Gold Coast United part ways with Paul Okon

Gold Coast United have parted ways with Assistant Coach, Paul Okon, after the club’s board made the decision not to renew his contract beyond this season.

Head Coach Miron Bleiberg, who appointed Okon in September 2008, thanked the former Socceroo for his valuable contribution to the fledgling club, adding that he expected his coaching career to flourish in the coming years.
 
“Paul Okon was an important and integral part of Gold Coast United’s first season in the Hyundai A-League and he played a pivotal role in helping us to establish this football club,” Bleiberg said.
 
“He made a large contribution to what we believe was a successful inaugural campaign, but we felt it was time for us to move on and refresh the club for next season.
 
“Paul did a very good job and is more than ready to stand on his own two feet in the football marketplace. He had a decorated career as a player and I am happy that I was able to absorb and learn from some of his experiences.
 
“I am very confident that he will enjoy being a very good coach in the next phase of his career and another opportunity will be just around the corner for him.”
 
Bleiberg added that the appointment of a new right-hand man would not be rushed, but the revamped coaching structure of the club would be in place by the start of pre-season training in May.
 
“We will bring in another coach in time for pre-season but we have plenty of time to make that appointment,” he said.
 
United CEO, Clive Mensink, also paid tribute to Okon and wished him well for the future.
 
“Paul contributed a lot to the year we’ve had and he leaves with our thanks and gratitude. We wish him every success in his future endeavours,” Mr Mensink said.