New Central Coast Mariners head coach Phil Moss says outgoing boss Graham Arnold has ensured there will be a seamless change of leadership at the A-League champions.

Arnold signed a two-year deal with J-League club Vegalta Sendai on Thursday night and Moss, after being unveiled as the Mariners’ new mentor on Friday, acknowledged the former Socceroos manager’s departure would leave a significant hole at the club.

But Arnold’s former assistant in Gosford said the A-League icon’s succession planning would ensure that the club’s success, which included an A-League title and a premiership during his tenure, would outlast him.

“Taking over from someone like Graham Arnold can be seen as massive shoes to fill but when he sets such good structures in place it really is a seamless transition,” Moss told reporters.

“I would like to think I will keep the ship sailing in the same direction as Arnie.

“I don’t profess to be Graham Arnold but I have worked under him for a long time and we have very similar philosophies and principles on football.

“We are similar personalities but obviously I will do things a little differently because I haven’t had the experience that Arnie has had.

“There will be tweaks here and there as I put my own my own stamp on things and run things my way.

“I’m my own man – I think you have to be as a head coach.”

Moss, who served under Arnold for four years, said he wasn’t surprised at the overseas interest in the former Socceroos striker.

“We have said all along that the Mariners have really put the A-League on the world map, particularly in Asia,” he said.

“The A-League loses a great head coach at the top of his game and the A-League loses a great character.

“He certainly has his detractors but he is a great mate to us all.

“I’m honoured to be head coach of such a great club.”