O’Connor is of Australia’s most renowed youth coaches and spent 16 years involved with the AIS football program.

The likes of Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Alex Brosque and Luke Wilkshire came through the AIS when he was head coach.

The ex-NSL title-winner, who also earned 15 caps for the Socceroos, has had spells as head coach of the Young Socceroos, technical director at Sydney FC and technical director of the Hong Kong Football Association over the years.

A member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, O’Connor will be tasked with moulding the Mariners’ best young prospects.