Graham Arnold has been named to take over as Australia coach after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

The former Socceroos’ striker and current Sydney FC coach will assume the reins from Bert van Marwijk, who was appointed only until the end of Russia 2018.

Arnold will lead Australia in their AFC Asian Cup title defence next year in the United Arab Emirates, as well as during qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Arnold coached Australia on an interim basis during the 2007 Asian Cup, and helped the U-23 side qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

“It’s a job I have always been interested in doing and I believe the timing is perfect for me,” Arnold said. “I know what the job’s about. I know it’s not an easy job, it’s a tough job, but I know I’ll do a great job this time.”

Arnold also assisted national team coaches Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek during the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

Arnold, who speaks Dutch from his playing days in the Netherlands during the 1990s, confirmed he will not be involved with the national team alongside Van Marwijk during Russia 2018.

Van Marwijk was appointed in January after Ange Postecoglou resigned in November, following Australia’s qualification for Russia through the intercontinental play-off.

“I said at the time that I thought he [Van Marwijk] was a great appointment to lead the Socceroos in Russia and everything he has done since has reinforced that view,” said Arnold. “I won’t be getting under his feet but I will be cheering him and the team on from the stands.”

The 54-year-old Arnold has been the standout coach in the A-League over recent years taking Sydney FC to the title last season, with the Sky Blues on track to earn a record points haul this season.

He previously coached Central Coast Mariners, the A-League’s least-resourced club, to their only title.

Arnold, nicknamed ‘Goal a game Arnie’ during his playing days, featured in four World Cup campaigns for the Socceroos in a 12-year international career that concluded in 1997.