BY THE PALM TREES
This weekend the Central Coast Mariners take on Wellington Phoenix in Canberra after completing their first win of the current campaign and the first for the manager.
After 281 days, 14 games and plenty of anguish, the Central Coast Mariners finally chalked up a much needed victory. Relief would describe the main feeling but there is no doubt this victory was thoroughly deserved. While the first half performance didn’t impress much, yet again Paul Okon came up with half time words and changes that saw the team dominate the second, walking away with the much needed 3 points.
So we’re playing in Canberra and it’s important for our brand for it to be a success. To be a success, it’s critical that the “Mariners in Canberra” concept is properly sold to football people in the Australian capital, and accordingly the club has employed a local Business Development person – Ivan Slavich – to take care of raising interest.
The way the club portrays this in the media is critical for attracting supporters in Canberra – who need to believe they can genuinely own a slice of the Mariners, but it’s just as critical to the existing members and supporters at our home – who want their team firmly identified as the Central Coast Mariners.
Some of the language and proposal in the most recent press out of Canberra, unnecessarily heightened concerns among Central Coast fans but I’m certain the sensitivity needs of all the parties can be met, and a video message by the clubs CEO – Shaun Mielekamp has been distributed to members setting the record straight on those stories. In addition to that, this week’s Central Coast Express Advocate contains a story similarly quoting Shaun setting the record straight with fans.
Personally? I’m totally satisfied that there is no chance the team is moving to Canberra or moving finals there, and there are a variety of reasons why I feel that way : –
- The management and ownership of the club has firmly and repeatedly re-iterated their commitment to the Central Coast. The latest re-iteration of this is in today’s local paper.
- The club has a long term deal with our stadium and further – the club is currently proposing either purchasing or taking over management rights to it with a view to making much needed improvements
- The club has invested and continues to invest in our Centre of Excellence at Tuggerah
- The club’s management have been very clear about the reason we have played (and will play) a very small number of our “home” games in places where it is financially sensible for us to do so
The reason the club has sought to take one or two matches per season to financially supportive locations is well documented. History shows Central Coast fails to attract good crowds when more than around 8-10 fixtures occur in Gosford, low crowds lead to financial losses (in the 30-50k range) and locations like Launceston, Geelong and Canberra have been prepared to make it financially beneficial for the club to play there. In those circumstances, carefully expanding our brand into other locations is (to me) an important direction.
Paul Okon Rules OK
The influence of Paul Okon since his arrival is rapidly gaining attention. Obviously we’re all happy to see Paolo manage the side back into the winners circle, but to me there is more to his impact than meets the eye. We’re now a side who can possess the ball strongly and use it positively to get in behind our opposition to create opportunities. We have a coaching group that can see what’s happening in a match and devise tactics and changes to affect that. Paolo has shown he can balance the politics that must arise when he uses “the hook” and further he has shown he can somehow turn that scenario into genuine competition for positions.
Perhaps it’s his playing experiences, the big clubs he has called home, and his coaching history or maybe it’s just his personality, but the fact is the boss is surrounded by a kind of “Aura”. When I met the man there was this feeling of quiet self-confidence and a determined demeanor I have not seen since the halcyon days experienced under Graham Arnold. It’s a feel that seems to have rubbed off on the players, the staff, the fans and perhaps more importantly for some, on the media. There is a quiet respect being shown toward the Mariners at the moment, which has not been seen in a long time. Some of the current media pundits were Paolo’s playing contemporaries, some of who shared Socceroo’s appearances with him. Regardless of why, it’s a mark of the man that he is incredibly well respected in Australian football circles.
The Game
The Phoenix has had a difficult start to the season and also come to Canberra after a relieving win but with up to five first choice players unavailable due to New Zealand international commitments. Bizarrely, given his recent excellent form, Storm Roux was not selected for this international and will take his place in our side instead. Dangerous striker Roy Krishna will be in their side, but will struggle for the penetration he might normally expect from the likes of Barbarouses and McGlinchey.
The Mariners on the other hand have few squad members messing or injured and will head to the nation’s capital with the energy giving confidence only achieved by earning three hard fought points. Combinations are beginning to take shape, the number of errors is reducing and while there is still much to be done, our defensive structures are starting to look better.
Prediction: – Mariners by 1 via Blake Powell
PS. If you’re looking for a fan made weekly update on Central Coast Mariners info and current affairs along with ALeague match previews, reviews, player interviews and plenty of laughs, look no further than the Coast Football Ramble. Run by a bunch of passionate fans (including myself); it’s full of interest for all Mariners fans.
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