Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey has delivered a frank and heartfelt assessment of the club’s A-League Men’s and Women’s seasons, conceding they fell well short of expectations and acknowledging the frustration felt by Members and fans alike.
In an open letter to Members following the conclusion of the club’s Isuzu UTE and Ninja A-League campaigns, Aubrey did not shy away from the shortcomings of a season that promised much but ultimately failed to deliver.
“Please make no mistake, your feelings of frustration and extreme disappointment at how this season has ended are shared by me, and every single person at Sydney FC,” he wrote.
“We had very high expectations and didn’t deliver [and] we know you expect better and feel let down by this result.
“It has not been good enough and like you, my feelings of hurt and what should have been will take some time to subside.”
Sydney FC’s Men’s team missed out on a top six finish in the domestic league despite reaching the semi-finals of an Asian competition for the first time in club history.
“Without making excuses, the burden of this season’s Asian campaign did take its toll physically, and while we are proud to go further than ever before, our league form has not produced what we expect,” he said.
“Sydney FC’s standard is winning titles and qualification for Asia.”
The Sky Blues boss promised the club will conduct a thorough assessment of both campaigns to ensure they come back stronger.
“Every year a comprehensive post-season review is done by the Board analysing all elements of our management, recruitment and team and this work is already underway,” he stated.
“Our expectation is that we are competing for trophies in all competitions.
“Any actions deemed necessary and in line with Sydney FC’s growth strategy and future success, will be implemented and communicated to you in due course.
“Those measures, I trust, will ensure we rebound from this campaign in the best possible manner and restore our club to winning ways.”
Ending his letter with a message of gratitude and commitment, Aubrey vowed to guide the club back to the standards it is known for.
“Thank you for your support again this season and it is my promise we will do all that we can to return your club to winning ways.
“We expect to be back bigger and better next season.”
