5: Direct media, don’t run from it

Never turn your back on questions at a press conference - that is not a good look.

Be clear and upfront with the media. And if you don’t know, be honest.

It’s better that than to hide behind dull corporate speak designed to obfuscate.

Football doesn’t need another colorless politician using Canberra-speak. 

Stay in good with the media. Be the face of football. Be a salesperson and champion for the game.

And be accountable.

 

6: Have knowledge and love of the game

This passion for football - rather than the role being just another role for the CV - is another key in delivering on this role.

With this in mind, it’s more likely the new CEO may currently be working in football.

This will help in understanding how the game at grassroots is connected to the rest of the game’s pyramid.

This is the right time for a CEO steeped in Australian football history.

 

7: Bring consensus

It’s time an FFA CEO really explained to grassroots how and why decisions are made.

They pay their registrations - and hefty amounts too.

Canvas opinions on the ground, make decisions with a range of views as background to the decision-making process.

Their needs to be a consensus about how the game is run. And this needs explaining rather than put out as a press release.

 

8: Strategise with the newly independent A-League for mutual benefit

Just because the clubs got their way it doesn’t mean the FFA must operate completely unaligned.

The FFA through their new leadership can still find ways to help grow the A-League while helping boost the grassroots and national team player development.

A-League clubs need fans. And players. Likewise, FFA could use A-League clubs to promote grassroots and the game. 

Working independently without helping each other is not the way forward.

The new CEO ideally should have an understanding of the A-League landscape and key decision-makers and have the skills to deal with them for mutual benefit.