NEW Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has used his personal website to reach out to fans and tackle the thorny issue of his 2009 sacking from Brisbane Roar over a drink-driving charge.
Under a post titled New Beginnings, the former Socceroos boss questioned whether people should be “punished for the rest of their lives”.
While admitting he was not the preferred option for all supporters, Farina said he was committed to the task at hand.
He will take the reins of the struggling Sky Blues for their home game against Melbourne Heart on Sunday and said it was vital for the success of the A-League that Sydney perform well.
“I know I’m not the popular choice with all fans but that’s football and that’s life,” Farina wrote on www.frankfarina.net.
“To those fans who don’t want me because they disagree with me on football issues, that’s great. Football is a game of opinions, and you are entitled to your opinion.
“To those who criticise and denigrate me because of the circumstances under which I was sacked by Brisbane Roar, I would just ask you two questions.
“Have you ever done anything you wish you hadn’t done? Do you think people should be punished for the rest of their lives?
“If the answer to the first question is ‘no’, then good on you. And if the answer to the second question is “yes”, then we’ll have to agree to disagree. Let’s leave it at that.
“To all of you have written or tweeted congratulations and good wishes – thank you. It’s truly been overwhelming and I can’t possibly thank you all personally. You can be absolutely certain that the task at hand will have my full focus and commitment.”
Sydney FC had been linked with numerous coaches both home and abroad following the shock resignation of coach Ian Crook.
But it was the 48-year-old who eventually got the nod to lead the embattled Sky Blues and their star signing Alessandro Del Piero off the bottom of the table.
Farina, who has been working with the Papua New Guinea national team, devoted much of his blog to the club’s passionate supporters but said his words to the players and staff would remain private.
“I know that Sydney FC fans are amongst the most knowledgeable in the country and I’m really looking forward to having The Cove on my side for once,” he wrote.
“You guys and gals are a formidable outfit and I hope you’re out in full voice on Sunday and every game.
“What I want to say to the players and the playing staff is a private matter and I don’t intend writing about it here ever.”
Farina spoke highly of his recent dealing with CEO Tony Pignata: “I look forward to working with him to help Sydney FC be the great team that Sydney deserves”.
And also reflected on how quickly life changes, saving a special mention for former coach, Crook.
“To say that where I find myself today is a bolt from the (sky) blue is an understatement,” Farina wrote.
“When I last updated my blog, Crooky – who is one of the nicest blokes in the game – was in charge at Sydney FC and I was off to PNG to start my new job as OFC Technical Advisor and Coach Mentor.
“Crooky - all the best mate. I hope to see you around.”
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