A graduate from FFA's Elite Coach Development Scholarship, Okon will be looking to fuse his experience of playing overseas and what he has learned from the scholarship at the A-League debutants.

"I know there is a long way to go and a lot to learn," said Okon. "The main thing is to get the experience. Hopefully I'll have a long time on the Gold Coast and a successful one in whatever role that may be. I just hope I can contribute."

Okon has already upped sticks from his Sydney home and relocated to the Gold Coast to put the early recruits through their paces.

"Miron is a colourful character and does not like to do just the normal things," said Okon. "I have taken this path as I want to be involved with coaching. Long-term I haven't made any plans.

"I'm not in a hurry to be the head coach. I'm not here to take over from Miron from day one. I'm happy with my position as assistant on the Gold Coast," added Okon.