Speculation ramped up overnight, with reports that an announcement is expected imminently after a series of setbacks in the search for a new boss.

It follows a turbulent couple of weeks for the Sky Blues with former Chelsea boss, Avram Grant among a long list of coaches linked with the harboursiders.

Newcastle Jets coach Gary Van Egmond yesterday revealed he had snubbed a renewed approach by Sydney FC - as has Mariners boss Graham Arnold, according to reports.

But out-of-work - and instantly available - Farina now looks likely to get the nod, marking a return to the A-League for the first time since his 2009 sacking from Brisbane Roar over a drink driving charge.

The 48-year-old, who recently completed a three-month stint with Papua New Guinea national team, coached the Socceroos from 1998 until 2005 and recently became just the fifth person to receive the PFA’s prestigious Alex Tobin Medal.

His appointment would make him the seventh coach to take the hot seat in the club’s eight seasons.

Former assistant coach Crook quit over mounting pressure from a string of poor results and the added scrutiny following the recruitment of Italian legend, Alessandro Del Piero.

Assistant coach and former foundation player Steve Corica has filled the breach in the interim.

Meanwhile Del Piero, who has single-handedly kept the Sky Blues from plummeting out of all contention, has used his personal website to urge the team and supporters not to give up.

Sydney sits at the bottom of the table after eight rounds and having conceded a staggering 22 goals.

Del Piero wrote an entry headlined 'Let's Start Again' on alessandrodelpiero.com: “We've started a very important week of trainings and, probably, it's even more significant than all the previous ones.

“The importance of our actions from today onwards is based on the far from easy period we are going through...so we have to show that we can manage it.

“Before coming to Sydney I played "few" matches and already lived through the situations like this one, probably even worse, in the sense of pressure and the created atmosphere that may influence the team.

“Being every day in the locker room, I know that we have enough will and determination to reverse the trend.”

The former Juve great’s comments follow a disappointing crowd of just over 13,000 to the Sky Blues’ home against Adelaide United on Friday which resulted in their fourth straight loss.

Del Piero added: “We need a sparkle, we need to believe, we shouldn't give up. I'm absolutely sure that we can make it, this group is strong and we just need to work and try without any fear. The results will come for sure!

“I'm asking all Sky Blues' supporters to give us a hand: we want to start winning again, as soon as possible!

“C'mon Sydney FC!!!”