Lyall Gorman appointed chairman of new Sydney club

Lyall Gorman has been appointed Executive Chairman of the New Sydney Club representing western Sydney in the Hyundai A-League.

Lyall Gorman has been appointed Executive Chairman of the New Sydney Club representing western Sydney in the Hyundai A-League.

The full-time role will encompass leadership of the Board and Management across all facets of the operation from football to finance.

Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley congratulated Gorman on his appointment.

“The establishment of the A-League club in western Sydney at this time is the most important project in the context of building a sustainable A-League. I believe the club will have an impact on the A-League well beyond the region of western Sydney,” Buckley said.

“For that reason there is no one better qualified in Australian sport than Lyall Gorman for the job of kick starting the new club.

“His experience with the Mariners and his time as Head of the Hyundai A-League provide Lyall with a unique insight into the challenges ahead and as a Bankstown boy he has a huge passion for the region.

“On behalf of FFA, I wish to thank Lyall for his enormous professional contribution to the organisation over the past two years. His drive, business acumen and love of the game have made a huge impact on the A-League.

“The big upswing in attendances, TV audiences and club memberships in Season 7 are testament to Lyall-s strategic planning, relentless drive and meticulous implementation.

“These are qualities that will be vital to the establishment of the New Sydney Club. I personally wish Lyall all the best in this exciting challenge.”

Gorman will commence his new role from Monday 21 May. The appointment is the first step in a process that will see the appointment of an independent board of directors and dedicated executive and management team at the new club.

“I see the role of Executive Chairman as being about much more than building a club on behalf of members and fans. It-s about being entrusted by the football community with a mandate to deliver on the enormous potential of western Sydney,” Gorman said.

“Over the past month I have participated in seven fan forums across the region attended by passionate and committed football people. I have come away energised and emboldened by the endless possibilities in football-s heartland.

“At the outset, the promise was made to put community engagement at the core of the club. That will be the strength of this new club and how it can set new benchmarks in football.”