The club announced the imminent departure of the foundation Mariners player and strength and conditioning guru on Sunday.

Clark has been with the club since 2005.

With Arnold recently inking a deal to mentor the J.League outfit, Clark has been recruited by his former boss to assist him over the next two seasons in Japan.

The 39-year-old Clark said he was excited about the challenge of working in Asia’s top domestic league.

“In the past I have been offered the chance to work at other sporting clubs in Australia, but to be frank I have never wanted to work at any other sporting club in Australia,” Clark said.

“This opportunity takes me to another level, and gives me the chance to chase my dream of working at the highest standard I can in the football world.

“My respect, loyalty and love for the Mariners doesn’t stop because I’m leaving. The Mariners will always be my team and as a group we are so proud of what we have achieved.

"Arnie and I will do our best in Sendai, and back in Australia the Mariners will be in capable hands with Phil Moss, John Crawley and Wayne O’Sullivan.

“While first and foremost this is a career opportunity, it is also a great opportunity to live in a new culture along with my beautiful wife and two young daughters. It will be an amazing experience for all of us.”

Mariners new head coach, Phil Moss, said Clark will depart the club with the blessing of management, staff, players and fans.

“Andrew Clark has been a great contributor to the success of the Central Coast Mariners since year one,” Moss said.

“As much as anyone Andrew epitomises what the Mariners are all about, and we know local people think extremely highly of him.

“Clarky is a very ambitious person so a move to the J.League takes him to another level in his career. We hope he can help Graham achieve success with Sendai, and will be watching their progress keenly.”

Clark will continue working with the Central Coast until round 10 when the Mariners travel to Adelaide to take on the Reds.

He is expected to take a brief break after that before heading to Japan in January.

His replacement will be announced following the match in Adelaide