Studs Up: David Davutovic rates the next 10 best Australian coaches making a name for themselves Kevin Muscat has learnt from one of our best. MUCH has been made of the Socceroos' generation next, but what about the coaches? With an Aussie appointed to the Socceroos post for the first time since 2005 and coaching becoming a hotly debated topic what better time to identify the next batch of A-League head coaching candidates. Age is less relevant to coaches than it is for players, so my only criteria is that one can't have coached an A-League club yet permanently. That rules out former Adelaide United boss and Socceroos assistant Aurelio Vidmar. After careful consideration, here is my list of Australia's top up and coming coaches. Agree, disagree? Return here from 12pm (EDT) and join David for a live and interactive blog, where he'll be discussing his list, as well as all the burning issues from the A-League this weekend. 1 Ante Milicic Western Sydney assistant, 39 Stiff to be pipped for the Melbourne Heart job by John Aloisi but continuing his apprenticeship under the meticulous Tony Popovic makes him the hottest young coaching property in Australia. Already served as Young Socceroos and Heart assistant after starting off with Sydney United in the NSW Premier League. 2 Kevin Muscat Melbourne Victory assistant, 40 His appointment as Ange Postecoglou's replacement is imminent, the question is interim or full-time. In his third season as Victory assistant and his 18 months under Ange has given him the necessary tools to be head coach. Will command instant changeroom respect and has the potential to go far. What makes Muscat tick? Read the Q & A here. 3 Paul Okon Young Socceroos coach, 41 Last June's FIFA U20 World Cup was his first tournament experience and the signs were positive. Prepared to make big calls and they played decent football although the results weren't forthcoming. The pressure is intensified at senior level and only he knows whether he wants to make the transition or persist with youth football. 4 Tony Vidmar Joeys and AIS coach, 43 Aurelio Vidmar's younger brother who's benefitted from FFA's improved coaching courses. Coaching the Joeys is a great experience and his next step will be joining an A-League side perhaps as assistant. Has the makings of a senior coach. 5 Mark Rudan Sydney United coach, NSW Premier League, 38 Sydney United look set to unearth another top coach with Mark Rudan guiding United to the minor premiership, although they couldn't claim the ultimate prize. In just his second year of coaching after leading Rockdale City Suns but the former Sydney FC captain is ambitious and his analysis on Fox Sports is fantastic. 6 Phil Moss Central Coast Mariners assistant, 42 Had great success with Manly in the NSWPL before joining good mate Graham Arnold at Central Coast. In his fourth year as Arnie's trusted lieutenant, he's now ready to take the plunge. 7 Joe Mullen Campbelltown City coach, SA Premier League, 49 Having coached since 1996 he's a virtual veteran but a top job has eluded him. Unbelievable to think that he hasn't at least landed an A-League assistant's job but like many of the SA, WA and Queensland coaches it's a case of out of sight out of mind. Won this season's SA title in his first season with Campbelltown City. 8 Robbie Stanton Sutherland Sharks coach, 41 Spent most of his playing career with Wollongong Wolves and has blossomed into a fine coach during six seasons spent primarily with Sutherland Sharks. Won a title in 2009 and finished second on the ladder this season but didn't make the grand final. Stanton's teams are easy on the eye. 9 John Anastasiadis Bentleigh Greens coach, Victorian Premier League, 45 As a player Anastasiadis spent a decade with Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki before Postecoglou signed the striker at South Melbourne in 1997. He's spent a decade coaching in Victoria's state league and his last three years with Bentleigh Greens have been most impressive. Not the biggest budget but they've married good football with some success while kids have been blooded. The Greens lost this season's VPL grand final. 10 Chris Coyne Bayswater City, 34 The former Socceroos defender has quickly turned his attention to coaching after his Perth Glory career ended abruptly. Coyne secured the league and cup double in his debut season at Bayswater City. He's ambitious and he has the persona to forge a successful coaching career. The coaching pool is getting bigger and there's a growing number of coaches having a crack abroad - Arthur Pappas (India), Phil Stubbins (Thailand) and Huss Skenderovic (UAE) are all gaining valuable experience. While the FFA/AFC coaching badges are improving there is still a good number of coaches doing their badges abroad, which should also be encouraged. David Davutovic's previous 'Top 10' coaches, 16 April, 2012 1 Tony Popovic 2012 job: Assistant coach, Crystal Palace 2 Ante Milicic Assistant coach, Melbourne Heart 3 Kevin Muscat Assistant coach, Melbourne Victory AIS coach & Joeys assistant 5 John Aloisi Youth coach, Melbourne Heart 6 Arthur Pappas Youth coach/assistant, Newcastle Jets 7 Phil Stubbins. Coach Insee Police Utd, Thailand 8 Paul Okon Uncontracted 9 Mike Mulvey 10 Jean-Paul de Marigny Coach, Sydney United, NSWPL Melbourne Heart duo John Aloisi and Hayden Foxe are continuing their education in England while former VPL coach Joe Montemurro has commenced his UEFA Pro License one of the best schools in the world, Italy's FA headquarters at Coverciano. Former NSL players Andrew Marth, Peter Tsekenis, Goran Lozanovski and Damian Mori have turned heads in their respective Premier League competition while former Adelaide United captain Ross Aloisi is on his way up. Okon's Young Socceroos assistant Milan Blagojevic is also tracking nicely while Victory's youth coach Darren Davies has done great things although he may wish to pursue the youth pathway. And like Coyne in WA, Ivan Karlovic has made a great start to his coaching career with MetroStars who romped home to win the minor premiership by 13 points only to be bundled out in the finals.