Former Australia coach Graham Arnold will take over as manager of Central Coast Mariners next season, with current incumbent Lawrie McKinna to take on a new role at the A-League side.

Arnold, who is Pim Verbeek's assistant with the Socceroos, will make his return to the A-League after this summer's FIFA World Cup, with McKinna stepping down after Friday's game against Wellington Phoenix to become the club's football operations manager. The Mariners have endured a disappointing campaign this season having failed to make the finals and only ending a run of 10 games without a win yesterday with a 3-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets.

I'm excited about the new opportunities that will present themselves within this role at the club, while still maintaining a strong presence in the football side of things.
Lawrie McKinna on becoming football operations manager

Arnold and McKinna will work together next year in order to get the Mariners challenging at the right end of the table for the 2010/11 season. "This is a great opportunity for me," said McKinna. "The experience I have gained in being part of the formation of the Mariners alongside (executive chairman) Lyall (Gorman) means I know the club inside out, I know the people of the Central Coast very well, and I'm excited about the new opportunities that will present themselves within this role at the club, while still maintaining a strong presence in the football side of things."

McKinna has been coach of the Mariners for the last five seasons and was also instrumental in the club's formation in 2004. The Scot also led the Mariners into the AFC Champions League last year and Gorman paid tribute to McKinna's contribution to the club. "Lawrie is an integral part of our club's fabric and all it stands for, and his new role is a key part of our business focus moving forward," he said.

"By extending his contract and continuing to play an important part in the future of the Mariners the club will not only continue to benefit from the tremendous intellectual property and experience that Lawrie has built up over so many years, but also provide him with the opportunity to pursue new and exciting career pathways in a game to which he has contributed so much. I know that he looks forward to building a long and fruitful partnership with Graham."