The year 2021 is potentially going to be a make-or-break one for the Central Coast Mariners.
If the club’s CEO Shaun Mielekamp is to be believed, then the Gosford club have the power to be a growing force in the A-League.
The optimistic CEO was recently interviewed on Mariners TV, where he openly spoke about financial opportunities and ensuing business networking on match days.
“Hopefully everybody will see a big marquee, where we can have guest speakers and politicians,” he said, hinting at gifting influential guests the red-carpet treatment.
Touching on the centre of excellence training facility at Tuggerah, Mielekamp also offered the local community new employment opportunities in the future.
“The focus is about a 126-room hotel,” he beamed.
“There was a wonder if things would progress, but now we’ve brought back a project manager.”
Such confidence from an evolving club, it appears, was triggered by an up-and-coming celebration.
(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“What kicked this into gear so quickly has been the Women’s World Cup,” Mielekamp said, having proactively submitted Tuggerah as a base camp to council.
“We can pitch to the USA team, and the English team, and the teams from around the world.”
However, before fans get too excited, it’s important to note that the vital relationship between the Mariners and the council will be tested on December 3.
Having recently gone into administration, a report on the Central Coast Council will be made public early next month, outlining a series of options on the way forward.
“It’s an interesting time with the council,” a diplomatic Mielekamp cautioned, choosing his words wisely.
“We’re looking to reengage conversations (with them).”
Granted, there now appears to be a shift in power that benefits the Mariners, especially if the council needs to sell assets, such as the management rights to the local football stadium.
Suddenly the club seems more lucrative to a possible new owner, and the future is looking much brighter.
NoMates
Guest
I think they will finish last but above Roar fighting for the spoon.
Brendan
Roar Pro
A few bigger clubs have lost major players, and this might benefit the Mariners. Plus, expect a massive cash-injection of talent if the club is finally sold, as there is untapped wealth in managing the rights of the stadium.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Obtaining a few strikers would be desirable. If management want to save money, then by all means invest in the NPL. Still, I agree, senior players would be beneficial.
Brendan
Roar Pro
I do like Stajcic, and he seems to be a genuinely decent bloke, but after five years of Mariner’s mediocrity, being the manager would come with significant demands – especially from fans. It’s finals football or bust, I think.
Waz
Roar Rookie
There’s huge question marks over Stajic so I agree with your assessment - he had excellent players under him at the Matilda’s and yet underperformed so he has to show his worth this season with no excuses.
Franko
Guest
"Big marquee with politicians and guest speakers...." Ah great, and Craig Thomson will pay for the entertainment? Sounds like the Terrigals are back.
Johan
Guest
The mariners will likely finish in the bottom two (they seem to have finished in absolutely last place for several years) but frankly what does it matter? It is not like they can be relegated so there is no real incentive for the players as they are on a very good wicket anyway and ludicrously overpaid for their very meagre talents. Such is football in Australia - happy days!
Midfielder
Roar Guru
We have a strong well balanced youth blend, what we are missing is a 3 to 4 senior players... two overseas players are said to be signed just waiting to get them into the country and they are in the front third... meaning we still have two senior players to sign in the bottom third ... If the next four signing are of quality then we should have a much improved year
pete4
Guest
I reckon pressure will be on the coach the first few rounds which will be crucial for the Mariners. If Stajcic can get them to winning start I don't think the finishing just outside the top 6 is achievable for the squad they have at this stage