Gorman will step down from his Mariners post to take up the position soon.

"Lyall brings a wealth of experience to the position and in depth knowledge of football and sports management operations," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

"He will be a valuable support to me as we continue the Hyundai A-League expansion programme and plan for a fantastic sixth season of our national competition.

"Having been involved in the Hyundai A-League from the beginning, Lyall understands what it is like to manage a club at the coalface."

Gorman has more than 30 years of experience in senior management, project management and administration in both the Public and Private sectors and was formerly the head of a major sporting academy.

In November 2004 he took up the position of founding CEO and later Executive Chairman of the Central Coast Mariners, one of the eight founding clubs in the Hyundai A-League.

"There is a real opportunity to add value to the sum of the parts of the Hyundai A-League and I look forward to working with all clubs," Gorman said.

"What Lyall has done for Football in this region can never be underestimated," said Mariners Chief Executive Officer John McKay.

"Lyall has been the driving force since the club's creation and has been an integral part of its operation and success, both on and off the field since day one.

"In just over five years Lyall has developed the Mariners from a blank sheet of paper to a brand recognisable both nationally and internationally, and that has had revenues in excess of $28 million, employs 40 fulltime staff and through match days also supports the part time employment of hundreds of Central Coast residents."

McKay added: "Lyall's appointment to the role of Head of A-League is testament to his outstanding efforts at the Mariners and very exciting news for the club.

"His understanding of all things to do with operating and growing a competitive and stable sporting franchise will no doubt add tremendous value to his ability to grow the A-League through this new role with FFA.

"It's also a great testament to the growing strength of the Hyundai A-League, that FFA has been able to make this appointment from within the ranks of one of its own clubs, and without having to look externally,"