Ambitious National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s club Blacktown City have announced the appointment of one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected sports personalities in former NBL Basketball legendary coach Bob Turner as part of the club’s new restructure.

The 70-year-old organisation will see Turner as a major asset in a bid to recommence the club’s redevelopment as the well-travelled sporting personality will be using all his expertise in taking the club to the next level.

“When I weighed up the positives of the club’s history, its culture and reputation, the proven coaching reputation that Mark Crittenden has brought to the club and its home venue, which is one of the best facilities in Sydney, the ingredients were stacking up that the opportunity to capitalise and make a difference was a great one”, Turner said.

“In addition, the last eleven years of my association with Blacktown, including my current role as Vice President of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber, have opened my eyes to both the misunderstanding’s and the potential of the city.

“Our name Blacktown City FC is ‘Priceless’ and critical to achieve the objectives of the new Board.”

Joining Turner on the board will be former Blacktown City legend and business owner Luke Roodenburg, Chris Gafa, Steve Crawhall, Gina Moutzouris while the club’s Head of Football Mark Crittenden will also assist with the new team.

Steve Crawhall was eagerly looking forward to working alongside Turner in ensuring Blacktown City remained at the top of their game on and off the pitch.

“It’s great to have Bob as part of the Blacktown City FC family. Blacktown City FC has a proud tradition of success and we believe having Bob onboard will continue that success off the field, which will compliment all the work done from previous boards.

“This is an excellent fit to the City of Blacktown and will compliment the current head of Football in Mark Crittenden.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale was delighted with the club’s major appointment.

“If the new Board can achieve even half their goals in the next few years, the city of Blacktown will be the winner.

“Bob has been a true advocate for Blacktown and his sporting history indicates he has the ability to achieve his goals for Blacktown City FC”.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the ward Julie Griffiths also echoed Tony Bleasdale’s sentiments.

“I am excited at the new direction of the organisation and the fact they are operating in my ward is great news.

“I am an avid football coach and their future commitment to women’s football is music to my ears as well”.

One of the most important ingredients for future success is the teams home venue and the club is grateful to Vince Camera of Lily Homes for his efforts to maintain and improve the venue. Vince was a previous Blacktown City FC Director and has provided long term support to the club.

He is fully behind the new move and will remain as an advisor to the Board.

“My business interest must take precedence, but I believe in Blacktown City FC and the ambitious direction the new Board is heading,” Camera stated.

Lily Homes Stadium has a current capacity of 6,000, and the end goal is to fill the stadium on a regular basis.

Blacktown City FC proved that was possible when they played the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup back in 2017. They not only packed the stadium but almost pulled off a major upset after defeating the Central Coast Mariners the week before.

The first priority of the new Board is to structure a firm financial operation for the long-term stability of the club. A focus on building attendance, corporate support, and acceptance from its home city – Blacktown, will be a priority.

The goal of the board is to live up to its team name and become a ‘Top of Mind’ sporting organisation for Blacktown.

A healthy Blacktown City FC playing in front of full houses will not only be a Game Changer for the club but for the city itself to have a team they can proudly follow and call their own.

The credentials of the on-field activity at Blacktown City FC are generally accepted by most in football to be first class and was another selling point for new Executive Chairman Bob Turner.

“As a former professional Coach for many years, I have been impressed with the on-field activity, coaching and most importantly the culture that our Head of Football Mark Crittenden has developed in the club. The on-field culture, advancement of players and coaching staff are solid.

“The new marketing and vision will aim to maximise the vast potential of the club”, Turner said.

Football is a universal and global sport that ideally fits the multicultural demographic that is Blacktown.

For Blacktown City FC the intention will be for the club to represent the city with pride and distinction.

The principles of building a professional sporting team are similar for most team sports that include the team, a competition, a culture, a city for support, a home venue people want to go to, and a great deal of energy to ‘Sell’ the programme.

The 70-year history of Blacktown City FC, its credible playing reputation and its culture through Head of Football are excellent starting points. Playing in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with iconic teams such as the Marconi Stallions, Sydney United 58, Sydney Olympic, APIA Leichhardt and Wollongong Wolves to name a few in one of the best home grounds in Sydney add to the required ingredients, and now an enthusiastic Board will build on that history, culture and club name to generate a following in Blacktown.

Executive Chairman Bob Turner summed up the ambitions of the new Board.

“The major goal is to Build the Senior Men’s team into the Number one profiled team in Blacktown with an additional goal to fill the stadium on a regular basis.

“In 2017 for the FFA Cup, Blacktown City proved that was possible and the challenge is to achieve that for all home games.

“Taking Blacktown City FC to the next level is one of the most challenging yet exciting opportunities I have encountered in my 45-year sporting career but the new Board and our growing number of advisors are up to the challenge.”