The former Perth Glory man saw the bulk of his first season wiped out through injury with the player battling Osteitis Pubis for much of the campaign.

He only returned to action in the dying stages of a hugely disappointing year for the Moore Park men. However, Sydney's failure to qualify for the finals series robbed him of the game time he so badly wanted.

 "It's been a long, long break. It's felt like forever and so it's great to be back out there on the training park," Colosimo tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

Colosimo spent much of the off-season building his core strength although jokes that he won't be showing off at Bondi Beach on his days off.

"When I went in for the operation (in September)  we were sitting pretty and looking at dates, thinking I could be back for the final couple of rounds and finals time. It didn't quite work out that way.

"I've done a lot of strength work before coming back. We're going to be a different outfit this year and so am I," he said.

Colosimo says the players are enjoying life under their new coach and he has wasted little time in stamping his authority.

 "He is very vocal football-wise. He is very thorough. Discipline and professionalism are his two big things. We're responding.   Everyone knows their jobs out there."

Colosimo won't be drawn into bold predictions though, insisting that the focus is simply on hard work at this stage. But he is adamant the will to succeed is there.

 "There's no doubt that Sydney is the biggest aspiring club in the country. Everything Sydney does is about winning and being the best," he said.

Another issue that gives Colosimo hope for the season ahead is the impact already made by Sydney FC new boys Seb Ryall and Karol Kisel.

Colosimo said: "The new recruits,  both of them are tremendous. Seb is a huge pick up for this club. Karol has fitted in straight away, another great pick up. He knows where the goal is, he knows how to defend, he knows Australians work hard. Great to have them both, they've been great."

Sydney FC's first hit out under their new coach takes place tomorrow night when they travel to face Macarthur Rams - the game a 3,000 sell-out. Kick off is at 7.30pm.