On Thursday 10 years ago, Johnny Warren died. It is still the most jarring thought, Australian football's spiritual leader departing well before his time.

The football fraternity ought to recognise November 6 as "Johnny Warren Day" forever more. This being the 10th anniversary of his death, it is time for an appropriate, formal recognition of the man who changed the game.

Legacy: FIFA president Sepp Blatter awards Johnny Warren with FIFA's Order of Merit badge in 2004. Credit:Steve Christo

Heaven knows we cannot wait for the SCG or MCG trusts to erect a statue to correctly recognise his status. At the 74th minute (to denote Warren's critical role in the 1974 Socceroos campaign) of Friday's match between Adelaide United and Sydney FC, there will be a minute's applause. There's also a medal, but we need to do more.

To this day, Warren remains the most important figure in the Australian football history. Above Harry Kewell, Rale Rasic, Mark Viduka or even Frank Lowy. He is the only Australian Sepp Blatter, Pele and Bobby Charlton know by name.