He added: “They were such a successful club in the national league and it’s a big football state as well.

“There’s a lot of fans there. We go there to try and make the glory days again.”

Crowds have dropped since the extinction of the NSL in Perth too, with Pignata’s learnings from his previous roles at Sydney and Wellington to be heeded.

“They’re different markets,” he said. “Sydney is very tough market. It’s about working with the local communities.

“It’s a lot of hard work. There’s no easy solutions. It’s a lot of work.

“It’s that engagement with the community and participants in the game. Every club does that and needs to continue to do that.

“Football is such a huge participation game, it’s about tapping into those people who play the game and making them members of the club as well.

“I’ve been in the A-League now over 10 years. I know what’s needed. It’s about getting out there, meeting people and talking to the grass roots.”

He added he didn’t think twice when offered the job.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “When the opportunity arose I didn’t really hesitate.

“As I said it’s got plenty of potential and with Tony Popovic going there as well, I think we can make a difference.”