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Central Coast hope they’ve regained the A-League’s respect as coach Tony Walmsley revealed the depth of their financial strain.
The Mariners backed up a drought-breaking win over Wellington Phoenix with a stunning first-half display against Melbourne Victory on Friday night.
While their 3-0 lead was reeled in by the A-League champions, Walmsley could sideline his emotions from a rollercoaster match and see merit in the hard-earned point.
“We’ve kept a steeliness about how we’re going about our business,” he said.
“It’s for other people to say whether we’ve gained more respect over the last two weeks but I’m incredibly proud of what the team’s delivered.”
The likeable coach said the result should be considered in the context of a dramatic week for the club.
Irish striker Roy O’Donovan was served an eight-week ban for a headbutt and creative star Anthony Caceres is poised to leave the club for English Premier League giants Manchester City.
Walmsley said the nature of the club’s financial position meant every player at the club wears a ‘for sale’ sign.
“The club has built its foundations on development of youth and sale of youth … when that presents itself, with the financial restraints we’ve got we have to go with it,” he said.
“We’re spending $1.2 million less (than last year) … we’re spending the floor of the (salary) cap.
“I’m embracing the challenge with working with players at the floor of the cap until we can make the club sustainable.”
That doesn’t mean there won’t be incomings.
Walmsley said the club was “in discussion” with a number of potential international recruits and hoped to sign an Australian striker this week with youth-team experience from the English Premier League.
Considering the performances of forwards Mitch Austin and Josh Bingham on Friday night, the new striker might face a battle for game-time.
Unless, of course, the forward pair was also sold after their goal and assist each against Victory.
“They’d need to be big offers,” Walmsley laughed.
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