Walmsley becomes just the fourth head coach in the club's history and he says he is ready for season 11 of the A-League.
"Coaching in the Hyundai A-League is the aspiration of many coaches, both here and overseas," Walmsley said.
"It comes with an incredible responsibility and at a time when sustainability is demanded as the league continues to evolve
"When (executive vice-chairman) Peter Storrie asked if I would consider taking the head coach role at the Mariners I needed to weigh up the opportunity carefully.
"It is an honour to be invited to take on the role, but I needed to be clear about my commitment to success, identify what success looks like and how I can make a difference."
A statement from the club revealed that 'entertainment, vision, flair, innovation, training methods and the introduction of young players into the club's football department along with recruitment of players who can fit into this mantra has led the club to decide that Walmsley is the key to the Mariners' football moving forward', and Walmsley said he was looking forward to turning out an attacking side.
"The club's mantra is entertainment, youth and community. As Technical Director I was brought in to deliver a football program aligned to the commercial objectives of the club," he said.
"This means a recruitment charter that identifies players with embedded talent that can be identified, contribute on the pitch, developed and sold. No hiding behind it. Something to celebrate.
"As head coach I'm interested in exposing players to a style that stretches them beyond where they think their capabilities are and to get the staff to buy into the broader vision.
"Can we be more resilient, yet more expressive? Pretty on the eye? Courageous on the ball, can we be recognised for innovation?
"The Mariners are a fantastic club with a great history. I worked under Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold across five seasons before realising a personal goal to work in professional football in the UK with Sheffield United.
"I've remained curious throughout almost 30 coaching years across a broad set of experiences with some great people.
"So my time has arrived to make a commitment to the members and fans to provide an environment where the players love coming to work.
"Where their spirit, joy and passion for playing football is captured in the essence of how we play.
"I'm thrilled to be the fourth head coach in Mariners history. Bring on season 11."
Walmsley, who was an interim replacement for Phil Moss in the lead up to the club's round 20 fixture against Melbourne City, will commence the role on a permanent basis effective 1 May.
"With such a small population base over a large geographical area we need to do something special next season to attract new fans and bring some of the old ones back," Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth said.
"Without fear of failure we simply have to innovate and entertain and I believe Tony has both the understanding of this task and the experience to see this challenge through successfully."
Storrie said Walmsley's international experience was one of the key factors in him getting the job.
"We interviewed a select number of candidates but ultimately, Tony's international experience in youth development; belief in the new football philosophy and passion to entertain were key factors in appointing him as the club's permanent head coach," Storrie said.
"Tony's understanding of the Mariners' culture, having been involved with the club for many years also played a part in the decision making process."
