Okon told au.fourfourtwo.com that while the club's ambitions were big, making it happen with a new squad of players and coaching staff would take time.

With seven months still to go before United kick off its first A-League campaign, Okon was keen to point out the hard work that needs to go into the club's preparations for next season and beyond.

"It's only speculation," Okon said of the hype over the A-League's most cashed up new franchise.

"We're only a new club and the ambitions are there. I'd be lying if they're not.

"We have a very rich owner who demands success. So of course the target is to be up there competing. He [owner Clive Palmer] wants to do well in Asia and his company has a lot to do with China.

"So there's definitely there's a big push to get into Asia but that can only happen if we do well in the first A-League season.

"But a lot of things have to happen between now and when the A-League starts so this is an important time to prepare the players.

"Realistically, we'll have 20 guys coming together who've never met each other before. It'll take time but certainly having players like Jason [Culina] will make that transition period a lot smoother and a lot quicker."

The club is set to for a glitzy launch today on the Gold Coast where no doubt much will be made of the signing of Socceroo and PSV star Jason Culina.
Okon recently visited PSV to fine-tune his own coaching ideas.

The former Belgian player of the year says Culina was always a chance to return home.

"I was there at PSV before discussions had taken place but I knew then already that he had in his mind the possibility to come home.

"I mean how do you describe him? It's not only great for our club the Gold Coast but also for the A-League.

"There's always this thing about Australian players, when is it the right time. He's made the decision and it looks like the A-League will benefit as well as the Gold Coast."