Head coach Miron Bleiberg, who appointed Okon in September 2008, paid tribute to the former Socceroo and predicted his coaching career would flourish in coming years.

"Paul Okon was an important and integral part of Gold Coast United's first season in the Hyundai A-League and he played a pivotal role in helping us to establish this football club," Bleiberg said.

"He made a large contribution to what we believe was a successful inaugural campaign, but we felt it was time for us to move on and refresh the club for next season.

"Paul did a very good job and is more than ready to stand on his own two feet in the football marketplace. He had a decorated career as a player and I am happy that I was able to absorb and learn from some of his experiences.

"I am very confident that he will enjoy being a very good coach in the next phase of his career and another opportunity will be just around the corner for him."

Bleiberg said a replacement would be appointed but the process would not be rushed, although the club's revamped coaching structure would be in place by the start of pre-season training in May.

"We will bring in another coach in time for pre-season but we have plenty of time to make that appointment," he said.

United CEO Clive Mensink also paid tribute to Okon and wished him well for the future.

Mensink added: "Paul contributed a lot to the year we've had and he leaves with our thanks and gratitude. We wish him every success in his future endeavours."