Kenny Miller saw an opportunity when he arrived at the Newcastle Jets to assist new coach Carl Robinson.
The Jets were struggling big time in front of goals. The opening 14 games had yielded a league-low 13 goals as they slumped to the bottom of the table.
Hitting the target is an area in which Miller is well-versed. The former Scottish international netted 216 goals in 670 games, mainly in the top flight in Scotland and England.
"When you have fallen into a rut, it is important to try and find a way to get the players up and give them confidence to go and play," Miller said.
Miller also knew the value in set pieces. In the Scottish Premier League, almost a quarter of goals last season were scored from set plays. The percentage was similar in the English Premier League.
"Set pieces can win or lose you a game," Miller said. "It is a huge part of football. A freekick is an opportunity unopposed to have a shot at goal or a free delivery into the box without someone closing in on you. It is absolutely crucial that you maximise it."
The Jets' output from set pieces had risen this season before the change in coaches.
But there has been an even greater emphasis on dead-ball situations under Robinson and Miller.
Roy O'Donovan's match-winner against Perth was from a freekick whipped into the box.
"We spend hours and hours every week, looking at footage on opponents and our stuff as well," Miller said.
"You look at the set up of the opponents and try to find where you can gain an advantage. Games can be tight and can be won and lost on set plays. The one thing about football is that goals change games. You may be right up against it, but if you can execute a set play that gets you a shot at goal or a header in an area you feel the opposition is weak, that can be the difference in changing the momentum of a game.
"It is not just the first delivery. It could be the knock back in, it could be second phase if you are positioned right to sustain an attack."
The focus has not been only on attack. Negating set pieces is equally important.
"We need to be strong defensively - have a strong mind and big voices," Miller said. "A noisy team is an intimidating team. If the opposition comes up and hear Boogs, Topor, Johnny and Steve organising everybody, they think this team is drilled and organised. It gives you an edge."
Miller, who terminated his playing contract at Partick Thistle in Scotland to join Robinson's staff, has been buoyed by the attitude of the players during the first month.
"When you come to a team who is struggling in the league and struggling to win games, you don't know what to expect," he said. "It has been so, so positive since we have arrived. The manager is big on that. Always being positive and looking at the positives, which is sometimes hard when you are on a poor run of form.
"The lads have been great. It is a wonderful group to work with. They are really responsive to what the manager wants and the details. You can see that in the performances over the three games. There has been some really good stuff.
"There are things we have to brush up on. We are working on those every week. "It is trying to give them a platform to firstly enjoy their work. You know the boys are enjoying their work when they are bubbly, the place is noisy and there is a good energy.
"You also want training to be competitive. That is something the manager has said from day one - if we are going to be competitive on a Saturday, you need to be competitive Monday to Friday.
The recent arrival of Joe Ledley and Bernie Ibini and the return from injury by Wes Hoolahan has added to the competition.
"You need strength and depth," Miller said. "It is important that you have a strong squad. You judge the strength of the squad by how strong your bench is.
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"Last week Bernie and Wes were standing on the touch line and the energy in the stadium went through the roof. That was before a ball was touched. Both players made a big impact and we got the win."
Abdiel Arroyo has been hindered by tightness in his hamstring, which could open the way for Ibini to start against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
"Those two guys (Ibini and Hoolahan) will definitely be knocking on the door asking when can I start," Miller said. "Again that makes the squad competitive. Guys who are starting will maybe looking over their shoulder and thinking I need to be right on my game. We have internationals footballers, guys who have played in the English Premier League and at the Euros, breathing down my neck for my jersey. That drives people. It is constantly about pushing the boundaries, pushing the levels."
With the bye last round, the Jets have had two weeks to prepare for Adelaide, who are in equal sixth-place on 27 points, nine ahead of Newcastle.
"There was a little bit of work last week in terms of how Adelaide go about their business," Miller said. "It is a little bit different to what we have faced recently."
