy and one with Fiorentina before moving to Middlesbrough in England.

After spells at Watford, Leeds United, Belgium again and Cyprus he had a year with Newcastle Jets in the A-League in 2006/07.

Injuries and unavailability limited his international career to 37 appearances, including 28 full 'A' internationals.

In April 2012 Paul was appointed head coach of the Young Socceroos, the Australia national under-20 team, and Assistant coach of the Australia Olympic football team.

After leaving FFA, Okon took over at Central Coast Mariners in the A-League in 2016, serving as head coach for just under two seasons.