The last few weeks have seen a number of key personnel changes, fans calling for termination of coaches, a growing list of players injured and a number of key departures. We have been quick to demand replacement of the old and used, to think ahead for the future of the A-League and even the Socceroos. I have noticed that the concept of regeneration is on the tip of everyone tongues, whether it is talk of officials, coaches, players or even what is happening in the stands across all of our stadiums.

My own attention was drawn to this concept not by Lucas Neill’s selfish musings, the farewell of the iconic Schwarzer, or closer to home with the shouts of the Farina Out/Aloisi Out Campaigns; Arnold packing his bags for the J-League; or even the melodramatic contest to sign Besart Berisha.  No, of all places it was spawned by the newly dubbed work experience kid who has taken hold of the sacred Cove Megaphone. The reins that have long been lashed over our voices were being handed over seemingly willy-nilly; and I was not happy about it.

I cringed openly and loudly; I couldn’t understand why this was happening; things were going just perfectly fine. It is one thing to give the honoured Bosschaart a go; but to endow it for a whole ninety minutes to another had me in apoplexy.

There seems to come a time though, not necessarily defined by performance or skill or desire and wants, but a time when a decision has to be made about culture. To either step-up and gracefully encourage change from within; to lead and promote the youthful next generations to carry our particular legacy. Or we can just continue to chop and change for this moment’s victory using the good old tried and tested means without any regard to plan for future success.

Regeneration seems to be a difficult concept to comprehend; it needs planning, patience, consistency, time and support. These are elements that as paying fans and supporters, seem to be contradictory to our desires for immediate results. We seem very quick to blame and look for an instantaneous answer; rather than asking our clubs what are we doing right now for the seasons ahead. What are we doing to build and breed a culture that is going to be omnipresent?

For those of us in it for the long haul; those that have witnessed the long-term stagnation or decline in our teams, and a developing complacency with mediocrity. It’s a constant predicament and challenge for us to consider and entreat genuine regeneration. I want to be patient, I want to be in on the plan, and from my seat I want to give my support. I am willing to put my trust in your hands for our future, if you are willing to give regeneration a real go.

So for a while I might have to accept the same four songs, the periodic lagging tempo, and even a little bit of un-coordination as our work experience kid learns the ropes. I’m confident that his passion and efforts will guide us forward, united strongly into the future. I don’t see this as any different to events on the pitch week in week out as combinations are tested, styles are adapted, structure is altered and we attempt to build confidence in players craft and ability. Failure is merely only a marker for success and improvement. It is how we and our clubs plan to capitalise on the lessons that should be paramount.