Following the close of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season, Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata cast his eyes back over the season that was for the Sky Blues.
It’s been a whirlwind 2014/15 season for Sydney FC, what have you made of it?
This season has been fantastic, we’ve achieved a lot. We made the Asian Champions League, we made the Grand Final and we finished home and away in second spot. I thought we played a good brand of football as well so there are a lot of positives.
On the field, what highlights stood out for you?
I think the comeback win against the Wanderers in front of a sell-out crowd at Allianz was a huge highlight as was beating Adelaide to make the Grand Final as we hadn’t beaten them since February 2013. The club record for goals scored and club record for number of points gained are also big achievements that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Off the field, our Membership numbers have increased and there’s been a great atmosphere around the place. How have the club’s fortunes been away from the pitch?
It’s been good. We’ve had our highest number ever in Memberships and in Sponsorships which is quite satisfying. The club has made leaps and bounds over the last few years and we’re about to launch our Academy later this year as well which is a big milestone for the club too.
Of course the Grand Final was disappointing, but what would you say to the fans disheartened by the loss in Melbourne?
I think we’re all disappointed about the result but we all should be very proud of what we’ve achieved this season. There have been a lot of positive steps and we’ll use the loss as motivation for next year and come next season the aim will be to win it.
Looking ahead to the future, at this early stage, what will season 2015/16 have in store for us?
I think we’ve set some high benchmarks this year so we just need to make sure we continue with that progression that we’ve shown.
What changes, if any, can we expect to see during the offseason?
The boys will have some time off after the two big games coming up against Tottenham and Chelsea and then come back in mid-July. We’ll have a break and come back refreshed and recharged and ready to go again.
What have the fans got to look forward to for next season and beyond?
I think our Members and fans should look forward to another successful season supporting the Sky Blues. The Football Department will be working hard in the off-season to improve the squad with fresh faces and re-sign a number of our players. We also will have an extra Hyundai A-League home game to look forward to, two Sydney derbies plus our first foray into Asian Champions League for the first time in five years. Our Members will also have plenty of added incentives in their Membership as we look to hit 13,000 Members for the first time in our history. Everything is boding well for a successful year and I can’t wait to get started.
Sydney FC take on English Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in a football classic at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 30 May. Purchase your tickets today for this not to be missed football event!
