Season Preview – Central Coast Mariners
It’s been a long off season for Central Coast Mariners fans. Aside from all that time dwelling on the poor overall result last season, the changes to the clubs structure, management and personnel created an uncertainty fans could have done without. While the need for those changes was indeed unpalatable, in the aftermath I think it’s safe to say we can look optimistically at their impact as we move forward. There is definitely a new feeling about the club in general and its willingness to re-engage the fans and community. This can only be good for our future.
Arrivals:
Roy O’Donovan, Mitch Austin, Harry Ascroft, Jake McGing, Josh Bingham, Paul Izzo, and Dan Heffernan
Roy O’Donovan is the headline addition to the squad and while he might not immediately appear to provide the glamour of some other clubs signings, it would be hard to argue his experience doesn’t suit our club’s needs. Early indications are that he fits the Mariners well documented culture and if he can begin to bang in the goals, he will be a wonder signing!
Mitch Austin fits the Tony Walmsley mould of hiring players for positions. He seems ideal for the left wing spot where we were lacking something last season. Aside from him being young and looking like another good fit for the Mariners culture, it’s always good to see Aussie’s who have been playing overseas given a chance to return home.
A similar description could be given to Harry Ascroft, who looks an ideal solution to fill the gap in the team’s central defence.
Jake McGing has no experience at this level and Josh Bingham has very little, but having personally watched much of their recent progression at the National Youth League level, I am heartened to see that youth who perform get an opportunity to move to the next level. That’s what Matt Ryan did, it’s what Trent Sainsbury and Bernie Ibini did and it’s what Anthony Caceres and Mickey Neill are doing now.
Paul Izzo is an outstanding talent as evidenced by his persistent selection in the Olyroos and this makes him an ideal candidate for the second goalkeeper role.
Dan Heffernan has shown in limited pre-season opportunities and at the next level that he is a finisher. Given our obvious need to improve in that area his signing is not hard to understand. He will be desperate to prove he can perform it this level.
Departures:
There have been big changes to the squad since last season. Obviously Captain Hutch and Matthew Nash have retired and moved into coaching roles at the club. The other changes are Zac Anderson, Brent Griffiths, Travis Major, Richard Vernes, Matt Simon, Zac Cairncross, Dejan Pandurevic, Tom Slater, Isaka Cernak and Hayden Morton. I wish all of them well but when I look at the list I can’t honestly say that any of them makes me ask the question “why would we let him go now?” Mitch Duke has moved to Japan to take an opportunity there – another young Central Coast player enjoying taking his opportunity and something for our fans to celebrate.
The Coach:
Tony Walmsley has shown an unparalleled determination to include club members and fans into the philosophy and approach of his coaching. A regular on social media and an approachable and likeable person, it seems Tony genuinely believes in engaging and bringing the fans along with his method. He has stated his objective to play entertaining football but more than simply putting out that statement, he talks about the specifics which underlie and backup that philosophy. It’s a highlight for me to see and understand the mechanics of how his plans workout. I understand more of his specifics will emerge over the course of this season but one I have heard recently mentioned by Tony is – “Five seconds of fury”. I am told this is an intention to bring our play to a shot on goal within 5 seconds of winning it the ball from the opposition. Strategies aimed at entertainment can definitely be high risk, but the rewards for both entertaining and producing results are doubly handsome for a club which sees itself as the “community club”.
Season Expectations:
At this time of year the Mariners chances of figuring in the business end of the season are always written off. They will be written off this season the same as they were prior to the multiple times we have figured in the finals, the way they were before the four times we made the Grand Final, the way they were the twice we won the Premiership and the way they were written off before the season we won the Championship. I predict the Mariners will avoid most expert predictions (the wooden spoon) and find their way into the finals despite the rebuilding phase both the team and club are working through.
Player to watch:
Fabio Ferreira has already proven a hit on the Central Coast and I expect him to extend on his performances last season by proving he has even more to offer and that he can be a key spark by which the Mariners ignite their season eleven.
Three Key Games:
These key games might not decide the season but could ensure the fans stay proud of their team. For me, the three most important games of any season will always be the F3 Derbies. The only original, the oldest, and the derby with the most history, these games will always be the ones our fans should mark on their calendars first. If we can win all three of them, we will be well on our way to ensuring the interest of the fans.
Predicted Finish: – 5th or 6th
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https://www.fromthestandsal.com/2015/09/06/201516-from-the-stands-a-league-competition/
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