Club-owner David Traktovenko and Chairman Scott Barlow have an interesting dilemma on their hands.

Do they walk down the path of their rivals, Western Sydney Wanderers, by attempting to instate a vastly different, progressive philosophy? Or do they try to maintain the status quo?

The below candidates represent some of the hot-favourites - as well as some wild cards – to take the mantle at Bling FC and all the potential riches that come with it.

Tony Popovic: Everyone's favourite to assume the role, although hardly without controversy.

The man who’s credited with building the Wanderers would undoubtedly sacrifice his high esteem in the West should he take the role, but after a rough stint at Turkey, Sydney might be just the place to get his coaching-career back on track.

As winner of the Asian Champions League in 2014, A-League Premiership in 2013 and three time Championship runner-up, Popovic has by-far the highest pedigree of any coach on this list.

But could he betray the fans that chanted his name and worshipped his image on tifos?

To make things even juicier, Popovic was reportedly in attendance at Sydney FC’s last match alongside Zeljko Kalac. If you thought it was bad when Vedran Janjetovic swapped clubs, just imagine the fallout with Popa.

Ante Milicic: The Socceroos assistant and Olyroos manager was building up a decent head of steam before a disastrous campaign at the AFC U/23 Championship ruined all momentum.

Milicic’s side lost to Vietnam and South Korea to exit at the group stage, although whether that's enough to ruin his chances of an A-League gig remain to be seen.

His only previous head coaching position was a year at Sydney United, before assistant roles at Melbourne Heart and Western Sydney – as the latter won the Asian Champions League - led to his assistant role under Ange Postecoglou, as Australia won the 2015 Asian Cup.

Mark Rudan: A Sydney FC foundation player, captain and successful NSW NPL coach in his own right, Rudan has built a strong reputation and glowing profile within Australian and NSW football, which has often overshadowed his own playing career.

‘Rudes’ has managed Sydney United 58 – his former club – since 2013, with only a minor break as assistant to Australia’s U/20s interrupting his lengthy spell.

In this time, he's led the club to an NPL championship and two NSW NPL titles, in addition to two Waratah Cups.

Tony Vidmar: While Aurelio is heavily linked with the vacant role at Wellington, his brother Tony has rocketed into contention with Sydney FC.

Another with little A-League experience - serving as assistant coach under Warren Joyce at Melbourne City since 2017 - Vidmar still boasts excellent pedigree as a player, which can sometimes swing things in a coach's favour.

In addition to a stellar European career, the veteran of 73 Socceroos caps coached the Australian U/17 team to one of the finest periods in their history from 2013 to 2017. Under Vidmar, the Joeys reached the semi-finals of the AFC U/16 Championship and won the AFF U/16 Youth Championship.

They also reached the Round of 16 at the 2015 FIFA U/17 World Cup, beating the likes of Argentina before a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Nigeria soured their efforts.

WILD CARDS

Mark Crittenden: One of the lowest-profiles on this list, but certainly not for want of trying, Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden won the 2015 NPL title with Blacktown, in addition to the 2016 NPL NSW grand final - beating Rudan’s Sydney United.

Crittenden’s Blacktown City beat Sydney United three times in a row, and four out of five times in all competitions that season, in addition to making the quarter-finals of the FFA Cup, where they pushed Sydney FC to the limit. 

Harry Kewell: There’s little doubt that the Crawley Town boss would be welcomed back to the A-League with open arms following his recent-success in England’s League Two, in addition to his previous work with Watford’s youth side.

Perhaps a little unfairly, considering what other coaches on this list have had to accomplish just to be recognised.

Unfortunately for Sydney, it’s doubtful Kewell would even take the role. With talk of promotion growing in England, Kewell has Anfield-ambitions on his mind.

Gullermo Amor: While he left the A-League, and a comfortable gig at champions Adelaide United to progress his coaching career at Barcelona, in his current role Amor is only responsible for “Institutional and Sporting Relations” – whatever that means.

If he ever gets sick of the office job and wants to sink his teeth back into coaching, the lure of a bigger club and bigger budget than he had at Adelaide United, in addition to Asian Champions League football might just prove a drawcard.

Phil Moss: He wrangled the head coaching position at Central Coast Mariners following Arnie’s departure – albeit, only for seven months.

Nevertheless, Moss has formed close relationships with key-Sydney FC players that may be uncertain over their A-League futures. Moss' greatest asset may just be stabilisation.

Should the Sydney FC board attempt to steady the ship and continue the work of Arnold - who was so dominant over his A-League opposition - Moss may just get the second chance he’s been working for.