Sunshine Coast Wanderers coach Paul Arnison has reiterated his desire to stay at the club long term

Sunshine Coast Wanderers coach Paul Arnison says he wants to remain at the club long term but official talks of a new contract are yet to start.

Sunshine Coast Wanderers coach Paul Arnison says he wants to stay at the club and build on its success. Picture: John McCutcheon

Sunshine Coast Wanderers coach Paul Arnison says official contract negotiations with his club are yet to begin but he wants to be there for the long term.

The club’s hierarchy and Arnison were due to meet this week before the Covid-19 lockdown put face-to-face talks on hold.

Sunshine Coast Wanderers vice president Ian Grant said the discussions were “well advanced” but Arnison said no official talks had started.

Arnison, whose side firmed up its place in the top four with a 93rd minute equaliser against Brisbane Roar Youth in its last outing, said he recently approached the club regarding a contract.

“We haven’t really started,” Arnison said.

“I spoke to the club and we were going to talk but then Covid struck and the lockdown.

“I’ve told them I’d like to stay but nothing is official and it depends on an outcome.”

Arnison, who was voted the NPL’s manager of the month for July, said he wanted to build on the club’s success over the past two and a half seasons.

The Wanderers won automatic promotion to the NPL in 2019, then survived the following season to remain in the state’s top flight.

This year, the Wanderers are challenging among the competition’s elite and are the only side undefeated at home.

“I’m more than happy to stay and build on the last three years, with the right backing and one or two extra players I really think we can challenge for the top four regularly,” he said.

“It might depend on a budget and season goals.

“Once they’re ready to talk I’m sure we will catch up after the lockdown.”

Grant acknowledged Arnison’s efforts in guiding the side into the top four and said the club was “punching above its weight”.

He said the contract process had started and was “well advanced”.