Think of being able to act out your own real-life Football Manager scenario, and you might have an idea of what he was getting at.
Of course, there was and is more at stake than personal pride for Munn, van’t Schip, football manager John Didulica and company.
There is no opportunity for the Heart to go back to a previously saved version or simply start again.
Nor can the club merely turn off the computer at any stage and simply walk away.
The stakes are high and interest is keen. But if the club had hoped to create a buzz around its A-League credentials even before kicking a ball in anger, then the hierarchy deserve to take a bow.
Mission well accomplished.
The club signed former Socceroo Josip Skoko as its Australian marquee yesterday, bringing to 17 the number of players on the club’s roster.
An international striker is still on the list, further adding to what is – on paper – already among the league’s best squads.
Clint Bolton will take his place between the posts as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, and he as much as anyone will be thrilled at the Socceroo-laden defence in front of him
Dean Hefferan, Michael Beauchamp, Simon Colosimo and Matt Thompson all have recent Australia caps, while fellow defender Michael Marrone appears destined to join them as an international one day soon.
Skoko and veteran striker John Aloisi need little introduction, with homegrown duo Wayne Srhoj and Kristian Sarkies possessing Socceroo ambitions of their own.
Dutch import Rutger Worm adds attacking nous, while the squad has been complemented by Australian youth quintet Jason Hoffman, Brendan Hamill, Eli Babalj, Kliment Taseski and Kamal Ibrahim.
Then there is the unproven but reportedly well-scouted Brazilian forward Alex Terra.
Like a woman and her bag, Brazilian players have become somewhat of a must-have accessory for most A-League clubs. Where would a club be without one?
While Sarkies and Hoffman in particular have not been without their critics at former clubs Adelaide United and Newcastle respectively, the squad makes for appetizing reading for the fledgling club’s supporters.
van’t Schip has done his homework, clocking up countless frequent flier miles around Australia and the globe.
But the role of astute football ops man Didulica cannot be disregarded. The former Australian Professional Football Association chief has a contact book a mile thick, and has used it wisely.
The Heart, of course, has had the benefit of a clean slate when it has come to its signing. Misjudged multi-year deals do not weigh its salary cap down.
But in cunningly signing several enthusiastic youngsters to its list it has freed up space at the other end for players such as Beauchamp and Colosimo.
van’t Schip still has the task of moulding his players into a team capable of competing in the A-League.
But he and the club have already piqued the interest of A-League followers, both those willing to pin their colours to the Heart’s mast or just curious in seeing what their own side will come up against next season.
In Australia’s commonly volatile football landscape, that is worth every penny spent.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Heart have just announced the signing of Gerald Sibon ex Ajax,PSV, Sheffield Wednesday and Heerenveen "The former Ajax and PSV striker joins Heart following a stellar 12-month period in the Eredivisie, which has seen the towering striker score 15 times in 27 starts, including three goals during Heerenveen’s 2009/10 UEFA Europa League campaign and strikes home and away against PSV." Here is the link http://www.melbourneheartfc.com.au/default.aspx?s=aleague_newsdisplay&id=33708 He might be 36 but according to but he’s pretty skilful for a big man. He's 6 ft 6 - 1.98m I found this great video on youtube a compilation of Sibon’s goals at Heerenveen He even takes free kicks from outside the box. The last goal on the video is superb - something Viduka would have been proud of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-SVbzaqXMs
Moonface
Roar Guru
Heart sign a top-line 2 metre tall Dutch striker: http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1002537/Heart-secures-Sibon Excellent recruiting and no surprise if they finish above Victory this season.
Wug
Guest
It is certainly going to make things interesting when the local derby is played!
Nik nuk
Guest
They will get at least one person to their game, me, and I'll still be renewing my victory membership all in the name of football. I make no apologies for supporting two teams if it means this game fulfils it's potential in this country. And it's a Melbourne team were talking about here, there is enough skill behind the scenes to endure success on and off the park.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Maybe the losing fans could reply with How could you be out coached by Graham Arnold
Art Sapphire
Guest
That's the idea Axel - as they say Rome was not built in a day - if the A-League can achieve those figures by 2020 then they are doing well. As I said before there is an appetite for football in Melbourne. Support will be quite fluid in terms of team support, but again give it 10 years for it to settle.
