For the love of football

Someone told me earlier today that it's three years today since Sydney FC won the 2009-10 championship. Remember how good it felt? I've won four championships as a player and/or coach, as well as a few Cup championships, and it's fantastic!

So as it's Valentine's Day, and it's an anniversary for Sydney FC, I want to talk about 'football love' for a bit.

You're probably aware that I have accepted the offer from the Sydney FC Board to stay on with Sydney FC for the next two seasons until the end of 2014-15. 

I'm really thrilled to do so. This is a foundation club of the A-League with Australia's biggest and best known city as its name, as well as passionate and opinionated fans. The club and fans rightly have big expectations. My job is to do my bit to help fulfill those expectations.

Football is a game of opinions. I know that probably as many people who thought I was the right choice to fill the interim role would also have thought I was the wrong choice; just as there will no doubt be divided opinion now. You know what? That doesn't bother me. It would bother me more, as a football fan, if you didn't have an opinion one way or the other.

Thank you to David Traktovenko, Scott Barlow, the rest of the Board and Tony Pignata for showing faith in me.  One thing I promise: the faith will be repaid.

It would be remiss if I didn't also say thanks to my wife Julie and my kids. As the events of recent weeks with coaching departures remind you, the life of a coach is one where you have to be prepared to deal with the highs and lows - and while that's okay for those of us who also experienced it as players, it has an impact on families who are the innocent victims of decisions. And while I'm in the mood to say thanks, there are two people whom I won't name - but I think they both know who they are - who have proven what good and lasting friends they are. I try to be to them also.

Finally, to Sydney FC fans - stick by us. Come join us. Feel the passion. 

At the end of the day, the players don't work hard all week and try their heart out each game day for nothing. It's for you. We do want you there for every pass, every tackle, every run, every card (!), every header, every goal. Without you, it's 'just' a game. With you, we will recapture that same fantastic feeling of this day three years ago.

Love your football! See you on Saturday.

Frank


P.S. I am still going for Queensland in State of Origin. Go big Mal!