Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold named A-League Coach of the Year

THE last time he was voted A-League coach of the year, his team fell short in the finals. Now Graham Arnold is determined to avoid the same fate five years on.

Graham Arnold wins his second Coach of the Year award. Picture: Mark Evans

FIVE years ago he was voted the A-League’s coach of the year, but his team fell short in the finals.

Now Graham Arnold is determined that history will not repeat itself, after becoming the first man to win the top award twice with different clubs.

Arnold’s recognition by his peers comes after his side has swept all before it this season, winning the Premier’s Plate by a record margin and with a record number of points.

Through to Sunday’s grand final, he is aiming to become the first coach to win the A-League title with different clubs.

A-League coach Graham Arnold picked up coach of the year after Sydney FC’s brilliant season.

The last time was in 2013 with the Mariners, but it was a year before that when he was voted coach of the year after his side finished ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s Brisbane Roar side and won the minor Premiership.

But Perth Glory defeated the Mariners in the semi-finals — on penalties — rather souring his personal award.

Having re-signed for another two years beyond this season, Arnold has made clear his determination to ensure this season’s success isn’t a one-off.

“Sydney is my home and Sydney FC is my club,” Arnold said recently.

“I am very happy here and I couldn’t imagine coaching anywhere else right now. I feel this club has a fantastic vision and a great foundation from which to build and win many trophies.

Graham Arnold wins his second Coach of the Year award. Picture: Mark Evans

“We have a fabulous culture among the players and staff and our Academy and youth set-up is second to none.”

Part of Sydney’s success has been the defensive solidity epitomised by a record-breaking 15 clean sheets — helping Sky Blues custodian Danny Vukovic to win goalkeeper of the year.

“It’s definitely my best season, and it’s coincided with coming home, being comfortable and working with great coaches in Arnie (Graham Arnold) and John Crawley, as well as playing with a great team,” Vukovic said.

“Everything has fallen into place, there’s been a lot of aspects to the way I’m playing but they’ve all played a part.”

Originally published as Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold named A-League Coach of the Year