Former Football NSW Chairman Greg O’Rourke today was announced by FFA CEO David Gallop as the new Head of the A-League.
During a press conference at FFA headquarters in Darlinghurst Gallop stated his confidence about selecting the right man for the job.
“We’ve been through a few months of prudent process. We had international and domestic candidates, from inside football and other sports,” Gallop said.
“We landed on a guy who has extensive corporate experience across financial operations and people leadership in big organisations.”
“Above all that is a love of football and decades of dedication to the game.”
Gallop left no one in the dark as to the parameters in which O’Rourke was hired and will ultimately be judged in the long-term.
“The focus of this job is to drive the commercial performance of the A-League and the 10 clubs,” he said.
Speaking for the first time to the media at his unveiling, O’Rourke appeared quietly confident that he is the right person for the task ahead.
His CV follows five years as Operations Director for PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand, a tenure as Chairman of Football NSW and President of Sutherland Shire Football Association.
“Today I’m thrilled that the game will be my daily professional focus as well as a continuing personal passion,” O’Rourke said.
“I’ve been playing the game since the late 60s when I was six or seven.”
“I ran a manufacturing business that is very profitable and I have the financial background (for the role).”
Pressed as to whether he has already met with owners to hit the ground running, O’Rourke offered an honest, if not overly reassuring response.
“I’m minus 30 days from starting so I haven’t met with them yet, I have to start those relationships in 30 days time.
“There’s nervousness about unlocking those relationships but I’m excited.”
O’Rourke battered away any concerns about potential Chinese investment in the league after links were made with the Newcastle Jets.
“It is a positive thing. You don’t have an insular view of the world by race.”
“The money is ok if it comes with the right intent.”
Greg O’Rourke will officially begin his role as the Head of the A-League in late August.
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