Confidence and self-belief have been the two driving forces behind the Marconi Stallions success this season - and with coach Jean-Paul de Marigny behind the wheel it’s no surprise.

JP took a risk joining Marconi, leaving a secure job at the NSW Soccer Federation to lead a team that had struggled the past two seasons, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon the year prior.

But confidence has never been a short-coming for the former Socceroo and Marconi-favourite.

"If I didn’t think I had the ability to take the job, I wouldn’t have," he said.

"When the challenge was put in front of me I took the risk, I could’ve stayed at the NSW Soccer Federation.

"I had confidence in my ability and coach first grade was something I wanted to do since I retired."

So far the Stallions have been the ones to benefit from JP’s self-belief, finishing a more then credible fourth and proving they can compete with the NSL’s best.

He credits the people around him, the support staff such as assistant coach Andy Harper, youth coach Tommy McCulloch, goalkeeping coach Jimmy Fraser and those behind the scenes, as important elements in Marconi’s rise this season.

"We knew it was going to take hard work, but it was also a matter of bringing in the right people," he said.

"This year we’ve used all 20 players, had four players represent their country and made the top six, the proof’s in the pudding."

Even when the club was floundering towards the middle part of the season, JP stuck to his guns and his belief never wavered.

There was public criticism over his choice to defer matches and even his selection policy, but he still chose to do things his way – ultimately it’s paid off.

"They say that if you listen to the crowd, it won’t be too long until you’re sitting next to them," he says.