The club feels he can unite the dressing room after the chaotic Kosmina era whileat the same time instituting a more technical approach to their side's play.

And we can reveal that Lavicka slipped into Sydney for six days recently to hold secret talks with the club.

The clandestine visit also gave him a chance to view the club's facilities and watch the first team go through its paces.

This will not come as welcome news to John Kosmina who found out last Friday that the club had relieved him of his duties with one year to go on his contract.

Lavicka impressed the club's powerbrokers during the secret trip who see the 45-year-old Czech is seen as a fresh start.

When asked about the coaching changes at the club, midfielder Stuart Musialik declined to comment at last night's awards.