Townsend joined as the Sky Blues CEO last year to steward Sydney FC through A-League success, record memberships and the redevelopment of their home ground, Allianz Stadium. 

The former Sydney United and Parramatta Power midfielder is active on social media, engaging with both Sydney FC  and other A-League fans on talking points. 

"I am in contact with fans regularly on social media and fan forums," said Townsend. "Also on matchday when they have questions or concerns that need to be addressed.

"I think it's important our club is as transparent as possible with our fans and members.

"I think the most important opinions I get from fans are around match day experience and how we can grow our attendances.

"What are the things that would get fans off their couch and engaging with out club?"

The new FFA Board is set to take shape on November 19 at the FFA's AGM in a landmark day for Australian football as Congress elect a swathe of new directors and chairman to lead the sport into the future. 

On Tuesday, 7 of the 11 candidates fronted a community forum in Melbourne to outline their visions for the game and open up the election process to the public in a new era of transparency in Australian football's governance. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers board member and the FFA chair candidate Joseph Carozzi stressed the importance of fans and insisted: "Fans own the game.

"Without them, there are no sponsors, no government control, no players, no game. We must be willing to be open with fans." 

Other candidates including SBS chief analyst Craig Foster and former Soccer Australia chairman and ex-Newcastle Jets Director of Football Remo Nogarotto echoed the sentiment for the game to evolve around the fans. 

Townsend said he shared the same conviction.

He added: "Fans definitely need a voice.

"Their opinions should be taken into consideration in all decisions that relate to the governance of the game."