And then there were six… (Yes, way too many, but an argument for another time)

 

Six out of the ten clubs remain as the A-League finals commence this weekend, we take a look at the four that missed out. 

 

Central Coast Mariners

 

The 8-2 obliteration at home to the club’s closest rivals was the explanation point on what was nothing more than a wasted season to the club who care more for balance sheets than they do clean sheets.  There is nothing wrong with fiscal responsibility, we probably should all look at this ourselves at regular intervals but to run a football club like a thrift shop will only be detrimental to the support base and tear at the hearts of the loyal supporter base.

 

I’m sure the six-goal drubbing was very difficult to watch but it no doubt came at a crucial time for supporters of the club.  This was the reality check the club needed in what was essentially a nothing F3 derby as any result didn’t really affect the finishing table.  Sure, it handed the Mariners the wooden spoon but in a league of no relegation and no draft only pride is at stake between a seven-ten finish. 

 

Recently announced coach Mike Mulvey now has this result as a catalyst to bring change to a club that desperately needs an attitude adjustment and a reason to both reattach itself to the community and bring the fans back thru the turnstiles.  Players like Mat Ryan, Tom Rogic and recently retired Josh Rose need to become a driving force into what the club means to not only them but the Central Coast community and football in Australia.

 

 

 

Wellington Phoenix

 

 A last-ditch effort against finals bound Melbourne City will only frustrate this group of fans to ask “what if”.  The result lifted the Phoenix to ninth but this season did little to help the “what do the Nix add to the league” argument.  This off season is crucial as the Wellington licence has the potential not to be renewed as David Gallop and his merry men finally look at expanding the league in 2019/20.  This coincides with the current Phoenix licence.

 

The introduction of three new clubs to the league would be a brave decision by a management team that enjoys sitting on their hands whilst employing a group of heavily paid consultants to make the decision the board wanted in the first place. 

 

Wellington must be busy this off-season and really be prepared and fight for the survival of their club.  Another season or two of mediocrity on and off the pitch will only build the #BootTheNix campaign and if Wellington continues to show little desire for A-League success there could be no turning back for the likable club.  Personally, I don’t think we should be flippant about replacing established clubs but a few lean years will only harm this cause. 

 

 

 

Perth Glory

 

The other half of the “Distance Derby” failed to make any impact during the season which should see Kenny Lowe either fall on his sword or beg Tony Sage for mercy.  For far too long now Perth have failed in this league and this season was no different.  A win against Brisbane over the weekend would’ve seen finals action for the Glory but it would’ve only been a token stay of execution for the club carrying far too much baggage to be a successful club.

 

You could argue the club was hit hard by injuries throughout the season but for a club with a rich history such as Perth they really should be delivering much more to those who attend.  It could also be the end of the road for captain Andy Keogh who looked like he knew there was little that could be done in the closing stages of Saturday nights loss.  Perth need to change their thinking if they are to keep pace with the likes of Sydney FC and build what should be a tough hunting ground for opposition clubs making the long journey. 

 

Mid-season signing Neil Kilkenny was a rare shining light for the club.

 

 

 

Western Sydney Wanderers

 

If you thought the tales of the other three clubs were bad spare a thought for the once mighty Wanderers.  Season 2018/19 was nothing but embarrassing for the club going through a rebuild on and off this pitch.  Mistakes were endless from this club as their travelling circus reached continual new lows throughout.  Losing head coach Tony Popovic obviously didn’t help the cause but the horse bolted long before he left on his Turkish adventure. 

 

Any footage of the club playing at Spotless Stadium sums up this season very well, football should never be played at such a stadium with the restricted viewing bordering on embarrassing, when you think about how the club played for most of the season maybe watching football at this venue was a positive.

 

If you think the disaster on field was bad cast your minds to the RBB thinking they are bigger than the club are continuing to do so, and you start to understand this club has more problems than missing a finals series where they would’ve been non-competitive and merely making up the numbers.

 

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