Frank Arok

Frank Arok began his coaching career at the age of 24 with his appointment to Novi Sad, becoming Yugoslavia’s youngest ever first division coach. Born in Yugoslavia in 1932, he came to Australia in 1969 to coach Sydney club St George. It was the first of three visits during which his modern methods and competitiveness led to his 1983 appointment as Australian coach against England. Arok coached Australia in 90 matches, 48 of them full internationals. His coaching highlights include the 4-1 Gold Cup win over Argentina in 1988 and reaching the Seoul Olympic Games quarter finals. From 1984 to 1990, Arok led the Socceroos to great success and established Australia on the world stage.