New Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe admits he was as surprised as anyone to win the top job on a permanent basis, but says he now faces an ongoing challenge to avoid getting the sack.
Lowe beat out a host of candidates from Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand to secure a two-year A-League coaching deal.
Former Central Coast coach Graham Arnold had also been in the running for the Glory job, but pulled out of the race last week.
Lowe guided the team to four wins, four draws and nine losses after taking over from Alistair Edwards mid-season, with the Glory eventually finishing eighth on the table.
Edwards was sacked following his bitter rift with a host of senior squad members, and it was Lowe's ability to smooth tensions amongst the player group that proved crucial in him securing the job on a full-time basis.
Lowe's extensive knowledge of the A-League and 10-year involvement in West Australian youth ranks also weighed heavily in his favour.
Glory chief executive Jason Brewer defended the club's decision to overlook higher-profile coaches in order to appoint Lowe, who presided over a 10-game winless run at one stage.
And Lowe himself was making no apologies for winning the gig.
"I don't need to win anyone over. I need to do a good job," Lowe said.
"I'm surprised a little bit. At the end of the day I'm not really high profile. But I think I've got qualities that will allow me to do well.
"I think it's brave of them to give me the job.
"I heard Frank Farina say it's not a popularity contest here, and it isn't.
"When (Alex) Ferguson was at Man U, there were people that were happy, and people that were sad. It's football.
"There's only two things that I can guarantee will happen while I'm at this club. One, I'll get the criticism. And two, I'll get the sack - that's guaranteed.
"But I just hope it's a while down the road."
The futures of striker Shane Smeltz, William Gallas and Steve McGarry remain up in the air, with Lowe also yet to finalise his assistant coaching structure.
Skipper Jacob Burns has already announced his retirement, with the former Socceroo keen to land a role at the club.
With a host of youthful players already locked away for next season, Lowe will target players in the 23-29 age bracket.
He's also desperate to lure more West Australian talent back to their home state.
"I think there was about five West Aussies that scored against me," Lowe joked.
