“Choosing a new A-League club is all about grassroots and fan support,” he said.

“We’ve noted that there’s a strong local passion to get the Wolves back where we belong, but there’s also an Australia-wide consensus that we’re the perfect addition to the competition.

“We don’t compare ourselves to any other bid, we’re not concerned about what other people can offer. The Wolves have that history and we’ve been very successful.

“Through the infrastructure and pathways we already have, the number of products from Illawarra and South Coast that are competing in the A-League goes to show we continue to produce and develop players of the highest calibre through our system.

“The only thing missing at the moment is national representation.”

 

If turmoil lies at the heart of Australian football, then few clubs can lay the ‘history’ claim as vociferously as the Wolves.

It’s hard to judge whether overcoming adversity holds an A-League candidate in good stead, especially compared to affluent newcomers who have avoided the sullying effect of battling through dire periods in Australian football.

But in his second year as Wolves CEO, Papakosmas believes the Wolves’ dark days are behind them. He says the current ownership have what it takes to run a successful, stable football club.

“The current Wolves board is one of the most dynamic and experienced in the history of the club,” he said.

“We have successful businessmen, legal representation and financial experience that ticks all the boxes.

“We’re talking about local people who have been very successful in the commercial field, and have returned home to do something very special in the region, so our football operations are going from strength to strength.

“It’s a community club that’s owned, pushed and operated by the community. There’s room and opportunities for every single person.”