Socceroos manager Graham Arnold is ‘keen to consider’ a move to Scotland, with Edinburgh giants Hibernian including him on their shortlist.
The Hibees are without a manager after sacking Lee Johnson just three games into the new season following three straight defeats in the league and a 5-0 humbling at home to Aston VIlla in the Europa Conference League.
UK broadcaster Sky Sports has reported that Arnold is interested in the role, but is also in the frame for two jobs in the second tier English Championship, should they become available.
The stumbling block for Hibs would be Arnold’s salary, as he is thought to be on close to $2m a year with Australia, though given his age and career goals, it might be that money is not the main motivating factor for Arnold.
The Socceroos don’t have a competitive match until November, with only friendlies against Mexico, England and New Zealand to worry about in the near future.
Arnold took the national team to the Round of 16 in the recent World Cup in Qatar and has an Asian Cup on the horizon in January, which should provide a new target for the Socceroos.
But the coach, now 60 years old, may be interested in a new challenge. He has never managed in Europe and, indeed, only has one season’s worth of experience beyond Australia, where he failed to win a game as manager of Vegalta Sendai in Japan’s J-League.
Hibs are something of a basket case in Scotland, with managers rarely lasting a season.
Arnold, who has won three A-League titles across the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC, would be a standout candidate for the role, with the other contenders largely domestic.
Former Ireland international turned coach Roy Keane is the glamour option – if he would take it – but beyond him, names like former boss Neil Lennon, ex-St Mirren and Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson, former St Johnstone coach Callum Davidson and current Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes are thought to be on the list.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Except he’s getting better with age and he has decided to stay with the Socceroos.
Grem
Roar Rookie
He turned it down - staying with The Socceroos.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I’d like that, but I’d prefer him to stay!
Waz
Roar Rookie
Things looking up for the Socceroos then …
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Nick is the best coach in Australia and has the most knowledge of any coach on young players but the word on the coast is he is headed for Europe....
Grem
Roar Rookie
Nick Montgomery
cruyff turn
Roar Rookie
Poppa would be a solid choice, but Kevin Muscat and Peter Cklamovski are doing great things in Japan right now, and would surely be in contention. That being said, I'd like Arnie to stay on. He's done a lot to usher in a young new generation that will only get better. However, if he were to accept the Hibs position, then all power to him.
Sheffield WesDay
Roar Rookie
Assuming Arnie goes, who do we think could or should replace him for the Socceroos? Poppa??
cruyff turn
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Arnie's main strength is that he knows our players, what their abilities are and what motivates them. I felt this was lacking when we had Verbeek, Osieck and van Maarwijk at the helm. He's come a long way since his first, unsuccessful stint as Socceroos coach.
Brendan
Roar Pro
It’s wishful thinking on my behalf. True, even Ange had to go to Japan before Scotland. I keep reading that Monty’s ideal team to coach would be The Blades. But, that’s a huge jump to the EPL. Something, however, I believe Monty can achieve.
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Arnold is a coach for tournaments, not for leagues/clubs. He is not of Ange's style. Ange style is always attacking football. This kind of always attacking football is not suitable for tournaments. Should Arnold moves to Scotland, he may not succeed.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Brendan Not sure Montgomery could realistically go from ccm to Celtic. However, doing a good job with Hibernian puts his name forward for future bigger clubs.
Para+Ten ISUZU Subway support Australian Football
Roar Rookie
They need to make an SOS call to Pepper Pigs.
Grem
Roar Rookie
A huuuge loss. He seems a very talented coach.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I hope he stays as well. He also looks a good, future Socceroos coach.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Ok, I’ve read the articles, cheers Grem. Basically, don’t do it, Monty! If he’s really invested in Scotland, then I’d rather a big-name team, such as Celtic.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Had Rudan stayed longer, the Nix would have been highly competitive.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Oh? No way… Oh my, I’m going to have to do some digging around. Gosh, I’m praying Monty stays at CCM. That would be a huge loss. BIG Sydney FC game tomorrow!
Grem
Roar Rookie
The other story this morning was they were after Nick Montgomery.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Windy Welly is to cold for him...