‘True legend’: Former Socceroos coach Frank Arok dead at 88

The Australian sporting community has paid tribute to former Socceroos coach Frank Arok, who died aged 88 on Tuesday.

Frank Arok, coach of the Australian Socceroos.

The Australian sporting community has paid tribute to former Socceroos coach Frank Arok, who died aged 88 in Serbia on Tuesday.

Arok commanded the Socceroos for 89 matches between 1983 and 1989 — including 48 ‘A’ internationals — and led them to the quarterfinals at the 1998 Olympic Games in Seoul.

He was made a Member of the Order of Australia for “service to soccer, particularly as the Australian national coach” in 1990, and inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.

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“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 in a statement.

“Football Australia would like to extend its condolences to Frank’s family, friends and loved ones.

“His profound impact on Australian football will never be forgotten. Vale.”

Frank Arok RIP ! The man that discovered and made me ! Thank you ! A true legend ! @Socceroos

— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) January 12, 2021

Very sad to hear about the passing of Frank Arok. Your knowledge, passion and dedication of the game was infectious. The 2 years I had the privilege to work with you @clubmarconi1958 were some of my most enjoyable times in football. R.I.P #aussielegend #soccerooslegend #NSL pic.twitter.com/ZoG47i0tKy

— Mark Schwarzer (@schwarzer_mark) January 12, 2021

Frank Arok. My first boss with the #Socceroos in 1984 when I was 19. My condolences to his family. #RIP ‘Chewie’.

— Frank Farina (@Frank_Farina) January 12, 2021

Sad to hear of the passing of Frank Arok. He did so much for our game in Australia. Taught my father at school back in Novi Sad in Serbia before they both came to Australia. Thinking of him and his family today.. RIP

— Danny Vukovic (@vuka20) January 12, 2021

Arok also served as a youth coach at Perth Glory for two seasons before retiring in 2003. He coached a total of 429 national league matches.

“He was so special,” former Socceroos skipper Paul Wade said on the RSN Breakfast Club.

“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 play for our country.”