Axel V
Guest
diverting attention from MV could change 1 super club into 2 mediocre clubs like the rest of the league (in terms of fans and atmosphere). There a number of former victory fans jumping on to the heart bandwagon and the heart are making themselves look very attractive on paper in a very attractive stadium. Victory fans hate that we are contracted to Docklands, many don't like the coach's (Merrick) decisions and style of play. I think the A-League could be alot bigger than it is atm, it suffers from lack of exposure. You can blame the media for choosing what to cover, but you can also blame the FFA, they are the ones that sell the rights deals. Foxtel is better viewing if you can afford it (apart from the terrible commentry), and it pays more money short term, but long term it's too small of exposure and is suffering because of it. Wouldn't it be nice to have say 14-16 super clubs, Australia wide? the smallest crowd of the season being 10,000, and most clubs average 20,000, how exciting would that be for Australian Football?
whiskeymac
Guest
from my NSW perspective this view makes sense: big sporting city, two good teams... if they played dour footy i cld u/s them being a dud but if they play well, have a few stars etc... surely they can meet those objectives (and may even find them surpassed?)
Art Sapphire
Guest
Chris - there's enough interest in Melbourne to support 2 teams. Heart are aiming for 7500 members and average of over 10k per game. They have 2 home games against Victory this eason at AAMI park which will sell out - 30k per game. If Heart produce good football on the pitch they should not have a problem attaining their objectives this season.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Unless their running out of money I don't think they need to be an overnight success, It's a marathon not a sprint.
Chris
Guest
Well they better have a bloody good team (and a bloody good opening season) lest they be known as "Victory Junior" forever. Either that or they could tell Viduka to get off the bloody couch. Still not seeing who is going to support them in Year 1. If their fan base consists of Melbourne Victory supporters going to the occasional Heart game things could get pretty desperate. They really need to chalk up a win in Season 1 against the Victory - that would put the cat amongst the pigeons.
Realfootball
Guest
I guess there's a first time for everything...
Midfielder
Guest
We are preparing a chant at the Mariners ... something like this... when we win.... Your coach was out coached By Grham Arnold...
Rellum
Roar Guru
Here ya go Nik Nuk Sydney - Another season under Lavicka and they will consolidate and go on to do well in Asia Hearts - Good squad, good manager Victory - Same as usual Reds – Flores and the ACL will lead the a good season. Gold Coast - Still have a good squad, manager will let them down in the end. Not to mention the off season problems may play on the teams mind. Wellington - Carrying on from last season Jets - I rate Branko and the team has youth and quality. Glory - Mitchell and Ferguson will ruin their season. Mariners - Arnold will do the same here. Roar - Club is in disarray. Poor manager (in my opinion). Poor squad, one of the new player’s biggest selling point is that he is tall. Fury - Club is re-building. Next season is when they can make their mark.
Finno
Guest
Hearts are shaping up to be a scary squad, they have alot of quality players and some good younger players moving through. I can see them in the finals and going along way. A good coach and a few wins and they are going to be tough to play if you play there and get a point I think you would be pleased. Glory Roar SFC Vic GCU Hearts Fury Wellington Jets Reds CCM
Midfielder
Guest
A good comprassion is between Heart & Fury... Heart have built a very strong side capable of anything... Fury aside from Robbie signed s lot of has beens ... that defense they have on paper is the best in the laegue... they will be interesting to watch... Only thing I don't like ... Dean Hefferan, Michael Beauchamp, especially Micheal (IMO the best Mariner ever) come home to real home... Heff surfing at Avoca etc... Beauchamp was the player in Hal one that got us the the grand final... he is a very talented player IMO...
Nik nuk
Guest
Predictions??
Rellum
Roar Guru
Ibrahim, to me, looks potentially better than Tommy Oar. He and Worm are wide players along with possibly Alex. I agree that the recruitment leaves the chance that a few injuries can potentially ruin the season. The biggest worry is if a key defender like Bolton goes down, and a 19 year old kid has to replace him for the last two games of the season with the Heart just a point above the Victory and FC, and he fails the pressure test. The club has invested in youth and if those players make it then the club will get nice juicy transfer fees. I love the way they have gone about the building the whole club.
drew777
Roar Pro
The only gaps I see in their squad is possible the lack of good wide players. Anyone agree? I mean, there is no Travis Dodd/Matt McKay (yes I am aware he plays centrally now)/Karol Kisel or the likes.
Lu
Guest
I think the Victory are gonna have to pull some massive coups before the start of the season to match the level of excitment Heart is pumping out..