Kossie is just what Sydney need

There have been two occasions in my journalism career where my safety felt threatened - and I've got John Kosmina to 'thank' for both.

'Kossie' started his coaching career with the Warringah Dolphins in the old NSW State League during the mid-90s and it was my job to cover the team and write up all the happenings for the local rag.

The former Socceroos captain added a much-needed burst of colour for what could have been a dreary round.

In every interview he produced a quotable gem and he didn’t care who he offended in the process.

Which brings us back to my safety concerns.

Twice the police locked us in the Dolphins' dressing room for our own protection after Kossie had fired up opposition fans with taunts from the dugout.

These were the times when most clubs were backed by specific ethnic groups and they were used to abuse going one way - from the stands to the opposition.

Kosmina wasn't going to cop that and gave as good as he got, hence the need for a police escorts when the fans decided they wanted to deal out some carpark retribution to anyone remotely connected with the Dolphins.

On another occasion it was the local town mayor who could have done with some protection after Kossie pinned him to a wall after the council had closed the training grounds due to poor weather.

The mayor eventually came around to Kossie's line of thinking and training went ahead as planned.

Kosmina claims to have mellowed over the years but, as Kevin Muscat and Matthew Breeze can attest, that's rubbish.

But it does appear he has learned from his mistakes.

The former Adelaide United mentor has been given a second life with Sydney FC and claims the days of throat-grabbing and spitting vitriol towards referees are over.

That's fine as long as Kossie doesn't lose too much of the fire that makes him such an engaging character.

As much as Sydney FC needs success, it also needs publicity and profile.

Sandwiched in arguably the toughest football market in the world, FC must fight the NRL, AFL and Super 14 for the hearts and minds of the Sydney sporting public.

Kosmina will ensure the sky blues are never too far away from the spotlight.

He is just the injection of excitement Sydney needs after a year and a half of dross.

Welcome back Kossie. I can’t wait for the ride to begin.