Tobin, the second most capped Socceroo of all time with 87 ‘A’ appearances between 1988 and 1999, was appointed the key role of NSW technical director last month.

Given the size and numbers of players, the former central defender has a huge responsibility in shaping the state’s technical direction at a vital time in the game’s development.

With many calling for improved coaching standards to help prepare local players for a more technical brand of football, the 45-year-old wants to change some of the ingrained cultural issues that he believes continue to hold back NSW’s technical development of players and coaches.

“Our drive for a win at all cost approach at youth level has resulted in a poor playing style and a poor selection criteria for players in clubs, associations and regions,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com

“Technical improvement is vital. This has been recognised for some time in every state and nationally.”

Over the last couple of decades Tobin has involved himself with clubs and states in development roles and elite youth programs. He believed this gave him an insight into fundamental issues that need addressing.

“These experiences highlighted to me at a young age how different coaching at youth level was to senior level and I believe that, to this day, we still have major issues with our coaching ‘culture’ in this regard,” he said.

“In terms of key goals, there are too many to list but one in particular will ultimately produce others and that is coach education.

“Better coaches, better accredited coaches and an ongoing commitment to the education process will produce more and more players of technical and tactical excellence,” said the former NSL and green and gold stalwart, who played under Terry Venables in the Socceroos during the 1990s.

Tobin is also happy to call on the experience of FFA technical director Han Berger to drive his vision. In the current system, all state member federations’ technical directors answer to Berger in terms of policy direction - and Tobin sees this as a big plus.

“I am fortunate to have Han residing in NSW and will utilise his expertise whenever he is able," said Tobin. "We have already been in close contact regarding the road that I would like to see NSW take.”

It is hard to quantify how NSW compares to other states in terms of their players’ technical level. However, it’s interesting to note that at the 2011 AIS annual intake, the number of NSW players weren’t as high as you’d expect from such a large state. By contrast, the much smaller South Australia is well represented.

This may not be significant and trends like this can be cyclical but it says much about South Australia which is said to be making exciting strides in youth development.

Perhaps NSW is lagging behind in the quality of player coming through their system?

“There are undoubtedly good players developing in NSW but I believe we can make improvements throughout the system,” said Tobin, an AFC/FFA ‘A’ licence holder.

“Coach education is vital as is talent ID and the creation of a best practice learning environment for our players.

The former Socceroo captain accepts technical development encompasses both male and female.

The work done in NSW in developing and directing girls towards NSWIS and W-League was reflected in 12 NSW girls involved in the recent World Cup – that included rising star of world football Caitlin Foord, named best young  player by FIFA’s technical study group at the recent  Women’s’ World Cup in Germany, where the Matildas reached the quarter-finals.

“There is a platform there that we can all work to improve. We need also to create opportunities for increasing number of girls joining football,” added Tobin.

Another key issue is the relationship between the FFA and FNSW. In the past FFA insiders have told of their past frustration at the state body’s intransigence and close-mindedness to new ideas and improving technical standards.

But Tobin’s appointment and his stated close working rapport with Berger hints at a new, less fractious, relationship.

“I look at that situation as a thing of the past,” said Tobin, who played 522 NSL games including five grand finals winning two Joe Marston medals.

“Although I am very aware of how and why those divisions existed, my direction must be look forward and I am currently working in an environment of cooperation between the two organizations, which can only benefit the game.”

He added there was an instant recognition that this role was something he felt compelled to take on.

Tobin said: “I have strong views on how the standard of the game can be improved and this role is critical to making fundamental changes in NSW football.”