The former Socceroos never actually managed to make it out of the group stage of any of the major tournaments - if the side even qualified.

Okon, 44, played with Leeds United, Club Brugge and Middlesbrough and earned 28 Socceroo caps and a place in the FFA Hall of Fame in 2009 before moving into coaching.

He started as assistant coach to Miron Bleiberg at Gold Coast United but four years later was appointed by the FFA to head up the U20s side for Australia.

But in his debut tournament, the side failed to win a single game at the U20s World Cup in 2013, drawing with Colombia and losing 2-1 to both El Salvador and Turkey.

They qualified for the 2014 AFC U19 Championship as one of the best second-placed teams following a devastating 5-1 loss to Vietnam, but two 1-1 draws and a narrow 1-0 win saw them exit at the group stage.

The Young Socceroos also failed to qualify for the 2015 U20s World Cup, only the second time the side has missed the tournament since 1989.

They have qualified for next month's AFC U19 Championship, but again on goal difference as one of the five best second-placed team after a 3-0 loss to Japan undermined wins against Laos and the Phillippines.

The FFA have yet to name Okon's replacement for the U20s, although recently appointed assistant Socceroos coach and former Adelaide United boss Josep Gombau is tipped to take on the responsibilities along with the u23s.

Okon's appointment was welcomed by Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou as a boost to recognising young Aussie coaches. 

The Mariners consulted Postecoglou for his input on the type of coach that would best suit the strategy and culture of the club.

And today Postecoglou praised the man replacing sacked coach Tony Walmsley, who was fired after the club were kicked out the FFA Cup by Victorian NPL side Green Gully. 
 
“I’m not only a big believer in Australian players but also Australian coaches and it is important that as we grow as a football nation that we give opportunity to young coaches in the Hyundai A-League and I applaud Central Coast for considering a few young Australian coaches for the role,” Postecoglou said.
 
“Paul is a good young coach who has spent time in the national team system and deserves a chance to grow as a coach in the Hyundai A-League.
 
“He is one of numerous young coaches in Australia, many of whom are finding their way in the various NPL competitions, that we should be encouraging because the future of football in this country is not only linked to the development of young players but also young coaches."