The club's development manager has had his role with the Mariners expanded and his duties will now include being the head coach for the inaugural National Youth League campaign.

Beyond his duties with the senior Mariners squad, Tobin has been instrumental in implementing and developing the Mariners’ one of a kind Youth Academy structures and talent identification initiatives.

Such is Tobin’s reputation as one of Australia’s foremost emerging coaches, the Qantas Socceroo great was invited to assist Football Federation Australia Technical Director Robert Baan in London last November for the international friendly between Australia and Nigeria.

The 42-year-old will lead the Central Coast’s representation alongside fellow foundation Mariners talent Damien Brown who has annoucned he is retiring from playing at the end of the Mariners’ pre-season trial match program to assume the role of Youth Development Co-ordinator with the club

Executive chairman Lyall Gorman said: "We are indeed fortunate to have had a coach and a character such as Alex at our club over the course of the past three Hyundai A-League seasons and we are understandably delighted to have expanded Alex’s role to include taking charge of our first ever NYL squad.

"Alex’s playing record speaks for itself and after only a few years in the coaching arena his reputation away from the pitch has grown considerably and I’m certain that each of our NYL squad members will relish the chance to work under the most capped Qantas Socceroo of all-time."

Tobin was inducted into Football Federation Australia’s Hall Of Fame last year in recognition of his truly unique contribution to the game.

The former Socceroo said: "It is an honour to have been asked to lead the Mariners’ first ever NYL squad, which represents something very exciting not only for the Central Coast and the Hyundai A-League, but for football in Australia in general.

"I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of very talented young footballers here on the Central Coast and its surrounding regions through our Youth Academy and I’m confident that we can put out a very competitive line up come the kick off the regular season.

"The NYL presents a fantastic chance for Central Coast youngsters to make an impression at an elite level and, equally, a terrific opportunity for myself and Damien Brown to hone our skills in the coaching arena – I’m very much looking forward to the challenge."