Tributes have been paid to former Socceroos coach Frank Arok, who has died in Serbia due to illness, aged 88.
Key points:
- Frank Arok coached the Socceroos 89 times, 48 of which were ‘A’ internationals
- Arok coached the second-highest number of national league matches for clubs including South Melbourne and St George
- Arok’s former players, including Mark Schwarzer, paid tribute on social media
The legendary coach famously lead the Socceroos to the quarter finals of the 1988 Seoul Olympics — the country’s first major tournament since the 1974 World Cup.
“Football Australia is deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of former Socceroos coach and national football great, Mr Frank Arok AM,” Football Australia said.
“Football Australia would like to extend its condolences to Frank’s family, friends and loved ones.
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Born in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1932, Arok played football for FK Jedinstvo, then migrated to Australia in the 1960s where he coached St George Saints in two separate spells, the second of which saw him guide the club from state-level football to the NSL title in 1983.
Arok’s success lead to him being appointed national team coach, a post he held for seven years, leading the Socceroos in 89 matches, 48 of which were recognised ‘A’ internationals.
Although the Socceroos failed to make the World Cup finals in that time, Arok’s successes included leading the team to the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988.
The Socceroos progressed from a strong group that included his native Yugoslavia, Brazil and Nigeria before losing to eventual gold medallists, the Soviet Union.
Prior to the Olympics, Australia hosted Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia in a Bicentennial Gold Cup, making the final after thumping reigning World Champions Argentina 4-1 thanks to goals from Paul Wade, Charlie Yankos (2) and Vlado Bozinoski at the Sydney Football Stadium.
After leaving his role with the Socceroos, Arok returned to club management in the NSL with St George, Marconi, South Melbourne and Morwell.
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Overall, Arok coached 429 national league matches, the second most of all time.
Arok was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to football in 1990 and inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.
After a spell with Perth Glory as youth coach, Arok retired to Serbia.
A number of Arok’s former players and clubs paid tribute to the legendary coach as one of the most influential coaches in Australian football history on social media.
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Former Socceroos skipper Paul Wade, who played 84 times for the Socceroos, told the RSN Breakfast Club that Arok’s passion shone through.
“He was so special,” Wade said.
“He convinced us that losing 1-0 wasn’t good enough.
“Some of his pre-match talks, he was covered in sweat, he was so passionate, a lot of the time we didn’t understand what he said, but boy did we know that we were going to out play for our country.”
