Central Coast has confirmed coach Graham Arnold will remain with the club despite being targeted by A-League rival Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues are without a manager after Vitezslav Lavicka opted to return to the Czech Republic at the end of the 2011/12 season.
They had made a lucrative offer to Arnold but the former Socceroos coach has elected to stay at the Central Coast after discussions with chairman Peter Turnbull on the weekend.
Arnold’s deal runs for another two years and finishes in 2014.
He was named the A-League’s coach of the year last season after leading Central Coast to the Premiers’ Plate before his side was eliminated by Perth in the preliminary final.
“It’s been a tough decision and I am hugely flattered by the interest I received from Sydney FC,” Arnold said on the club’s website.
“I am very grateful to Gary Cole from Sydney who has been extremely professional, understanding and respectful throughout this process.
“But two years ago I signed a three year contract with the Mariners, and I have decided to see that three year term out, out of loyalty and respect of the players, chairman, staff and supporters.”
He said the Mariners’ Asian Champions League campaign and qualification for the 2013 edition was a driving force behind his decision to stay.
