But it’s not the first time the Socceroos will head into a World Cup with a relatively new coach. In fact, it’ll be the third time in four campaigns it’s happened, so it’s not unchartered territory.

Complicating matters is the lack of games before the World Cup, with Australia not due to play again until March, unlike when Guus Hiddink took over from Frank Farina in 2005.

There’s also the Asian Cup defence in the UAE in January 2019 to consider, as well as the early December 2018 World Cup draw which may lob us in another ‘group of death’, meaning priorities may need to be adjusted.

Do the FFA chase a short-term high-profile European ala Hiddink in 2005/2006 or look to maintain Ange’s process with some of his trusted Aussie advisors?

THE CANDIDATES

Graham Arnold

Sydney FC boss who has enjoyed unbelievable success over the past six months, lifting all three domestic titles and guiding the Sky Blues to a record-breaking 2016-17 campaign. The 2017-18 side has shown few signs of falling away too, although that may tempt him to stay where he is. Arnold was Socceroos boss during the disappointing 2007 Asian Cup campaign, but has improved markedly as a coach since. Won’t be an Ange-clone, which may not suit the short timeframes.

Tony Popovic

Recently left Western Sydney to take up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to coach a European club. Off-field issues have plagued Turkish club Karabukspor since Popovic’s arrival, clouding his future, with the club’s entire board resigning recently. Karabukspor have lost their past four Super Lig matches and are in the drop zone, meaning Popovic may soon be available. Popovic’s success at WSW, famously winning the ACL along with the A-League premiership at the club’s first attempt, will likely outweigh failing in Turkey.

Ante Milicic

The current assistant coach represents someone who’ll likely persist with Postecoglou’s style. He’s only 43 and ambitious but working against him is his only head coaching experience came in 2009 when player/coach of Sydney United. Otherwise he’s been assistant at Melbourne Heart, Western Sydney and Australia. Might work well as Popovic’s understudy if he’s available.

Gianni De Biasi

Experienced 61-year-old Italian who was reportedly approached by the FFA about the job earlier this year. De Biasi qualified Albania to their maiden European Championships in 2016 and was in the role for six years, so he has national team experience. Has had numerous roles in Italy and was appointed Alaves head coach in late September but the side are struggling in the drop zone in La Liga with 10 losses from 12 games this season.

Ronald Koeman

FFA have previously had a fascination with Dutch coaches, with the likes of Hiddink, Pim Verbeek as well as Dick Advocaat offered the top job. Koeman recently left Everton after a poor start to the 2017-18 season but had done well previously in his first season at Goodison Park, along with a good previous stint at Southampton. Vastly experienced with an impressive CV of ex-clubs, but has too often failed to last long.

Guus Hiddink

Could the Socceroos turn to Aussie Guus again? The 71-year-old Dutchman hasn’t managed since being Chelsea’s interim boss more than 12 months ago, with some success lifting the side from the bottom five to midtable. Hiddink was fired in his last national team job, as the Netherlands failed to reach Euro 2016. Reportedly recently declined an opportunity to work as South Korea technical director, where he had 2002 World Cup success.

Thomas Tuchel

Highly respected German who is currently unemployed following his dismissal as Borussia Dortmund boss in mid-2017 despite finishing third and winning the DFB Pokal. The 44-year-old has never played or worked outside his native Germany, nor has he coached internationally, but he has shown potential during an excellent spell with FSV Mainz, who were similar underdogs to Australia.

Harry Redknapp

The Englishman had a brief flirtation with Central Coast Mariners and has experience in Asia, if the Asian Cup is a priority, having coached Jordan, albeit briefly and without much success. Well respected after stints in charge of Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth. Currently unemployed although after leaving his last job at Birmingham City the 70-year-old said there’s “every chance” it’d be his last.

Laurent Blanc

More of a pipedream than possibility, the former central defender has some history of success at the World Cup, having led France to success in 1998 as captain. Blanc’s most recent job was with French big spenders PSG, but left them in June last year. It'd likely be a significant pay cut at the Socceroos. He previously managed France to the Euro 2012 quarters and Bordeaux to the Ligue 1 title. Linked with the US job recently, along with roles in the MLS and Turkey.

Could it be someone else? Who's your prediction for next Socceroos coach?