Former Australia boss Frank Arok has passed away aged 88 in Serbia following a battle with an illness.
Waves of tributes have been pouring out into digital, print and social media with former players hailing the influence and impact that the ex-Socceroos manager had on the national team and the sport in the country.
Arok managed to take the national team to the quarter-finals of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, getting out of a group that included Brazil, Nigeria and Yugoslavia. The Socceroos went on to lose to the Soviet Union, who emerged as the gold medalists that year.
“Football Australia is deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of former Socceroos coach and national football great, Mr Frank Arok AM,” the governing body of Australian football have said on their official website.
“Football Australia would like to extend its condolences to Frank’s family, friends and loved ones.
“His profound impact on Australian football will never be forgotten. Vale.”
