Lyall was a familiar figure in sport at Crookwell curing his time at Binda during the ‘seventies.

He played both Soccer and Rugby League.

After he left Crookwell Lyall’s administrative skills saw him rise to the highest position in Australian Soccer – and to be largely instrumental in the formation of the  Western Sydney Wanderers

He became the new and successful Club’s first supremo.

Lyall faces a big task in heading up the Cronulla Sharks which is still coping with drugging allegations that saw the coach Shane Flanagan and captain Paul Gallen and a number of players restrospectively banned.

Flanagan, Gallen and all players have completed their disqualification period and are back at training.

Cronulla also has had financial problems, so Lyall will need all his leadership skills in his new role.

Commenting on his new career move, Lyall said.

“I’m a sport lover and follow all sports very closely.

“So if you ask me my opinion of the Sharks, they’re a club that has a tremendous future, tremendous potential.

“They have been through a challenging time, but the leadership of the board is very positive, it’s strong and very encouraging.

“(The club has) a playing group of huge potential, they have four boys in the Australian Schoolboys teams, they have a region which is well recognised for their passion and parochialism.

“And with the right consistent application of vision, values and culture it could be a club that continues to excel year-in, year-out in the NRL.

“So that’s my view of the club. I think it’s got an outstanding potential.’’