Former Socceroos mentor Graham Arnold nominated for AFC men’s coach of the year award

Despite standing down as Socceroos boss last month, Graham Arnold’s efforts have been recognised by the Asian Football Confederation.

Former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has been nominated for the Asian Football Confederation’s coach of the year award.

After six years in charge of national team, Arnold last month resigned following the Socceroos’ disappointing start to the latest AFC round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Australians were beaten 1-0 at home by Bahrain before managing only a 0-0 draw with Indonesia in Jakarta.

Arnold’s resignation was quickly followed by the appointment of his successor, former Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic.

However, Arnold’s efforts have still earnt him an AFC men’s coach of the year nomination.

The other nominees are Japan under 23 coach Go Oiwa and South Korea under 23 coach Hwang Sun-hong.

Two Matildas – Cortnee Vine and Ellie Carpenter – are also in contention for AFC awards.

Former Sydney FC star Vine, who now plays for American team North Carolina Courage, has been nominated for the women’s player of the year prize.

Matildas midfielder Cortnee Vine has been nominated for the AFC women’s player of the year award. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Olympique Lyonnais defender Carpenter is contending for the Asian international women’s player of the year award with Japanese star Yui Hasegawa.

Australian under-20 women’s mentor Leah Blayney has been nominated for the women’s coach of the year award.

Football Australia has also been recognised for its efforts with a nomination for a grassroots football award.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Seoul, South Korea on October 29.

Originally published as Former Socceroos mentor Graham Arnold nominated for AFC men’s coach of the year award