Graham Arnold has resigned as Australia coach in a decision he said was best for the nation following the Socceroos poor start to Asias third phase of World Cup qualifying.
Arnolds resignation follows heavy criticism from fans and pundits after a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil and a 0-0 draw away against Asian soccer minnows Indonesia.
It ends his second, six-year-long stint in the role, having also been the Socceroos interim coach in 2006-07.
Despite the shaky start in qualifying, the decision is a surprise, coming a week after Football Australia (FA) boss James Johnson strongly endorsed the 61-year-old to put the team back on track.
I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me its time for change, both for myself and the programme, Arnold said in an FA statement.
