Ernie, firstly what's the latest with the Kevin Muscat will-he--won't-he-play-on saga?
Well, I think the next weeks will give us a much clearer picture. Gary [Cole] does the signings with the approval of the board but I spoke to him after we all had a break following the season.

He's the sort of person that doesn't want to be a player who's carried. He'd hate to feel like he was on his last legs but he's pretty convinced he can have a good season under his belt.

He played every minute of every game last season. And he's really keen to stay on so we've had a really positive discussion about his future. If we managed to get him over the line it'd definitely be for the ACL as well.

What is your take on how long his body will last and what would you like to see?
I think he can play for the next two seasons. And I know he'd want a rolling contract so he can make the call himself but I'd be keen for him to stay on for the next two seasons.

Irrespective of Kevin, is the signing of Carlos Hernandez on a three-year deal an indication that you'll want to build your side around the Costa Rican?
I've always avoided trying to build a team around any particular player. But if the spine of your team is very strong, you can develop up-and-coming young players.

That link between defence, midfield and strikers is a key role and I think Carlos is one of the best in the league at doing that.

The restrictions of the salary cap mean good-quality Australian players can earn much more overseas. So with Carlos, the sell is enjoying playing for Melbourne Victory and the lifestyle and looking at the bigger picture.

That sell is much easier if you have a club that's been successful, with good facilities and a fantastic crowd.

Carlos also remembers the fans at Etihad Stadium chanting his name during the last finals series. It's these sorts of things that got him over the line.

How has he developed as a player since arriving at the club?
I've no doubt he's become a better player since he arrived here, because I think the A-League standard is better than Costa Rica, although it is very skilful.

And we have a great back up with sports and science and medical staff and we have the opportunity to play pressure games in a big game environment like at Etihad stadium and the ACL. He has good players around him. We've all benefited.

We've pushed him outside his comfort zone. He's such a star in Costa Rica he could probably rock up without training and play, but we've pushed him harder than he's ever been pushed.

It took a while but I think the end of this second season, he was in outstanding form and we think we can get more out of him.

And your other new player Surat Sukha, what convinced you that a Thai player can make it in the A-League?
We saw him recently play for Thailand against New Zealand, and they had a number of Phoenix players in the All-Whites line-up. They're a rough, tough group of players and we watched how he went. I think Tim Brown hit him hard in a tackle and he got straight up. He was unbeatable.

He played against us in the ACL for Chonburi in Bangkok and was outstanding. They missed him when they played us at home. Thai national team coach Peter Reid also recommended him as did Steve Darby [Reid's assistant].

He's played 15 times for Thailand. He's quick, not big, but skilful. It's not a gamble. He'll fit in well.

And the squad in general?
We're further forward than we've ever been in terms of our training program and signing players. Most of our grand final side and bench have been re-signed.

It's looming to be a fantastic year because there are also two more teams coming into the A-League with 27 rounds.

With the ACL, you've become the dominant force in Australia - how much of a focus of you and the club is it to become a regional heavyweight with the ACL and possibly even the Club World Cup?
Take my personality out of it, there's no doubt the club wants to achieve something in Asia in a similar fashion to European clubs with the UCL.

We feel we did well last time given we lost Carlos and Archie for almost all of the campaign and we only lost by one goal to eventual champion Gamba Osaka.

If we can reproduce that kind of form consistently then, like Adelaide, anything's possible and I think that's the same for any Australian team.

And the Club World Cup - if you won the ACL - offers you the ultimate chance to test yourselves...
I'd never look too far ahead but certainly I'm looking forward to the Asian Champions League but I haven't lost sight that domestically we still want to make the finals every season.

Away from the pitch and you and Victory take over as 2009 hosts of FOX 8's popular footy reality series Football Superstar. What attracted you to the show?
I'm actually driving to the house right now... I didn't watch the first series but friends of mine told me it was really good. Obviously the players are in a house like in a traditional reality TV show which creates interest, but more than that, it promotes sport and showcases what we do at Melbourne Victory.

I know several A-League clubs were very keen to get the show. I've been very impressed with the quality of the players. There are no bad players.

So will you become the bad guy on the show?
You know I'm the sort of person who doesn't want to be in the media very often, you know what I'm like, but I spoke to the series producers and said I didn't want to be scripted here to be the bad guy. That's not me.

And the club or me, we're not about being sarcastic. We can be critical but predominantly positive and supportive of these young players. We're going out of way to spend time with the young players in the show, and I think the producers are quite surprised as are the players.

I personally think being supportive and positive is a good way for youngsters to develop. The show is real insight into an A-League club, all the behind the scenes stuff that you wouldn't normally see.

Although I won't be giving up my day job though!

*Football Superstar returns to  FOX8 on Wednesday May 27 at 7.30pm