Postecoglou resigned Wednesday morning after leading Australia to its fourth successive World Cup.

"Just want to say thanks to Ange for everything he has done for football in Australia and me personally," Sainsbury tweeted.

"He gave me my shot with the national team and I can never forget that.

"The belief and confidence he's instilled in this team that will keep us on the path to great things."

Rising star Brad Smith also paid tribute.

"To play in a World Cup and to win the Asian cup on home soil is something I will cherish and never forget! You always believed in us," Europe-based Davison said on Twitter.

Former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski praised Postecoglou for his undeniable influence helping raise the profile of the game in Australia.