More than 5,500 fans turned out for the club's recent family fun day and to see such numbers has brought a huge smile to the faces of players and administation staff alike.  

Fury CEO Dean Hassall told au.fourfourtwo.com: "It gave us great heart to see so many people turning out for the event and to see what we're about.

"As a club we have put a lot of work into community engagement and getting the players out there, not just in Townsville but other areas too."  

Building a football club from scratch is no simple undertaking but Hassall insists the efforts being put into building the Fury name are commendable.

He said: "It's a very challenging situation but we have a football club here where people have come in and just rolled their sleeves up. We are learning every day and we feel confident with where we are at."  

The club is hoping for a surge in memberships as the big kick off draws ever closer and individual ticket prices have now been released. Hassall said: "Everyone is working hard and looking forward to that first match here against Sydney FC on August 8."

As for building a team from scratch, tonight's opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers have admitted they'd love such a scenario.

Speaking of Ian Ferguson's challenge/opportunity, Mick McCarthy told the Express and Star: "As long as people don't see it as a formidable task and give him the opportunity to do it, then fine.

"But if someone thinks you can just stick 23 players together and have a great team, then it isn't going to happen. It's fantastic for him. He can build it in his own style and image."