McKinna confirmed the move by Twiiter this evening: '"Some rumours I have been sacked are untrue. I will be taking a new role as football and commercial operations manager.

"I have extended my contract with the club. Graham Arnold will be the new head coach of the Mariners after his World Cup commitments."

McKinna has had a nightmare season after a strong start faded away and the team failed to make the finals.

Last year, au.fourfourtwo.com revealed the club had been in touch with current Socceroos assistant coach Arnold about joining the Mariners but contract obligations and this year's World Cup prevented the move until next season.

The club confirmed the move this evening and said McKinna will work side by side with the club's new head coach  running the football department.

McKinna will also take on a greater role in the Football Operations and the Commercial areas of the club, which will see him actively involved in the club's relationship with current and potential partners.

"This is a great opportunity for me," said McKinna. "I have a commercial background from my time as a Sales Manager at Asics, and through the running of my own businesses.

"The experience I have gained in being part of the formation of the Mariners alongside (Executive Chairman) Lyall (Gorman) means I know the club inside out, I know the people of the Central Coast very well, and I'm excited about the new opportunities that will present themselves within this role at the club, while still maintaining a strong presence in the football side of things."

McKinna and Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick were the only coaches to see out five seasons of the A-League, having guided their clubs from the competition's vey beginnings.

McKinna was an instrumental part of the bid process to give the Central Coast its first ever national sporting team in 2004, and has gone on to become one of the most successful coaches in the Hyundai A-League's history.

The inaugural Hyundai A-League coach of the year's honour roll includes a Premiership, two Grand Finals, three finals series, a Pre-Season Cup, and appearances in a further Pre-Season Cup final and Club World Championship qualification final, as well as leading the Mariners through an Asian Champions League campaign in 2009.

Mariner executive chairman Lyall Gorman added: "Lawrie is an integral part of our club's fabric and all it stands for, and his new role is a key part of our business focus moving forward.

"By extending his contract and continuing to play an important part in the future of the Mariners the club will not only continue to benefit from the tremendous intellectual property and experience that Lawrie has built up over so many years, but also provide him with the opportunity to pursue new and exciting career pathways in a game to which he has contributed so much.

"With work on the Centre of Excellence at Tuggerah nearing commencement, it is an exciting time to be a Mariners Member and Supporter, and we are delighted to know that Lawrie will continue to be a key part of our team moving forward."

Arnold will join the Mariners for next season on a contract running to the end of the 2012/13 season.

"Lawrie has played a significant role in bringing this appointment to fruition," said Gorman. "I know that he looks forward to building a long and fruitful partnership with Graham."