The new Sky Blues boss has a hard act to follow after the Arnold era delivered two Premierships, the FFA Cup and an A-League Championship over four seasons.

Corica learnt first hand dung Arnold’s reign as the former club captain worked alongside the new Socceroos manager as an assistant.

But for a club like Sydney FC, the pressure to deliver will be immediate.  

While Arnold's assertive personality helped create an authoritative aura, the Sky Blues CEO knows from first-hand experience that Corica can also lay down the law when required.

"Obviously Graham is an extrovert when it comes to the players and the media," he told FTBL.  "Steve is probably the opposite – but it doesn’t mean he can’t be forceful when needs to.

“I’ve seen many occasions where Steve's words and the tone in which he delivers them, people stop and listen because they know he means business.

“We are really confident that Steve will show the type of leadership qualities that we require at a big club like Sydney FC.”

As a player Corica was a firm fan favourite. Out of the 106 matches he played for the Sky Blues, his winning goal in the first ever A-League Grand Final is the moment most fondly remembered.

But Townsend revealed that there is more to Corica than a loyal 13 year club servant.