David Schwarz believes the appointment of Mark Evans as Gold Coast's new CEO is a huge step in the right direction for the battling club.
Evans was today unveiled as the Suns new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Andrew Travis.
Schwarz told SEN's The Run Home that he'll get things moving quickly.
“He’s Wyatt Earp. He’s going to go in there and sling some guns,” Schwarz said.
“Its paramount that he gets sponsors on board, gets a really good vibe happening around the footy club.
“With the power that he’s got and the intel that he’s got from AFL head office, he’ll go a long way to doing that quicker than most other CEOs could.”
Earlier today, Gold Coast chairman Tony Cochrane told the media that Evans was the only man he had in his sights after it became clear than Travis would be moving on.
“Mark is universally respected across the AFL industry, and his strong record in football administration and management speaks for itself," he said.
“He will bring valuable senior executive experience from his time at the AFL and clubs to our young Gold Coast SUNS, and it is a great boost of confidence in the future of our club and its place in our community.
“This is clearly a very significant day for the Gold Coast SUNS and we are delighted to welcome Mark and his wife Lynne to the Coast.”
Evans, who has been with the AFL for three years after crossing from Hawthorn, said that he is looking forward to returning to clubland.
“I am very excited by the challenges and opportunities on the Gold Coast and in Queensland, and it was a compelling offer by the Club that was impossible to resist," he said.
"This is a young team and a young business with a great stadium, and fantastic new training and administration base, and incredible growth potential.
“I know the challenges the Gold Coast SUNS face but the opportunities and the importance of this club to the national competition can’t be overstated. The health of the whole competition depends on growing the footprint of our game in Queensland – and the Gold Coast SUNS are absolutely the front line.
“Having lead the development of the next generation academies, I can’t wait to get my hands dirty making the most of the promise to grow into new areas, and new fans.”
Evans will commence at the Suns on Monday 6th March.