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Lowy gives Arnold his notice

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27 June 2007 | 21:56 - PA Sport

Australia coach Graham Arnold will step down after next month's AFC Asian Cup irrespective of whether the Socceroos win the continental showpiece for the first time.

 

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Arnold, whose position was expected to be reviewed after July's tournament, revealed that he has been informed by Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy that a 'big name' coach will take charge following the end of the tournament.

The 43-year-old was initially appointed as acting coach in July 2006 before being named on a permanent basis last December after working as Guus Hiddink's assistant at the 2006 World Cup.

"He (Frank Lowy) basically told me 100%," Arnold told FourFourTwo magazine in Korea.

"The chairman has made it clear in no uncertain terms that Dick Advocaat or a coach like that will be coming in. They would like me to assist an overseas coach. I am in more of an interim position until they find a big name from overseas."

"I can put myself in the shop window without the full responsibility. I am not passing on the responsibility. Far from it, I am responsible for the results and everything."

"I have a great relationship with the players, the players want to play for me. In the time I have been in charge, our performances have been good. I learned a lot from Guus Hiddink (but) I am also my own man and am doing things my way."

Arnold is currently putting his squad through a gruelling training camp in Singapore ahead of the Asian Cup Group A opener against Oman in Bangkok on July 8.

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