The controversial appointment threatens to alienate some of Sydney's support who will be outraged by the appointment of a key figure from the club's most bitter rival.

But Sydney CEO Dirk Melton is convinced he was the perfect man for the job - beating out rival candidates including ex-Socceroo Kimon Taliadoras, former Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchel and ex-Central Coast Mariners boss, Lawrie McKinna.

“The appointment of Gary Cole as Football Director is another exciting step forward in the delivery of Sydney FC’s three year plan,” said Melton.

“We went through an exhaustive process to find the person with the right skills and experience for what is a very specific and crucial role at the club.

“Gary fulfilled all of the criteria that we were looking for.

"He also has a track record of putting into place and developing a strong football department that, coupled with our existing coaching and football staff, will give Sydney FC a well-structured football department.”

Cole will be responsible for the Sydney FC Football Department, managing the club’s recruitment and retention, high performance, health science, player welfare and football operations.

The former Socceroo, capped 19 times for Australia, will work closely with the CEO and the Sky Blues coaching and football staff to "develop a high performance culture at the club", says the club.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity that Sydney FC has given me,” Cole said. “I like what the club is trying to achieve and the plans the management have for the future direction of the football club.

“Sydney FC has some very skilful and well-respected coaches and staff in place and I look forward to working with them to create a football department that functions well with the rest of the business to allow the entire Club to be successful.”

Cole will start his new position in early January.