Golden generation stars in mix for Socceroos job

POTENTIAL CANDIDATES TO REPLACE GRAHAM ARNOLD AS SOCCEROOS COACH:

* TONY POPOVIC - Currently a free agent, Popovic's name is never far from the action when there is a Socceroos vacancy - or even when Arnold was under pressure in the past. He and Arnold were runners-up to Ange Postecoglou for the gig back in 2013. The former Socceroos centre-back famously led Western Sydney to the 2013 Asian Champions League title and delivered some silverware at Perth and Melbourne Victory. He is known for his demanding, relentless playing style and tight oversight of his football department.

* JOHN ALOISI - The man whose penalty steered the Socceroos back onto the World Cup stage in 2005 has never made any secret of his desire to one day coach his country. Aloisi won the 2021-22 A-League Men championship with Western United - his only silverware to date amid an up-and-down coaching career - after completely reinvigorating the club. He was linked to the role during qualification for Qatar and is clearly a popular, likeable and charismatic coach who prides himself on creating a good culture.

* KEVIN MUSCAT - Arguably the most well-credentialed option, Muscat also appears one of the least likely to answer the call. The former Socceroos defender was hard-nosed on the field but has taken to coaching like a duck to water, with trophy-laden stints at Melbourne Victory and Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos. He is now thriving at Shanghai Port in China and appears focused on carving out his reputation in clubland, and likely a move to Europe, rather than looking back home.

* NICK MONTGOMERY - Less experienced than many on this list, Montgomery earned his stripes by succeeding against the odds with Central Coast. His success with the underfunded Mariners came off the back of brilliant work with the club's academy, with Montgomery bringing through local young talent while getting the best out of older players and journeymen. A brutally tough stint at Hibernian in Scotland was a wake-up call but after his sacking, Montgomery has landed on his feet as an assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. Could he be prised out?

* HERVE RENARD - A man who loves a challenge, Renard is back on the market after plans to take over the South Korea fell through. Renard is best known for masterminding Saudi Arabia's shock 2022 World Cup win over eventual champions Argentina. Renard then took over France's women's team, who famously lost to the Matildas on penalties in last year's Women's World Cup quarter-final. He also ensured Morocco's qualification for the 2018 tournament. An incredible, charismatic motivator, Renard's hard-pressing style would be a change in direction.

* PETER CKLAMOVSKI - Now here's a smoky. A long-term Postecoglou disciple - including working as his assistant during his time with the Socceroos - Cklamovski is quickly forging a strong reputation as a coach in his own right. Cklamovski has been making a name for himself in Japan in recent years and currently has FC Tokyo sitting eighth in the J1 League, playing attractive football.