Club: Central Coast Mariners
Stadium: Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Finish Last Season: Champions (Premiership 2nd)
Prediction: Top 2 / Grand Finalists
Inclusions: Liam Reddy (Sydney United 58), Michael Neill (promoted from youth), Hayden Morton (promoted from youth), Storm Roux (Perth Glory), Marcel Seip (VVV Venlo, Eredivise), Marcos Flores (Melbourne Victory), Matt Simon (Chunnam Dragons, K-League), Tom Slater (Sydney FC)
Star signing: Marcos Flores
Argentine born attacking midfielder Marcos Flores comes to Central Coast Mariners hungry for a fresh start after an underwhelming 2012/2013 in Melbourne. Flores, winner of the 2010/2011 Johnny Warren medal while playing with Adelaide, was unable to recapture his best form during his stay at the Victory but will be itching to prove he still has what it takes. With Graham Arnold giving Marcos the chance to again play in his favoured position as a classic “number 10”, expect to see him return to the attacking menace he was while playing with the Reds.
Other Key signings: Experienced defender Marcel Seip will bolster the defences and local hero Matt Simon, who returns after an injury plagued period in Korea, will add plenty of vigour to the attack. Watching the preseason, young gun Storm Roux looks an ideal acquisition in the right fullback position vacated by fan favourite (editor’s note: and serial snap-back wearer) Pedj Bojic.
Departure Lounge: Matt Ryan (FC Brugge, Belgium), Patrick Zwaanswijk (Retired), Pedj Bojic (Sydney FC), Oliver Bozanic (FC Luzern, Switzerland), Bernie Ibini (Shanghai SIPG, China), Adriano Pellegrino (Released), Brad McDonald (Released)
Key Losses: The loss of both experienced defender Patrick Zwaanswijk and Goalkeeper Matt Ryan will be challenging to cover. Oliver Bozanic’s reliability in the midfield and Pedj Bojic’s overlapping attack down the right flank will be keenly missed.
What to watch for: Graham Arnold has proven he is the equal of the most astute coaches in the A-League’s history. Expect him to mould a game plan around the squad he has constructed rather than sticking with any of his previous models. Look for young talents Anthony Caceres, Storm Roux and Mitchel Duke to take the next big step in their careers, as so many young players have with the Mariners in the past.
Key Player / X-Factor: As a former marquee signing at other clubs, Marcos Flores will be the key player for the Central Coast and in his number 10 role, Flores is likely to call many of the Mariner’s attacking shots. As has been the Mariners way over the years however, their X-Factor will be their philosophy of having a “marquee team”. Graham Arnold will ensure the team always plays with a well-constructed and adaptable game plan which will again make them hard for others to break down. With high quality players around the pitch, the Mariners will continue to be a dominant force in the A-League this season.
Why is he on the list?: The presence of sometime coast fan antagonist Liam Reddy on the Mariners list this year will provide one of the more interesting points for fans and he will be eager to prove his detractors wrong should Arnold give him the chance.
Extra Time: Central Coast Mariners have a lot to live up to this season after placing themselves among the A-League’s most successful clubs, playing in their fourth Grand Final and winning their first A-League Championship. With Graham Arnold at the helm, despite the loss of some quality stars, the Mariners will be tough opposition and are likely to finish near the top of the table again this time around.
