The Central Coast Mariners have finally won the A-League grand final, in their fourth appearance.
The team has been in existence since the A-League’s first season in 2005/06, but silverware has been elusive despite Premierships in 2007/08 and 2011/12.
In 2012/13, the Mariners seemed to be the perfect mix of experience and youth, and finished second in the overall regular standings despite losing star midfielder Tomas Rogic mid-season.
Other dramas unfolded during the season, such as the delay of player and coaching staff payments prior to the club ownership turning over to Mike Charlesworth, as well as the documentary ‘The code’ being filmed behind the scenes.
The club is still in the midst of its Asian Champions League campaign, but the question on many fans’ lips will be regarding the squad for the 2013/14 A-League season. It’s very likely that the squad that takes the pitch for the first match in October will be dramatically different to the one that defeated Western Sydney in the grand final.
49-year-old coach Graham Arnold, who’s been open about his desire to seek employment overseas, has also been mentioned by many as a possible successor to Holger Osieck as Socceroos’ coach after the latter’s contract ends. However, in interviews held after the final, Arnold mentioned that he would see out his contract with the Mariners, which expires after the 2013/14 season.
Whilst the club ownership will surely offer Arnold an extension, it’s quite reasonable to assume that Arnold will move onto the next challenge if a promising offer comes along. Owner Mike Charlesworth has all but guaranteed that no other A-League club will be able to prise Arnold away from the Mariners, if he chooses to stay on Australian shores.
Mariners goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, winner of A-League Young Player of the Year twice, has received interest from French Ligue 1 club Lille. Ryan, 21, has already been capped for Australia and has started three A-League seasons, winning A-League Goalkeeper of the Year in 2011/12.
He’s had trials previously with Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and Rangers FC, and it seems like it would be a miracle for Ryan to still be a Mariner next season.
In recent interviews, Ryan stressed that the English style of football did not fit immediately well with his body type, and that he was predisposed to a move to a club on the European mainland. Ryan will visit Lille whenever the Mariners’ Asian Champions League run comes to a close.
Nigerian-born Mariner Bernie Ibini-Isei also has a chance with Lille, after going on trial with Belgium’s Club Brugge in mid-season. Ibini has had four seasons with the Mariners, and has come on as a regular starter in 2012/13, providing some darting runs and a useful 13 goals over the last two seasons.
Ibini’s path to European success may be slightly more difficult than his more highly-regarded teammate Ryan, but Ibini is only 20 and has shown more than enough to earn a spot somewhere.
There’s one other European club with its eye on the Mariners – FC Basel, in the Swiss Super League. Mariners’ Player of the Year Trent Sainsbury had an outstanding season filling in at centre-back for ex-captain Alex Wilkinson, and has received a call-up to the Socceroos for his efforts. He’s also got interest from the Bolton Wanderers, Southampton and Roda JC.
Coach Arnold recently commented that he sees one more A-League season as beneficial for Sainsbury, who’s only had 2012/13 in the starting line-up.
On the other end of the spectrum, 38-year-old defender Patrick Zwaanswijk, Sainsbury’s partner in defence, is contemplating retirement from the playing field. Zwaanswijk has had a long career spanning 15 seasons, including three with the Mariners.
Rumour has it that Zwaanswijk may immediately transition into a coaching position with the Mariners, but it’s clear from his recent performances that he is more than capable of another season.
Golden Boot winner Danny McBreen is also without a contract for next season. Before the 2012/13 season McBreen, 36, was reported to have been given a 10-goal target for the season by coach Graham Arnold to earn himself an extension.
McBreen has clearly delivered, scoring 17 this season and adding two more in the finals – yet there’s been no comment from the team regarding an extension for McBreen.
There seems to be some cause for concern for Mariners fans going into 2013/14 – a team which in 2012/13 was full of talent, young and old, may be pulled apart by foreign clubs and the lure of retirement.
However, there is hope for those on the Central Coast. Coach Graham Arnold looks set to stay on, and the Mariners have come back from the loss of talented players before. New owner Mike Charlesworth, who’s settled all of the Mariners outstanding debts, may even be able to find the team a marquee player.
Expect to see a different breed of Central Coast Mariners in 2013/14, but don’t expect a different result.
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