Things have been looking very bleak over in Gosford.
The Mariners were once a force to be reckoned with in the A-League. They are a club that once enjoyed silverware, having won two premierships (2007-08 and 2011-12) and one championship (2013).
Over the past couple of seasons they have become something of a laughing stock. Memberships are at a low, with the Central Coast only getting just over 4000 members for the upcoming season, the lowest of any club.
They also finished rock bottom in the league last season and have struggled for finals football since the 2013-14 season. Add all that to the fact they have lost young talent such as Daniel De Silva and Trent Buhagiar to Sydney FC, and you’d think that there was little to shout about if you were a Mariners fan.
Or, maybe not?
Mike Mulvey has started something of a revolution over at the Central Coast. After Paul Okon stepped down towards the end of last season, Mulvey was brought to turn the team around.
Central Coast Mariners coach Mike Mulvey (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
The squad has had a complete overhaul with a bunch of new players signing with the team. The most notable signings are Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar.
McCormack, who has signed with the Mariners on loan from Aston Villa, is one fans should be very excited about. The Scottish international enjoyed a stint with Melbourne City last season scoring 14 goals in 16 games, so we know he’s a goalscorer, a clinical one at that, which is something the Mariners have been lacking recently.
Former Brisbane boy Tommy Oar signed with the Mariners’ on a two-year deal and it will be interesting to see where the former Socceroo plays – and what sort of impact he has. Naturally a winger but can also play as a no.10 and Mulvey will no doubt be looking to use Oar as the Mariners’ playmaker for the upcoming season.
Tommy Oar training with the Socceroos (AAP Image/Football Federation Australia)
There have been plenty of other players arrive in Gosford, former players Michael McGlinchey and Matt Simon who will surely go straight into the starting eleven.
Promising NPL talents such Jordan Murray has also signed for the club from APIA Leichhardt and Josh MacDonald from Wollongong Wolves. The duo of defenders from the Western Sydney Wanderers Jack Clisby and Jonathan Aspropotamitis will be much needed additions to a struggling Mariners defence.
A wildcard for the club this season will be Corey Gameiro, the young attacker has played for multiple clubs in the A-League and has been unlucky with injury recently so if he can stay fit he will be an exciting player for this season.
The Mariners began their season with a 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar over the weekend at Suncorp with the goals coming from Adam Taggart and new addition Jordan Murray.
The Mariners will be happy to head into next weekend’s game with a point and will surely need some confidence as they take on Melbourne City who picked up a derby win over crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory.
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