Sydney FC have confirmed the return of long time coach Alen Stajcic and the elevation of midfielder Teresa Polias to the captaincy.

The last of the foundation coaches, Stajcic is preparing to embark on his seventh W-League campaign with the Sky Blues.

“I’m looking forward to the new season,” he said.

“We’ve been a successful team for a long time and we want to continue being a positive team and one which wants to attack, score goals, win lots of games and challenge for the title."

"This has and always will be my main goal.”

However, with the 40 year old in the running for Matildas head coaching position, whether Stajcic makes it to the season kick off remains to be seen. For the time being he is preparing the Sky Blues for another tilt at what is set to be a hotly contested W-League championship.

“It looks like the league will be tight and strong again, it will be a tough competition but as usual we hope we’re up there with the front runners competing for the title."

Sydney's task has been made tougher with the loss of Samantha Kerr and Caitlin Foord to Perth Glory, the season ending ACL injury to stalwart Leena Khamis and the retirement of Renee Rollason.

[More: Season 7 - Squads]

One player who will be pulling on the Sky Blue jersey once again is tenacious midfielder Teresa Polias.

Since signing on with Sydney FC in 2010, the holding midfielder has been Sydney's most consistent and highly rated player evidenced by her two Sydney FC Player of the Year awards.

It is no surprise then that the 24 year old has been handed the captain's armband, taking over from defender Danielle Brogan.

“It’s an honour to pull on the captain’s armband for Sydney FC,” Polias said.

“Staj has shown a lot of faith by giving me this leadership opportunity and nothing would mean more than captaining the girls to another Championship success.”

Stajcic, who has coached Polias at both Sydney FC and at Matildas level, was clear on the reasons for his choice.

“Teresa’s leadership will be based I am sure, on the principles of ‘do as I do’, emphasising her commitment, drive and determination to be successful,” he commented.

“You will go a long way to find someone who would say a bad word about her. Her work ethic, commitment, tenacity and consistency are the highest out of any player I have coached."

Sydney FC commence their season on 14 September 2014 when they host Adelaide United at Lambert Park.