With no sporting background, Steve O'Hara will call on his business acumen to turn things around at the New Zealand Knights.
In accepting what many see as a hospital pass - the job of chief executive at the A-League club - O'Hara must find a quick fix for a teamwho carry the hopes of all New Zealand soccer fans.
In announcing O'Hara, 43, as the new chief following Guy Hedderwick's resignation, chairman Anthony Lee yesterday admitted the club is still without a major sponsor.
That, coupled with a one-from-six win rate so far this season, hardly makes for an attractive switch in direction for the new boss.
"I was at the Knights' launch and felt strongly at the time it was something very special," said O'Hara, who is a long-time business associate of Lee.
The new chief executive has taken a 10 per cent shareholding in the club, the worth of which has not been disclosed.
"It is the first time I have been involved with a sports club," said O'Hara, who attended Takapuna Grammar School and played in the first XI soccer team.
South African Hedderwick put on a brave face in announcing his decision to move on after two years at the club, where he acted on behalf of club benefactor Brain Katzen in first pursuing the bid to play in the A-League and then in getting the club up and running.
Many are surprised at the timing of his departure, coming just six weeks into the inaugural season, and his reasons for it.
"I came to New Zealand two years ago for three weeks. Two years later I'm still here and watched something grow out of nothing," said Hedderwick.
He will remain on the board.
"I believe it [the Knights] will go forward. I have taken the club as far as I can."
