Many professional footballers face a harsh reality when their playing careers come to an end.
So entrenched in the weekly routine of training and playing, they find it difficult to adjust to a new way of life without the activity which has dominated their lives and provided their livelihood.
Not so for Alex Wilkinson – the former Northern Spirit, Central Coast, Sydney FC and Socceroo defender who was earmarked for a career in football management at least five years ago by the management of Sydney FC.
As the club captain, he exhibited extraordinary leadership skills and always expressed a desire to be involved in the game after his playing career finished.
Furthermore, his contribution for a number of years as the President of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) clearly indicated his interest in supporting players during their careers and was a natural progression to football management.
Consequently, it’s no co-incidence since his appointment as Head of Football Operations in July 2023, that Sydney FC are entering a period of renewed strength both on and off the field.
In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Alex Wilkinson discusses his role at Sydney FC, the new era for the club and other key issues in the game.
ROGER SLEEMAN
Reflecting on your extensive football career, do you miss playing, and did you envisage a successful transition to your current position at Sydney FC?
ALEX WILKINSON
I was lucky to have such a long, playing experience and if you had said to me when I was a 16 or 17 year old I would play at the top level for 21 years, I would’ve been happy with that.
I was fortunate to play with some outstanding performers, good teams and win some trophies.
Obviously, playing for the Socceroos was the pinnacle which gave me a great sense of pride.
Critically, if I could go back in time there are no regrets but the ball also rolled with me as I had very few injuries and the right coaches at the right time.
So many players with ample ability don’t necessarily have long careers either due to injuries, unfavourable coaches or luck just not going their way.
R.S.
Can you elaborate on your duties and responsibilities as Head of Football Operations?
A.W.
For the last few years, retirement was on my mind but I had no desire to follow a coaching career.
I was more interested in the business side of the game so I undertook a degree in sports management and coaching.
During this process, I sat down with club management to discuss a future role which led to my current position.
I’m also very close to completing my MBA which has been of major assistance in my role.
The role involves looking after A-League squad member requirements, helping the Academy players transition into a full time environment and some involvement with the women’s squads.
For the Academy players progressing to the senior squad, it’s important they adjust to full time football, especially if they’ve moved away from home.
I assist them to have a stable life off the field which provides for better on field success.
R.S.
Since you commenced the role in July 2023, are you achieving your objectives?
A.W.
Wanting to cement a place in the business space of football, after 20 years as a player is a great challenge starting from scratch.
However, at Sydney FC the job has been made easier through my constant liaison with the football, marketing and media departments.
R.S.
Under the leadership of Ufuk Talay, the club is really capturing the attention of the football community.
How much input have you contributed to this success?
A.W.
It was a hard act for Talay to follow Steve Corica with three grand finals, a premiership and FA Cup.
However, he has brought a different way of playing and a definite style to the playing group. After 17 weeks in, the players are benefiting which is showing with the great run of wins and elevation up the table.
I’m confident in his playing methods and the players are enjoying it , even with the physical demands of pressing and how high up the park he wants them to play.
Opponents are finding difficulty with the relentless pressing , denying them time on the ball and consequent, increased turnover.
Dave Zdrilic has also made a major contribution with the critical experience he has gained overseas.
R.S.
Are you happy with the transition of youth team players into the first team since your appointment?
A.W.
This year, especially, the young players are getting greater game time and you can watch the ceiling of their performance increase accordingly.
It doesn’t always work smoothly but we’re getting results now.
The jump from the Academy to senior football can’t be underestimated but its working for them and the club now.
R.S.
Which of the new players have made a big impact in the team?
A.W.
Jake Girdwood-Reich who isn’t even a centre back has really shone, Corey Holman has taken like a duck to water in the number six role and has the ability after ball winning to mount attacks. Jordan Courtney Perkins is making great strides in the left back position for the injured Joel King, even though he was previously a centre back, Hayden Matthews has shown great promise in the last few matches and Jaiden Kucharski is a great talent who scored 20 goals last year in NPL and is knocking on the door to play regularly.
R.S.
How important is Joe Lolley to the current run of Sydney FC?
A.W.
Lolley’s contribution has been critical to the team and I believe he’s been the best player in the A-League this season.
Under Talay, he’s taken his game to a new level with work ethic and desire to win the ball back.
His dribbling ability is unquestionable and the killer ball, shots on goal and one on one duels are a feature of his game.
R.S.
How closely do you work with Talay and Zdrilic?
A.W.
The football department is really working well and although I’m not out on the training ground every day, when I’m not in the office, I try to be there as much as possible.
The culture within the football department is solid so the coaching staff will listen to my input.
Both Talay and Zdrilic will let you make suggestions and they’re not close minded.
R.S.
What was your take on the 4-1 win in the Sydney derby two weeks ago?
A.W.
A demolition and one of the better wins for Sydney FC over the years.
From the first minute we showed we wanted it more and were more aggressive and dominant.
They couldn’t get out of their half in the first 10 minutes and after we scored the two early goals, it was virtually all over.
We didn’t sit back after scoring those two goals and Talay has encouraged the players to be relentless, create pressure and aggressiveness which led to the third and fourth goals.
The pace of our game is really upsetting opposition which happened in this game so all we have to do is maintain consistency for the rest of the season.
R.S.
Does Sydney FC have the potential to become a super club like Melbourne Victory and the Wanderers?
A.W.
I think we’re already there but while the salary cap is present, it’s difficult for teams to maintain this status. When players want to be rewarded, it’s hard to pay them more so they leave the club. Therefore, you have to have this production line in constant motion to keep the club at the top of the ladder.
Overseas clubs can see the value of Australian players so if clubs like ours can continue to produce quality players through our Academy, we have a great source of revenue.
Also, fans want to see young players who have no fear, more than happy to dribble and take opponents on. As the players develop and they have opportunities overseas, the regular income stream for the club is guaranteed and the national team also benefits.
R.S.
How did you regard the Socceroos performance in the Asian Cup?
A.W.
Great success in the last World Cup but the Asian Cup was disappointing, especially when we should’ve beaten South Korea.
However, the Asian countries are well ahead us in terms of investment in the game and in 10-15 years if we don’t invest more, they will be the favourites when we play against them.
R.S.
As immediate past President of the PFA, are we utilising the abilities of past players sufficiently?
A.W.
Probably not, but just because they played shouldn’t guarantee them a position.
The PFA has a past players program which players can access to find jobs plus well being initiatives.
In the business side of sport, the former players need to be qualified rather than being appointed because they played the game.
We need to grow the professional game so more money is attracted and an increase in A-League teams would provide more opportunities for former players in coaching and administration.
Notwithstanding, the transition from playing to the real world of football business can be difficult and I’m living it now.
However, I fully support the introduction of greater input and influence from former players.
R.S.
What is your opinion of the proposed National Second Division?
A.W.
It will certainly create more opportunity for players at semi-professional level and will bring more money into the game.
Also, with the proposed broadcast deal for the Socceroos, Matildas and National Second Division, it would be ideal if the clubs received some funding from this package to boost their operations.
In saying that, there will be significant costs with interstate travel, accommodation and general overheads.
There is also the question of promotion and relegation which seems to be in the too hard basket.
