Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold has appointed Luke Wilkshire to his coaching staff ahead of the commencement of Round Three AFC Asian Qualifiers™ in September.
Wilkshire – an 80-cap Socceroo – will join Arnold’s staff on a permanent basis, having previously spent time with the senior national team in a coaching capacity during 2023. Wilkshire also worked as an Assistant Coach with the Subway Young Socceroos for their 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup™ campaign.
Appearing at two FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010), Wilkshire brings a wealth of experience from his playing career to the role, which included stints with Middlesborough FC, Bristol City FC and Dynamo Moscow at club level.
Wilkshire quickly moved into coaching following his retirement from playing in 2018, appointed as Head Coach for Wollongong Wolves FC. The Wolves secured the NSW NPL Premiership in his first season at the helm in 2019 and would go on to be crowned ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Premier Leagues Champions in that same year.
Wilkshire is the final appointment within Arnold’s technical team that features René Meulensteen (Assistant Coach), John Crawley (Goalkeeper Coach), Adam Barbera (Senior Analyst) and Huw Cox (Assistant Analyst).
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold was looking forward to welcoming Wilkshire onto his team.
“It’s fantastic to have Luke joining us permanently, he’s been in camp before and I was extremely impressed with what he was able to bring to the group,” Arnold said.
“I’ve known Luke for a long time as a player and now a coach, and have full faith in the experience, work ethic and energy he’ll bring to this role.
“Luke has lived the journey this current group find themselves on and has a deep understanding of international football from his playing days and will bring invaluable insight into our planning and preparation throughout qualification.
“I’m passionate about giving young, Australian coaches the chance to work within a national team setup, and we’ve had several come into camp in the last few years to assist their progression. Luke is now in a position to take the role on a full-time basis, he’s worked extremely hard on his coaching since retiring and this will be a great opportunity for him to continue to develop,” Arnold concluded.
Newly appointed Subway Socceroos’ Assistant Coach, Luke Wilkshire said it was an honour to be involved with the senior national team once more.
“There’s nothing that compares to being involved with your national team as a player or coach, it’s a privilege to be back with the Socceroos and on the journey towards 2026,” Wilkshire said.
“The technical team and wider support staff do a fantastic job at supporting the boys on and off the pitch, and I’m looking forward to contributing wherever and however I can to ensure the Socceroos are successful over the next two years – it’s an exciting opportunity to work with this playing group
“I’m very grateful to Arnie for the chance to join his team and continue my development as a coach under his leadership,” Wilkshire concluded.
