Simon Williams catches up with former Manchester United International managing director Mike Farnan about his role with new USL club FC New York.
One month has passed since Farnan joined FC New York's advisory board and an insight to his knowledge and intentions reflect those only of a man who is an internationally recognized football executive.
The sports marketing connoisseur started from the top by revealing what attracted him to the job offer: "I met these people as part of my role at Sheffield United. They have a very sound salvation to grow their business. They're business men who have a business model that works well for me.
"Based on my own experience and on what they want me to do, I felt the timing is right."
Head Coach Matt Weston will be turning to Farnan to head up the search for an overseas parent club to enhance player recruitment and club development.
Farnan explained: "My role is to hopefully bring in a UK club that will share the vision of FC New York along with a sharing of information and a sharing of opportunity for on and off the field purposes."
The former Managing Director of Manchester United International is no stranger to networking with football clubs worldwide.
"It's going to be hitting a community that we think has huge potential so I think for any particular English club or indeed European club or even South American club I think it could be a huge opportunity.
"The club needs to be well funded and backed by well recognized local businessmen," he added.
Another challenge on Farnan's agenda is to build an empire of fans, something that cannot be done overnight but is feasibly achievable for the USL debutants.
"FC New York is gearing itself to the ethnic communities in places like Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan to attract the Hispanic, Latino, Irish and other communities. I've bought into that and I see it as a very strong unique selling point to attract potential fans."
It would make sense to think that with an already established MLS outfit in the New York Red Bulls and with Eric Cantona breathing life into the re-emergence of the New York Cosmos, it would leave a catchment area for fans that has to be fought over by three clubs.
However the expertise of Farnan tells us this is no problem.
"New York is a massive city with a huge population, I don't want to quote a population but you're talking about an enormous market. In fact London has many football clubs five, six or more and I don't think London is overcrowded.
"Besides, I certainly don't think central New York has any football club of any significance."
FC New York who are still yet to decide their club colours will kick-off for the first time ever on 9 April 2011 when they travel to Adrian Heath's Orlando City in a bid to start history.
